8,100 Intentional Damage to a Protected Computer (18 U.S.C. Sec. 1030(a)(5)(A)) is a federal crime that occurs when an individual knowingly and willfully damages a computer, computer system, or computer network that is used in interstate or foreign commerce or communication, including computers used in the U.S. Postal Service or in a financial institution. This crime is punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment and can include the following types of actions: • Hacking or accessing a computer without authorization • Introducing malicious code or malware into a computer system • Destroying or altering computer data or software • Accessing a computer system for the purpose of fraud or theft • Distributing viruses or other destructive software • Interfering with the operation of a computer system • Spamming or sending unsolicited emails.