Computer Fraud & Abuse Litigation in California

The term “hacking” has become commonplace as the world becomes increasingly connected through and reliant on computers, email, cell phones, and cloud services. In some instances, “hacking” is actionable, in addition to other behavior that involves unauthorized access of a computer system. As the nation’s tech incubator, California is also a leader in litigation involving computer fraud and abuse. California Penal Code section 502 is California’s rendition of the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and both laws have civil and criminal applications.

What sort of behavior is actionable under these laws? How is the case law evolving? What are the key differences between California’s law and the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act? What are the practical realities of litigating these kinds of cases? In this course, you will learn all about this cutting-edge area of law. The presenter, Katy Young, is a founding partner of Ad Astra Law Group, LLP, a litigation shop focused on business, employment, and real estate litigation. She has been handling computer fraud cases since 2013.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the contours of California Penal Code section 502, including how it overlaps with and differs from the federal CFAA
2. Identify the kinds of hacking and other behaviors that are actionable under the CFAA
3. Analyze a potential case under this code and assess best practices for pursuing litigation