... information after the lapse of a period of time), accompanied later by threats that some or all the files on the system will be corrupted unless a sum of money is paid into a particular account. Such a virus may be introduced directly by a hacker, or simply distributed as part of a software package. If the system is in fact corrupted by a virus, or directly by an unauthorized user, the offence of criminal damage may also be committed. In Cox v Riley (1986) 83 Crim App Rep 54, a disgruntled employee who erased programs on a printed circuit card belonging to his employer was held to have damaged the card, even though no physical damage had occurred. There is also a range of other offences under the general criminal law, which may be committed by unauthorized computer users. Examples are theft of electricity, false accounting and suppression of documents. ...

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