Updated: 26 Sep 2019; 31 Jan 2024; 3, 5 and 15 Jul 2024; 6 Feb 2026

This guidance provides a summary of the main types of cybercrime offending and highlights where further guidance is available

updated: 24 Mar 2025; 6 Feb 2026

Various statutes regulate telecommunications, television, broadcasting and postal services and create many offences of which those most frequently encountered by the CPS are considered in this guidance.

updated: 05 February 2020; 03 August 2023

This guidance is designed to assist prosecutors considering cases involving offences or attacks against computer systems such as hacking or denial of service (DOS) attacks. The Computer Misuse Act (CMA) has been updated a number of times in line with changes in technology and criminal activity and to give the court increased sentencing powers.

Revised: January 2019; 6 Feb 2026