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609.87 Computer crime; definitions.

Subdivision 1. Applicability. For purposes of sections 609.87 to 609.89, and section 609.891, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2. Access. "Access" means to instruct, communicate with, store data in, or retrieve data from a computer, computer system, or computer network.

Subd. 2a. Authorization. "Authorization" means with the permission of the owner of the computer, computer system, computer network, computer software, or other property. Authorization may be limited by the owner by:

(1) giving the user actual notice orally or in writing;

(2) posting a written notice in a prominent location adjacent to the computer being used; or

(3) using a notice displayed on or announced by the computer being used.

Subd. 3. Computer. "Computer" means an electronic device which performs logical, arithmetic or memory functions by the manipulations of signals, including but not limited to electronic or magnetic impulses.

Subd. 4. Computer system. "Computer system" means related, connected or unconnected, computers and peripheral equipment.

Subd. 5. Computer network. "Computer network" means the interconnection of a communication system with a computer through a remote terminal, or with two or more interconnected computers or computer systems, and includes private and public telecommunications networks.

Subd. 6. Property. "Property" includes, but is not limited to, electronically processed or produced data and information contained in a computer or computer software in either machine or human readable form.

Subd. 7. Services. "Services" includes but is not limited to, computer time, data processing, and storage functions.

Subd. 8. Computer program. "Computer program" means an instruction or statement or a series of instructions or statements, in a form acceptable to a computer, which directs the functioning of a computer system in a manner designed to provide appropriate products from the computer.

Subd. 9. Computer software. "Computer software" means a computer program or procedures, or associated documentation concerned with the operation of a computer.

Subd. 10. Loss. "Loss" means the greatest of the following:

(a) the retail market value of the property or services involved;

(b) the reasonable repair or replacement cost, whichever is less; or

(c) the reasonable value of the damage created by the unavailability or lack of utility of the property or services involved until repair or replacement can be effected.

Subd. 11. Computer security system. "Computer security system" means a software program or computer device that:

(1) is intended to protect the confidentiality and secrecy of data and information stored in or accessible through the computer system; and

(2) displays a conspicuous warning to a user that the user is entering a secure system or requires a person seeking access to knowingly respond by use of an authorized code to the program or device in order to gain access.

Subd. 12. Destructive computer program. "Destructive computer program" means a computer program that performs a destructive function or produces a destructive product. A program performs a destructive function if it degrades performance of the affected computer, associated peripherals or a computer program; disables the computer, associated peripherals or a computer program; or destroys or alters computer programs or data. A program produces a destructive product if it produces unauthorized data, including data that make computer memory space unavailable; results in the unauthorized alteration of data or computer programs; or produces a destructive computer program, including a self-replicating computer program.

HIST: 1982 c 534 s 1; 1989 c 95 s 2,3; 1989 c 159 s 1; 1990 c 494 s 3,4; 1994 c 636 art 2 s 50

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes