viewing files on other computers w/o permission via internet

[Hector]

My son is able to view files on some other people's computers via a cable modem hook up. He's seen files from medical centers, auto dealerships even law offices. He says there's no law against just looking. Is he right, or could he end up in trouble by just looking at these unsecured computers?

hp

 

[sgtdragon]

Hello,
I am not a lawyer, but I do know of a person that received one year probation for doing the exact same thing as your son. In addition, the person was not permitted to touch a computer for an additional 3 years.

 

[racer72]

Would you want someone to come "just to look" around your house while you were not at home? Unauthorized viewing of computer files is a crime and your son will get in a lot of trouble. It is called hacking, in my state is is punishable by up to 10 years in jail and a $250,000 fine.

 

[Humble Warrior]

You gotta give him credit for being good enough on a PC to hack into files like that. I wish I knew that much about PC operation!!
He needs to knock it off,and put that knowledge to good use. If he keeps it up he is eventually going to find a company or person (like me for example) with an identifier built into their programming. As soon as some little SOB tries to hack my files, I know EXACTLY who did it. Your son is going to get out of jail just in time to collect social security if he hacks into the wrong PC (like mine)