Under CFAA, which definition describes a 'protected computer'?

• A. Exclusively used by a private individual for personal use.
• B. Used in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce or communication, including a computer located outside the US.
• C. A computer used only within a single state.
• D. A device not connected to a network.

Answer: (B)

Protected computer means a computer that is used in or affects interstate or foreign commerce or communication, and this includes computers located outside the United States if they are involved in such commerce or communication. The key idea is the reach of the law: it targets systems whose use or impact touches cross-border activities or communications, not just those inside a single state or owned by a private individual for personal use. That broad scope explains why overseas systems can be protected as long as their function relates to interstate or foreign commerce or communication. The other descriptions fall short because they either limit protection to private personal use, restrict it to a single state, or describe a device not connected to a network, none of which capture the criterion of involvement in interstate or foreign commerce or communication.