What is the stated purpose of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) of 1986?

• A. Intended to reduce cracking of computer systems and to address Federal computer-related offenses.
• B. Governs case with a compelling Federal interest.
• C. It applies only to government systems.
• D. It regulates password length.

Answer: (A)

The main idea this question tests is why the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act was created: to deter and punish computer crimes by addressing unauthorized access and related fraud, especially where computers affect interstate or foreign commerce or government functions. The statement that it was intended to reduce cracking of computer systems and to address federal computer‑related offenses lines up with that purpose, because it reflects the goal of deterring hacking and criminalizing unauthorized access in both public and private contexts. The other options don’t fit: the act isn’t limited to government systems, it isn’t about password length, and the notion of a case having a compelling federal interest describes a broader legal principle rather than the CFAA’s stated aim.