Grubb v. Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER

ROBERT M. DOW, JR., District Judge.

Plaintiff, John Grubb (“Grubb”), filed this lawsuit under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (18 U.S.C. § 1030) (“CFAA” or the “Act”). Among other things, the CFAA makes it illegal to intentionally engage in unauthorized access of a “protected computer,” where the unauthorized access causes “damage and loss.” 18 U.S.C. §§ 1030(a)(5)(B)-(C). “Damage” and “loss” are terms of art under the Act. Id. § 1030(d). Violators of the CFAA face potential criminal liability and may also be subject to civil suit: a person who suffers damage or…