unauthorized access

USAGE SUMMARY

"unauthorized access" is correct and usable in written English.
You would typically use it to refer to illegal or illegitimate access to something, such as a computer system or a restricted area. For example, "The criminals attempted to gain unauthorized access to the bank's system, but were stopped by the security guards."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We protect your information from unauthorized access.

Harvard University

Users must refrain from seeking to gain unauthorized access to information resources or enabling unauthorized access.

Stanford University

Security in general and database protection from unauthorized access in particular, are crucial for organizations.

Computers & Security

He was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, unauthorized access to computers and securities fraud.

The New York Times

This allows the Web server to execute approved programs while excluding unauthorized access.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An access control mechanism is implemented to prevent unauthorized access to medical devices.

Future Generation Computer Systems

The documents used in Workflow Systems must therefore be protected from unauthorized access.

Computers & Security

E-commerce security is concerned with unauthorized access to important data resources.

Electronic Commerce Principles and Practice

Given its sensitivity, the health data should be protected against unauthorized access.

Computers & Electrical Engineering

Data encryption prevents data from being exposed to unauthorized access and makes it unusable.

Computer and Information Security Handbook

(A firewall, either software or hardware, protects a computer from unauthorized access over a network).

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing digital security, specify the type of system or data to which "unauthorized access" was attempted (e.g. "unauthorized access to patient records").

Common error

Avoid using "unauthorized access" without context. Clearly state what was accessed, or what system was breached. For example, instead of just saying "there was unauthorized access", specify "there was unauthorized access to the company database."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unauthorized access" functions as a noun phrase often serving as the object of a verb or preposition, describing the act of gaining entry or control without proper authorization. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

31%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unauthorized access" is a common and grammatically sound term referring to the act of gaining entry or control without proper permission. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various domains, particularly in science, news, and academia. When using the phrase, it's best to be specific about what was accessed to avoid overgeneralization. While alternatives like "illegal access" or "unpermitted access" exist, they carry slightly different connotations. Understanding the legal consequences and preventive measures associated with "unauthorized access" is crucial in today's digital landscape.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prohibited access

Indicates that access is explicitly forbidden.

illegal access

Emphasizes the illegality of the access, applicable to various contexts.

illicit access

Implies that the access is forbidden by law, rules, or custom.

unpermitted access

Highlights the lack of permission granted for the access.

access violation

Technical term often used in computer security contexts.

improper access

Suggests the access was conducted incorrectly or against protocol.

unlawful entry

Focuses more on the act of physically entering a space without permission.

unwarranted access

Stresses that the access is not justified or deserved.

irregular access

Suggests that the way access was obtained deviates from established norms.

uncredentialed access

Specifies the lack of proper credentials for gaining entry.

FAQs

How is "unauthorized access" typically prevented?

Preventing "unauthorized access" typically involves implementing security measures such as strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, firewalls, and access control policies.

What legal consequences can result from "unauthorized access"?

Gaining "unauthorized access" can lead to legal charges such as computer fraud, data theft, and violations of privacy laws, potentially resulting in fines and imprisonment.

What's the difference between "unauthorized access" and "hacking"?

"Unauthorized access" is a general term for gaining access without permission, while "hacking" often involves more sophisticated techniques to bypass security measures.

What are some alternative phrases for "unauthorized access"?

You can use alternatives like "illegal access", "unpermitted access", or "access violation", depending on the specific context.