[dmix]

Well, technically it wasn't hacking or unauthorized computer access since the CIA originally set up the secure network:

http://blog.erratasec.com/2014/07/no-cia-didnt-spy-on-other-...

Nonetheless this is a complete moral failure and power-abuse that is equally worthy of punishment. They were monitoring use of the network, then attempting to classify new information as it was being analyzed.

[ceejayoz]

Uh, it's still unauthorized even if they set it up. The DBA at a bank might have full access to the database, but if he uses it to siphon off Social Security numbers it'd be unauthorized access. Same thing here - they explicitly weren't supposed or authorized to access the network.