Do not run your own programs on others’ computers, servers, or cameras; do not use company machines for mining

Controlling someone else’s computer, server, or camera without permission is illegal. Operating 20 or more such devices qualifies as a serious offense, punishable by up to 3 years in prison; especially severe cases may incur 3 to 7 years. Even if it does not rise to a criminal offense, offenders can still be detained for up to 5 days and fined between 50,000 and 500,000 yuan. For tech professionals, the most damaging consequence is a lifelong ban from holding key positions in cybersecurity management and network operations after any criminal conviction.

No expense and no time loss

Illegally controlling computer information systems is a crime. Serious cases result in up to 3 years in prison plus a fine; especially severe cases incur 3 to 7 years. Controlling 20 or more devices is deemed “serious.” Those not meeting criminal thresholds still face confiscation of illegal gains, up to 5 days of detention, and fines ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 yuan. More serious violations bring 5 to 15 days of detention and fines from 100,000 to 1,000,000 yuan. Anyone with a prior public security penalty is barred for 5 years, while those with a criminal record are barred for life from critical cybersecurity and network operation roles. Example: Li was sentenced to 3 years in prison suspended for 5 years and fined 20,000 yuan after using software to illegally control 105 surveillance cameras; Wu and others received 2 to 4 years and 6 months in prison for implanting malware into mobile phone motherboards to harvest verification codes from over 3.3 million devices.

No published cases from China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate or Supreme People’s Court address mining on company servers; this entry is written under the legal provision concerning unauthorized system control. The lifelong ban from key roles is an additional consequence under China’s Cybersecurity Law, carrying heavier weight for tech professionals than monetary fines alone.

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