Final answer:
Identity theft is the term used when a computer is used to gain unauthorized access to information about a customer, patient, or student. It involves the illegal acquisition and use of personal information to steal someone's identity and commit fraud.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of a computer for unauthorized access to information about a customer, patient, or student is called identity theft.
Identity theft occurs when someone wrongfully acquires and uses another person's personal identification, credit, or account information without their permission. This illegally acquired information is then used to steal the person's identity and commit fraud.
Examples of identity theft include hackers breaching websites and stealing customer information, as well as individuals clicking on suspect links in emails that can lead to personal information being compromised.