Egyptian law distinguishes between intentional and unintentional unauthorized access, but both can result in criminal penalties. Under Article 14, anyone who intentionally accesses a restricted website, private account, or information system without authorization faces imprisonment. Critically, the same article also covers someone who unintentionally accesses such a system but then remains in it unlawfully — so simply staying logged into an account you stumbled into can constitute a crime.
If you accessed the system using legitimately granted credentials but went beyond your permitted level of access — for example, reading files you weren't authorized to view — Article 15 applies, which carries its own separate penalties including fines and potential imprisonment.
The practical takeaway for expats is clear: if you ever find yourself accidentally logged into an account or system that isn't yours, log out immediately and do not copy, read, or interact with any data. Document that you exited without taking action, and if there is any risk of a complaint being filed, seek legal advice promptly. Ignorance of the law is not a recognized defense under Egyptian criminal statutes.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Egypt.