COMPUTER ETHICS AND HUMAN ISSUES

Computer Ethics and Human Issues Security and Ethics 1. Sources of Security Breaches Security breaches occur when unauthorized access or harm is inflicted on a computer system, network, or data. Below are the primary sources of such breaches: a. Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses Virus: A self-replicating program that attaches itself to other files or programs to spread and cause harm. It may corrupt or delete data, slow down system performance, or crash systems. Example: The "ILOVEYOU" virus caused massive data damage in 2000. Worm: A standalone malicious program that replicates itself to spread across networks, often causing network congestion. Example: The "WannaCry" ransomware worm disrupted global systems in 2017. Trojan Horse: A deceptive program that appears harmless but contains malicious code. It can create backdoors for hackers. Example: A fake antivirus software that secretly installs malware. b. Poor Implementation of Network Improperly configured networks lack essential security measures, making them vulnerable to attacks such as unauthorized access or data breaches. c. Poor Implementation or Lack of ICT Policies Without clear policies, organizations risk: Weak password protocols Unregulated data access No monitoring or auditing mechanisms d. Carelessness Users often inadvertently expose personal or sensitive information online by: Using unsecured public Wi-Fi Falling for phishing scams Sharing details on social media e. Hackers and Spammers Hacker: An individual who exploits security vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems. Types: White-hat (ethical), black-hat (malicious), gray-hat (hybrid). Spammer: Sends unsolicited bulk messages, often for fraudulent or advertising purposes. 2. Preventive Measures To minimize security breaches, the following measures are essential: a. Use of Antivirus Software Antivirus programs, such as Norton, McAfee, and Avast, detect and remove malware to protect systems. b. Use of Firewall A firewall acts as a barrier between trusted and untrusted networks. It monitors and controls incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined security rules. Example: A corporate firewall prevents unauthorized access to sensitive business data. c. Encryption Encryption: The process of converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access. Only authorized users with a decryption key can read it. Formula: Plaintext + Encryption Algorithm = Ciphertext Example: End-to-end encryption in messaging apps like WhatsApp. d. Proper Network Implementation and Policies Secure configurations for routers and servers Regular updates to security protocols Policies governing data access and usage e. Using Secure Websites Sites with web certificates (e.g., HTTPS) ensure encrypted connections, reducing the risk of data theft. f. Caution with Email Attachments Avoid opening suspicious or unexpected email attachments, as they may contain malware. Legal Issues a. Copyright Copyright: Legal protection of intellectual property, granting creators exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display their work. Types: Text: Books, articles Images: Photos, graphics Audio: Songs, recordings Video: Films, animations Example: Unauthorized downloading of copyrighted music is illegal. b. Privacy of Audio and Video Software Protects users’ personal data during the use of media-sharing platforms. Laws regulate how companies handle audio and video content privacy. c. Cybercrimes Cybercrime involves illegal activities conducted through the internet, including: i. Identity Theft Stealing personal information (e.g., SSN, credit card details) for fraudulent purposes. ii. Internet Fraud Scams carried out online, such as phishing or fake e-commerce sites. iii. Hacking Unauthorized access to systems for malicious purposes, such as stealing sensitive data. Real-World Applications Encryption: Used in online banking and e-commerce to secure transactions. Firewalls: Deployed by organizations to protect internal networks. Antivirus Software: Essential for individual and business systems to counter malware. Common Misconceptions Antivirus programs provide complete protection: While essential, they must be complemented by other measures like firewalls and user vigilance. HTTPS ensures total security: It encrypts data in transit but doesn’t protect against all threats, such as malware from downloads.