Computer Ethics IT Fundamentals Battlefield High School

What are Ethics?  a branch of philosophy  based on reason rather than faith or tradition  identifies which actions in life are worth following  identifies which actions are right or wrong (morals)

What is Computer Ethics?  Computer ethics are the moral guidelines that govern the use of computers and information systems.  Six frequently discussed areas of computer ethics are: Unauthorized use of computers & networks Software theft (piracy) Information accuracy Intellectual property rights Codes of conduct Information privacy

Why is IT a challenge?  Read or change private documents, records,  Steal intellectual property  Commit fraud  Less chance of being seen or caught

Computer Crimes  Piracy, counterfeiting  Spam  Viruses, worms  Copying someone else’s work, cheating  Plagiarism

IT Code of Conduct (1-5) Volunteers to read 1.Do not use a computer to harm other people. 2.Do not interfere with other people’s computer work. 3.Do not snoop around in other people’s computer files. 4.Do not use a computer to steal. 5.Do not pretend to be someone else

IT Code of Conduct (6-10) 6.Do not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid. 7.Do not use other people’s computer resources without authorization or proper compensation. 8.Do not appropriate other people’s intellectual output. 9.Think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing. 10.Always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

References  Ethics – ME pdf pdf  Cybercrime.gov. Federal Computer Crime Cases Involving Teens.