Computers and Society, Security, Privacy, and Ethics

Describe the types of computer security risks Objectives Describe the types of computer security risks Identify ways to safeguard against computer viruses, worms, and Trojan horses Discuss techniques to prevent unauthorized computer access and use Identify safeguards against hardware theft and vandalism

Define encryption and explain why it is necessary Objectives Explain the ways software manufacturers protect against software piracy Define encryption and explain why it is necessary Discuss the types of devices available that protect from system failure Explain the options available for backing up computer resources

Identify safeguards that protect against Internet security risks Objectives Identify safeguards that protect against Internet security risks Recognize issues related to information accuracy, rights, and conduct Discuss issues surrounding information privacy Discuss ways to prevent health-related disorders and injuries due to computer use

People Privacy – What are the threats to personal privacy and how can we protect ourselves? Security – How can access to sensitive information be controlled and how can we secure hardware and software? Ethics – How do the actions of individual users and companies affect society? 5 5

Privacy Privacy – concerns the collection and use of data about individuals Three primary privacy issues: Accuracy Property Access Privacy (key term) concerns the collection and use of data about individuals Every computer user should be aware of ethical matters, including how databases and networks are used and the major privacy laws Accuracy (key term) – responsibility of those who collect data Secure Correct Property (key term) – who owns data and who has rights to software Access (key term) – responsibility of those who control data and use of data Technology moving faster than law can adapt 6 6

Privacy - Large Databases Large organizations compile information about us. Federal government has over 2,000 databases Telephone companies Reverse directory lists of calls we make Supermarkets What we buy and when Data collected and stored on citizens every day Collectors include Government agencies – Federal government has 2,000 databases; businesses Telephone companies – compile lists of the calls we make; reverse directory (key term) is a special telephone directory that lists telephone numbers sequentially and can be used to gather data about the persons we call Data has value – hence the rise of the information reseller: information resellers provide this gathered data to others for a fee 7 7

Privacy - Large Databases Information resellers or information brokers Collect and sell personal data Electronic profiles easily created Personal information is a marketable commodity, which raises many issues: Collecting public, but personally identifying information (e.g., Google’s Street View) Spreading information without personal consent, leading to identity theft Spreading inaccurate information Mistaken identity Freedom of Information Act Information resellers (key term) or information brokers (key term) collects and sells personal data. The create electronic profiles (key term) Concerns include: Spreading information without consent – example: collecting your shopping habits and sharing; or medical records, or driver’s license number Last year over 10 million people were victimized by identity theft (key term) (illegal assumption of someone’s identity for economic gain) Spreading inaccurate information – Mistakes happen, but when those mistakes are recorded and your financial position is affected it becomes a problem Mistaken Identity (key term) – an electronic profile of one person is switched with another Under the Freedom of Information Act (key term) you are entitled to look at your records held by government agencies. 8 8

Privacy - Private Networks Employers can monitor e-mail legally 75 percent of all businesses search employees’ electronic mail and computer files using snoopware A proposed law could prohibit this type of electronic monitoring or at least require the employer to notify the employee first Currently legal for employers to monitor electronic mail; survey reported 75% do so using snoopware; an employee monitoring software (key term) Snoopware records virtually everything you do on your computer 9 9

Privacy - Viewing and Blocking Cookies Small pieces of information that are deposited on your hard disk from web sites you have visited First-party cookies Third-party cookies Two basic types of cookies(key term) Most cookies are harmless and are intended to provide customized service First party cookies (key term) are generated by the website you are currently visiting. Third party cookies (key term) are generated by an advertising company that is affiliated with the website you are visiting. Often referred to as tracking cookies (key term) 10 10

Privacy - Online Identity The information that people voluntarily post about themselves online Archiving and search features of the Web make it available indefinitely Major Laws on Privacy Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) How would you feel if information you posted about yourself on the Web kept you from getting a job? Online identity (key term) the information that people voluntarily post about themselves online. There are now major laws on privacy such as: Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (key term) which protects personal financial information Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) (key term) which protects medical records Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (key term) restricts disclosure of educational records 11 11

Security Cybercrime or computer crime is any offense that involves a computer and a network Hackers Gain unauthorized access Security (key term) involves protecting individuals and organizations from theft and danger Computer crime (key term) cybercrime (key term) – illegal action in which the perpetrator uses special knowledge of computer technology Computer criminals – those using computer technology to engage in illegal action People who gain unauthorized access to computers are hackers (key term) 12 12

Computer Security Risks What is a computer security risk? Action that causes loss of or damage to computer system

Computer Security Risks Malicious Programs - Malware Viruses Worms Trojan horse Zombies Denial of Service (DoS) attack Creation of malicious programs – called malware (key term)which is short for malicious software Crackers (key term) create and distribute malicious programs Viruses (key term)–migrate through networks and operating systems and most attach themselves to different programs and databases; can alter and/or delete files; can damage system components; Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (key term) makes spreading a virus a federal offense Worms (key term) – a special type of virus Doesn’t attach to a program Fills the computer with self-replicating information or can be a carrier of a more traditional virus Trojan horse (key term) – programs that are disguised as something else; like worms they are carriers of viruses; The most common type of Trojan horses appear as free computer games. Zombies (key term) – computers infected by a virus, worm, or Trojan horse that allows them to be remotely controlled for malicious purposes A collection of Zombie computers is knows as a botnet (key term) , or robot network (key term) . Malicious activities include password cracking or sending junk email. Denial of service attacks (key term) – attempts to slow down or stop a computer system or network by flooding a computer or network with requests for information and data. The targets of these attacks are usually ISPs. 14 14

Security - Computer Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses What are viruses, worms, and Trojan horses? Virus is a potentially damaging computer program (can spread and damage files) Worm copies itself repeatedly, using up resources and possibly shutting down computer or network

Security - Computer Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses Payload (destructive event) that is delivered when you open file, run infected program, or boot computer with infected disk in disk drive Trojan horse hides within or looks like legitimate program until triggered (does not replicate itself on other computers)

Security - Computer Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses How can a virus spread through an e-mail message? Step 1. Unscrupulous programmers create a virus program. They hide the virus in a Word document and attach the Word document to an e-mail message. Step 2. They use the Internet to send the e-mail message to thousands of users around the world.

Security - Computer Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses Step 3a. Some users open the attachment and their computers become infected with the virus. Step 3b. Other users do not recognize the name of the sender of the e-mail message. These users do not open the e-mail message. Instead they delete the e-mail message. These users’ computers are not infected with the virus.

Security - Computer Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses How can you protect your system from a macro virus? Set macro security level in applications that allow you to write macros At medium security level, warning displays that document contains macro Macros are instructions saved in an application, such as word processing or spreadsheet program

Security - Computer Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses What is an antivirus program? Identifies and removes computer viruses Most also protect against worms and Trojan horses Popular Antivirus Programs AVG AntiVirus Command Antivirus McAfee Virus Scan Norton Antivirus Trend Micro PC-cillin

Security - Computer Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses What is a virus signature? Specific pattern of virus code Also called virus definition Antivirus programs look for virus signatures

Security - Computer Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses How does an antivirus program inoculate a program file? Records information about program such as file size and creation date Uses information to detect if virus tampers with file Attempts to remove any detected virus Quarantines infected files that it cannot remove Keeps file in separate area of hard disk

Security - Computer Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses What is a recovery disk? Removable disk that contains uninfected copy of key operating system commands that enables computer to restart Also called rescue disk Once computer restarts, antivirus program can attempt to repair damaged files

Security - Computer Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses What are some tips for preventing virus worm, and Trojan horse infections? Set the macro security in programs so you can enable or disable macros Install an antivirus program on all of your computers Never open an e-mail attachment unless you are expecting it and it is from a trusted source

Security - Computer Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses If the antivirus program flags an e-mail attachment as infected, delete the attachment immediately Check all downloaded programs for viruses, worms, or Trojan horses Back up your files regularly

Computer Crime – Unauthorized Access Internet scams Phishing Internet scams (key term) –a fraudulent or deceptive act or operation to trick someone into providing personal information or spending money for little or no return Phishing (key term) attempts to trick Internet users into thinking a fake but official-looking website is legitimate. 26 26

Computer Crime - Unauthorized Access and Use What is unauthorized access and how is it achieved? Use of a computer or network without permission Hackers typically break into computer by connecting to it and then logging in as a legitimate user Hacker, or cracker, is someone who tries to access a computer or network illegally

Computer Crime - Unauthorized Access and Use What is a firewall? Security system consisting of hardware and/or software that prevents unauthorized network access

Unauthorized Access and Use What is a personal firewall? Program that protects personal computer and its data from unauthorized intrusions Monitors transmissions to and from computer Informs you of attempted intrusion

Unauthorized Access and Use Personal Firewall Software BlackICE PC Protection McAfee Firewall Norton Personal Firewall Sygate Personal Firewall Tiny Personal Firewall ZoneAlarm

Unauthorized Access and Use What are other ways to protect your personal computer? Disable file and printer sharing on Internet connection Use online security service—Web site that evaluates computer to check for Web and e-mail vulnerabilities

Computer Crime - Unauthorized Access and Use How can companies protect against hackers? Intrusion detection software analyzes network traffic, assesses system vulnerabilities, and identifies intrusions and suspicious behavior Access control defines who can access computer and what actions they can take Audit trail records access attempts

Computer Crime - Unauthorized Access and Use What is a user name? Unique combination of characters that identifies user Password is private combination of characters associated with the user name that allows access to computer resources

Computer Crime - Unauthorized Access and Use How can you make your password more secure? Longer passwords provide greater security PASSWORD PROTECTION

Computer Crime - Unauthorized Access and Use What is a biometric device? Authenticates person’s identity using personal characteristic Fingerprint, hand geometry, voice, signature, and iris

Computer Crime - Unauthorized Access and Use What is a callback system? User connects to computer only after the computer calls that user back at a previously established telephone number Some networks utilize callback systems as an access control method to authenticate remote or mobile users Callback systems work best for users who regularly work at the same remote location, such as at home or branch office

Hardware Theft and Vandalism What are hardware theft and hardware vandalism? Hardware theft is act of stealing computer equipment Cables sometimes used to lock equipment Some notebook computers use passwords, possessed objects, and biometrics as security methods For PDAs, you can password-protect the device Hardware vandalism is act of defacing or destroying computer equipment

Software piracy is illegal duplication of copyrighted software Software Theft What is software theft? Act of stealing or illegally copying software or intentionally erasing programs Software piracy is illegal duplication of copyrighted software

What is a license agreement? Software Theft What is a license agreement? Right to use software Single-user license agreement allows user to install software on one computer, make backup copy, and sell software after removing from computer

What are some other safeguards against software theft? Product activation allows user to input product identification number online or by phone and receive unique installation identification number Business Software Alliance (BSA) promotes better understanding of software piracy problems

Computer Crime – Information Privacy Social networking risks Cyber-bullying Rogue Wi-Fi hotspots Theft Data manipulation Computer Fraud and Abuse Act Social networking risks Information posted can be used by others to steal personal identities and commit other types of crimes Cyber-bullying (key term) - the use of the Internet, cell phones, or other devices to send or post content intended to hurt or embarrass another person. sending repeated unwanted emails ganging up on victims in electronic forums posting false statements designed to injure the reputation of another maliciously disclosing personal data about a person that could lead to harm to that person sending any type of communication that is threatening or harassing Rogue Wi-Fi Hotspots (key term) – imitate free Wi-Fi networks and capture any and all information sent by the users to legitimate sites including usernames and passwords. Theft – hardware, software, data, computer time, confidential information Data manipulation – finding entry into someone’s computer network and leaving a prankster’s message Computer Fraud and Abuse Act – law states that it’s a crime for an unauthorized person to view, copy or damage data using any computer across state lines 41 41

Safeguards against information theft What is encryption? Safeguards against information theft Process of converting plaintext (readable data) into ciphertext (unreadable characters) Encryption key (formula) often uses more than one method To read the data, the recipient must decrypt, or decipher, the data

What does an encrypted file look like? Information Theft What does an encrypted file look like?

What is a system failure? Prolonged malfunction of computer Can cause loss of hardware, software, or data Caused by aging hardware, natural disasters, or electrical power disturbances Noise—unwanted electrical signal Undervoltage—drop in electrical supply Overvoltage or power surge—significant increase in electrical power

What is a surge protector? System Failure What is a surge protector? Protects computer and equipment from electrical power disturbances Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is surge protector that provides power during power loss

Backing Up — The Ultimate Safeguard What is a backup? Duplicate of file, program, or disk Full backup all files in computer Selective backup select which files to back up Three-generation backup preserves three copies of important files In case of system failure or corrupted files, restore files by copying to original location

Internet Security Risks What is a denial of service attack? Also called DoS attack Hacker uses unsuspecting computer, called zombie, to execute attack on other systems Distributed DoS (DDoS) attack is more devastating DoS attack in which multiple computers attack multiple networks Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Center (CERT/CC) assists with DDoS attacks

Internet Security Risks How do Web browsers provide secure data transmission? Many Web browsers use encryption Secure site is Web site that uses encryption to secure data Digital certificate is notice that guarantees Web site is legitimate

Internet Security Risks What is a certificate authority (CA)? Authorized person or company that issues and verifies digital certificates Users apply for digital certificate from CA

Internet Security Risks What is Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)? Provides encryption of all data that passes between client and Internet server Web addresses beginning with “https” indicate secure connections

Internet Security Risks What are methods for securing e-mail messages? Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) is popular e-mail encryption program Digital signature is encrypted code attached to e-mail message to verify identity of sender Freeware for personal, non-commercial use

Unauthorized use of computers and networks Software theft Ethics and Society What are computer ethics? Moral guidelines that govern use of computers and information systems Unauthorized use of computers and networks Software theft Information accuracy Intellectual property rights—rights to which creators are entitled for their work Codes of conduct Information privacy

Ethics - continued Copyright Software piracy Plagiarism Gives content creators the right to control the use and distribution of their work Paintings, books, music, films, video games Software piracy Unauthorized copying and distribution Plagiarism Technology is moving so fast it is hard for our legal system to keep up. The essential element that controls how computers are used today is ethics (key term) . Copyright (key term) – legal concept that gives content creators full rights Software piracy (key term) – unauthorized copying and / or distribution of software Computer ethics (key term) - guidelines for the morally acceptable use of computers Digital Millennium Copyright Act (key term) – the right of the owner to make a backup copy Digital rights management (key term) – prevents copyright violations Plagiarism (key term) – representing some other person’s work and ideas as your own without giving credit to the original person’s work and ideas as your own committed by a plagiarist (key term) 53 53

What is an IT code of conduct? Ethics and Society What is an IT code of conduct? Written guideline that helps determine whether computer action is ethical Employers can distribute to employees IT CODE OF CONDUCT

What is information privacy? Right of individuals and companies to restrict collection and use of information about them Difficult to maintain today because data is stored online Employee monitoring is using computers to observe employee computer use Legal for employers to use monitoring software programs

What are some ways to safeguard personal information? Information Privacy What are some ways to safeguard personal information? Fill in necessary information on rebate, warranty, and registration forms Install a cookie manager to filter cookies Sign up for e-mail filtering through your Internet service provider or use an antispam program, such as Brightmail Avoid shopping club and buyers cards

Clear your history file when you are finished browsing Information Privacy Clear your history file when you are finished browsing Inform merchants that you do not want them to distribute your personal information Set up a free e-mail account; use this e-mail address for merchant forms Do not reply to spam for any reason

Turn off file and print sharing on your Internet connection Information Privacy Turn off file and print sharing on your Internet connection Surf the Web anonymously with a program such as Freedom Web Secure or through an anonymous Web site such as Anonymizer.com Limit the amount of information you provide to Web sites; fill in only required information Install a personal firewall

What is an electronic profile? Information Privacy What is an electronic profile? Data collected when you fill out form on Web Merchants sell your electronic profile Often you can specify whether you want personal information distributed

How regularly you visit Web sites Interests and browsing habits Information Privacy What is a cookie? Small file on your computer that contains data about you User preferences How regularly you visit Web sites Interests and browsing habits Some Web sites sell or trade information stored in your cookies Set browser to accept cookies, prompt you to accept cookies, or disable cookies

Information Privacy How do cookies work? Step 1. When you type Web address of Web site in your browser window, browser program searches your hard disk for a cookie associated with Web site. Step 2. If browser finds a cookie, it sends information in cookie file to Web site. Step 3. If Web site does not receive cookie information, and is expecting it, Web site creates an identification number for you in its database and sends that number to your browser. Browser in turn creates a cookie file based on that number and stores cookie file on your hard disk. Web site now can update information in cookie files whenever you access the site

What is a cookie manager? Information Privacy What is a cookie manager? Software program that selectively blocks cookies.

What are spyware and spam? Information Privacy What are spyware and spam? Spyware is program placed on computer without user’s knowledge Secretly collects information about user Spam is unsolicited e-mail message sent to many recipients

Service that blocks e-mail messages from designated sources Information Privacy How can you control spam? E-mail filtering Service that blocks e-mail messages from designated sources Collects spam in central location that you can view any time Anti-spam program Attempts to remove spam Sometimes removes valid e-mail messages

What privacy laws have been enacted? Information Privacy What privacy laws have been enacted? 1992 Cable Act Extends the privacy of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 to include cellular and other wireless services. 1994 Computer Abuse Amendments Act Amends 1984 act to outlaw transmission of harmful computer code such as viruses. 1996 National Information Intrastructure Protection Act Penalizes theft of information across state lines, threats against networks, and computer system trespassing.

Information Privacy What privacy laws have been enacted? 1997 No Electronic Theft Act Closes a narrow loophole in the law that allowed people to give away copyrighted materials (such as software) on the Internet without legal repercussions. 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act Makes it illegal to circumvent antipiracy scheme in commercial software: outlaws sale of devices that copy software illegally. 2001 Provide Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (Patriot Act) Gives law enforcement the right to monitor people’s activities, including Web and e-mail habits.

What is content filtering? Information Privacy What is content filtering? Process of restricting access to certain material Internet Content Rating Association (ICRA) provides rating system of Web content Web filtering software restricts access to specified sites

Health Concerns of Computer Use What are some health concerns of computer use? Computer vision syndrome (CVS)—eye and vision problems Repetitive strain injury (RSI) Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)—inflammation of nerve that connects forearm to palm

Health Concerns of Computer Use Tendonitis—inflammation of tendon due to repeated motion Computer addiction—when computer consumes entire social life

Health Concerns of Computer Use What precautions can prevent tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome? Take frequent breaks during computer session Use wrist rest Exercise hands and arms Minimize number of times you switch between mouse and keyboard

Health Concerns of Computer Use How can you ease eyestrain when working at the computer? Every 10 to 15 minutes take an eye break Look into the distance and focus on an object for 20 to 30 seconds Roll your eyes in a complete circle Close your eyes and rest them for at least one minute

Health Concerns of Computer Use Blink your eyes every five seconds Place your display device about an arm’s length away from your eyes with the top of the screen at eye level or below Use large fonts If you wear glasses, ask your doctor about computer glasses Adjust the lighting

Health Concerns of Computer Use What is ergonomics? Applied science devoted to comfort, efficiency, and safety in workplace Keyboard height: 23” to 28” Elbows at 90 degrees and arms and hands parallel to the floor Adjustable backrest Adjustable seat Feet flat on floor Adjustable height chair with 5 legs for stability

Health Concerns of Computer Use What is green computing? Reducing electricity and environmental waste while using computer Use computer and devices that comply with the ENERGY STAR program. Do not leave the computer running overnight. Turn off the monitor, printer, and other devices when not in use.

Health Concerns of Computer Use Use paperless methods to communicate Recycle paper Buy recycle paper Recycle toner cartridges Recycle old computers and printers Telecommute (save gas)

Careers in IT IT Security Analysts maintain the security of a company’s network, systems, and data. Must safeguard information systems against external threats Annual salary is usually from $62,000 to $101,000 Demand for this position is expected to grow 76

THE END A Look to the Future A Webcam on Every Corner Images of public places are more accessible than ever before (e.g., Google Street View) “Virtual site-seeing tours” Public webcams continue to grow in popularity THE END 77

Open-Ended Questions (Page 1 of 3) Define privacy and discuss the impact of large databases, private networks, the Internet, and the Web. Define and discuss online identity and the major privacy laws. Define security. Define computer crime and the impact of malicious programs, including viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and zombies, as well as cyberbullying, denial of service attacks, Internet scams, social networking risks, rogue Wi-Fi hotspots, thefts, data manipulation, and other hazards. Have students turn to the end of Chapter 9 in their textbooks to view the same “Open-Ended” questions/statements. 78 78

Open-Ended Questions (Page 2 of 2) Discuss ways to protect computer security including restricting access, encrypting data, anticipating disasters, and preventing data loss. Define ethics, and describe copyright law and plagiarism. Have students turn to the end of Chapter 9 in their textbooks to view the same “Open-Ended” questions/statements. 79 79

Making IT Work for You ~ Cloud-Based Backup Cloud-based backup services such as Carbonite provide cloud-based backup services. 80

Summary of Computers and Society, Security, Privacy, and Ethics Potential computer risks Safeguards that schools, business, and individuals can implement to minimize these risks Internet security risks and safeguards Ethical issues surrounding information accuracy, intellectual property rights, codes of conduct, and information privacy Computer-related health issues, their preventions, and ways to keep the environment healthy

Bibliography Discovering Computers 2004 Gateway to Information, Chap. 11 http://faculty.dbcc.cc.fl.us/rock/CGS_1060/Fall_2003_Course/PowerPoint_Lessons/Chapter11_files/frame.htm retrieved November 24, 2003.