Web Page Design and Development I Standards Standard A Safety and Ethics – 3 Identify potential abuse and unethical uses of computers and networks.

Identity Theft and Fraud Identity theft and fraud are characterized by criminal use of the victim's personal information, such as a Social Security number, to assume the victim's identity. Identity thieves use the stolen personal information to create fake identifications, obtain credit cards or access other resources and benefits. The criminals may install malicious software to gain access to the victim's computer files and activity, or target commercial and government computer systems to steal the personal information of hundreds or thousands of potential victims at once.

Digital Piracy The Internet is often called the "Information Superhighway" because it allows people to find, share, and distribute information quickly and easily using computers. Not all that information is ethical or legal. Distributing and accessing illegal copies of copyright- protected digital books, movies, music, artwork, software, and other content is a form of copyright infringement, commonly referred to as "piracy." When digital products and works are pirated, the content creators lose money they would have otherwise earned had that work been legally purchased or licensed.

Financial Theft and Fraud Thieves and embezzlers can use computers to steal money from individuals or businesses. A thief can gain online access to an individual's bank account using a victim's stolen password, PIN or personal information or order goods online and later sell those goods for cash. An employee with access to business accounting systems may falsify records or manipulate the systems to embezzle funds.

Information Theft Spies, criminals, and snoops can steal private or classified information by gaining unauthorized access to the victim's computer or inappropriately using computers to which they have been given access. Their goals may be to leak or sell classified government documents, use stolen personal information to extort a victim, gain an advantage over a competitor, or simply pry into the private life of a family member or coworker. Privacy invasion, spying and information theft may be punishable under a number of laws designed to protect individuals, businesses, or national security. Employees caught snooping or stealing data may lose their jobs even if their acts were technically legal.

Disruption to Computers or Services Disrupting a computer or network may involve using malicious software to make a computer unusable or using several computers to block access to a website, network or other resource. These types of attacks may be done to extort money from the victim, make a political statement or force the victim into a specific action. Sometimes, the attackers commit these acts simply for entertainment.

Good Citizenship DO’s Build your own brand Treat others the way you’d like to be treated. Share, but be fair Report and record bad behavior Listen & think first, talk later Debate Use Proper English Be Careful what you share Remember people might not be who they seem Be aware of your footprint

Good Citizenship DON’T’s Share images or videos with strangers Assume a false identity Don’t just retweet, be original Shout Get personal Fail to abide by the site rules Feed the trolls Steal others work Forget the human behind the screen trolling-can-happen-anyone

Inappropriate Computer Use Employees may use company computers to engage in unethical behavior. For example, an employee who is not permitted to use the Internet for personal reasons commits an unethical act by shopping online while at work. Random Internet surfing takes away from the time she spends on work-related activities. Employees sometimes use company to spread inappropriate websites or videos to co-workers, some of which could be deemed offensive by the recipients.

Time Misuse Unethical behavior can include "stealing" time from the company, as the company is compensating employees and receiving no productivity in return. In addition to time spent on aimless Internet surfing, time misuse can consist of extending breaks beyond the allotted time, congregating around the water cooler or engaging in lengthy gossip sessions during working time, falsifying time sheets, coming into work late or leaving early and running personal errands while traveling on company business.

Sexual Harassment and Bullying An employee could commit unethical behavior by sexually harassing co-workers. This could involve making lewd comments, touching inappropriately or making unwanted sexual advances. Bullying typically involves attempting to intimidate a co-worker by making demeaning comments about him, spreading gossip or even making verbal or physical threats. In general, a bully attempts to make the workplace as uncomfortable as possible for a co-worker. In some cases, ongoing bullying can escalate into violence in the workplace.

Illegal Acts Some unethical acts can also be illegal. For example, an employee who has access to a company's financial records, such as a bookkeeper or accountant, could use her access and expertise to embezzle company funds. An employee having access to personnel files, such as a human resources representative, could commit identity theft and use employees' Social Security numbers to raid bank accounts or fraudulently obtain credit cards. Enron scandal, top company executives used questionable accounting practices to manipulate the company's stock price for their own financial gain.

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