1. Fundamentals & Ethics of Information Systems IS 201
Chapter 7
The Personal and Social Impact of Computers
Chapter7 – The Personal and Social Impact of Computers Slide 1

2. Learning Objectives
Identify policies and procedures useful in eliminating waste and mistakes
Explain the types and effects of computer crime and how to prevent it
Identify specific actions to take to ensure the health and safety of employees
Outline criteria for the ethical use of information systems
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3. Chapter Overview Why Learn About Ethical Issues in ISs?
Computer Waste and Mistakes
Preventing Computer-Related Waste and Mistakes
Computer Crime
The Computer as the Object of Crime
Preventing Computer-Related Crime
The Work Environment: Health Concerns
Ethical Issues in Information Systems
Conclusion
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4. 1. Why Learn About The Personal and Social Impact of Computers
Computers are used by almost all people
Computers and networks have an impact on individuals, families, groups and society
Human Resource employees need to:
Prevent computer waste and mistakes
Avoid privacy violations
Comply with laws about:
Collecting customer data
Monitoring employees
Employees, IS users, and Internet users need to:
Avoid crime, fraud, privacy invasion
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5. 2. Computer Waste and Mistakes
Inappropriate use of computer technology and resources
Computer-related mistakes
Errors, failures, and other computer problems that make computer output incorrect or not useful
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6. Computer Waste
Cause: improper management of information systems and resources
Discarding old software and even complete computer systems when they still have value
Building and maintaining complex systems that are never used to their fullest extent
Using corporate time and technology for personal use
Spam
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7. Computer-Related Mistakes
Causes
Failure by users to follow proper procedures
Unclear expectations and a lack of feedback
Program development that contains errors
Incorrect data entry by data-entry clerk
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8. 3. Preventing Computer-Related Waste and Mistakes
Preventing waste and mistakes involves:
Establishing policies and procedures
Implementing policies and procedures
Monitoring policies and procedures
Reviewing policies and procedures
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9. Establishing Policies and Procedures
Establish policies and procedures regarding efficient acquisition, use, and disposal of systems and devices
Training programs for individuals and workgroups
Manuals and documents on how computer systems are to be maintained and used
Approval of certain systems and applications to ensure compatibility and cost-effectiveness
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10. Implementing Policies and Procedures
Policies often focus on:
Implementation of source data automation and the use of data editing to ensure data accuracy and completeness
Assignment of clear responsibility for data accuracy within each information system
Training is often the key to acceptance and implementation of policies and procedures
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11. Reviewing Policies and Procedures
During review, people should ask the following questions:
Do current policies cover existing practices adequately? Were any problems or opportunities uncovered during monitoring?
Does the organization plan any new activities in the future? If so, does it need new policies or procedures on who will handle them and what must be done?
Are contingencies and disasters covered?
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12. 4. Computer Crime Often defies detection
Amount stolen or diverted can be substantial
Crime is “clean” and nonviolent
Number of IT-related security incidents is increasing dramatically
Computer crime is now global
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13. The Computer as a Tool to Commit Crime
Criminals need two capabilities to commit most computer crimes
Knowing how to gain access to the computer system
Knowing how to manipulate the system to produce the desired result
Examples
Password theft (Social engineering)
Go through the garbage (Dumpster diving)
Counterfeit and banking fraud using sophisticated desktop publishing programs and high-quality printers
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14. 5. The Computer as the Object of Crime
Crimes fall into several categories such as:
Illegal access and use
Information and equipment theft
Software and Internet piracy
Computer-related scams
International computer crime
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15. 5.1. Avoiding Viruses and Worms
Tips for avoiding viruses and worms
Install antivirus software on your computer and configure it to scan all downloads, , and disks
Update your antivirus software regularly
Back up your files regularly
Do not open any files attached to an from an unknown, suspicious, or untrustworthy source
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16. 5.1. Avoiding Viruses and Worms (Continued)
Tips for avoiding viruses and worms (continued):
Do not open any files attached to an unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from a friend or someone you know
Exercise caution when downloading files from the Internet
Ensure that the source is legitimate and reputable
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17. 5.2. Using Antivirus Programs
Antivirus program: software that runs in the background to protect your computer from dangers lurking on the Internet and other possible sources of infected files
Tips on using antivirus software
Run and update antivirus software often
Scan all diskettes and CDs before using them
Install software only from a sealed package or secure, well-known Web site
Follow careful downloading practices
If you detect a virus, take immediate action
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18. Using Antivirus Programs (continued)
Antivirus Software
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19. 5.3. Information and Equipment Theft
Obtaining identification numbers and passwords to steal information or disrupt systems
Software theft
Computer systems and equipment theft
Data on equipment is valuable
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20. 5.4. Software and Internet Software Piracy
Software piracy: act of illegally duplicating software
Internet software piracy: illegally downloading software from the Internet
Most rapidly expanding type of software piracy
Most difficult form to combat
Examples: pirate Web sites, auction sites that offer counterfeit software, peer-to-peer networks
Penalties can be severe
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21. 5.5. Computer-Related Scams
Examples of Internet scams
Get-rich-quick schemes involving bogus real estate deals
“Free” vacations with huge hidden costs
Bank fraud
Fake telephone lotteries
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22. 5.6. International Computer Crime
Computer crime is an international issue
Software industry loses about $540 billion in revenue annually to software piracy
Terrorists, international drug dealers, and other criminals might use information systems to launder illegally obtained funds
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23. 6. Preventing Computer-Related Crime
Many countries have passed computer crime legislation
Some believe that these laws are not effective because:
Companies do not always actively detect and pursue computer crime
Security is inadequate
Convicted criminals are not severely punished
Individual and group efforts are being made to limit computer crime, and recent efforts have met with some success
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24. 6.1. Crime Prevention by Corporations
Public key infrastructure (PKI): enables users of an unsecured public network such as the Internet to securely and privately exchange data
Uses a public and a private cryptographic key pair that is obtained and shared through a trusted authority
Biometrics: measurement of one of a person’s traits, whether physical or behavioral
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25. Crime Prevention by Corporations (continued)
Common Methods Used to Commit Computer Crimes
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26. Crime Prevention by Corporations (continued)
Common Methods Used to Commit Computer Crimes (continued)
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27. Crime Prevention by Corporations (continued)
Companies are joining together to fight crime
Software and Information Industry Alliance (SIIA): original antipiracy organization
Microsoft financed the formation of a second antipiracy organization, the Business Software Alliance (BSA)
Other software companies, including Apple, Adobe, Hewlett-Packard, and IBM, now contribute to the BSA
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28. 6.2. Using Intrusion Detection Software
Intrusion detection system (IDS): software that monitors system and network resources and notifies network security personnel when it senses a possible intrusion
Suspicious activities: failed login attempts, attempts to download program to server, accessing a system at unusual hours
Can provide false alarms
or voice message alerts may be missed
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29. 6.3. Internet Laws for Libel and Protection of Decency
Filtering software helps screen Internet content
Also prevents children from sending personal information over or through chat groups
Internet Content Rating Association (ICRA)
Rates Web sites based on authors’ responses from questionnaire
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), 2000
Required filters in federally funded libraries
Libel is an important legal issue on the Internet
Publishing Internet content to the world can subject companies to different countries’ laws
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30. 6.4. Preventing Crime on the Internet
Develop effective Internet usage and security policies for all employees
Use a stand-alone firewall (hardware and software) with network monitoring capabilities
Deploy intrusion detection systems, monitor them, and follow up on their alarms
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31. Preventing Crime on the Internet (continued)
Monitor managers and employees to make sure that they are using the Internet for business purposes
Use Internet security specialists to perform audits of all Internet and network activities
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32. 7. The Work Environment: Health Concerns
Working with computers can cause occupational stress
Training and counseling helps the employee and deter problems and stress
Computer use can affect physical health as well
Concerns about emissions from improperly maintained and used equipment, display screens, and cell phones
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33. Avoiding Health and Environmental Problems
Many computer-related health problems are caused by a poorly designed work environment
Ergonomics: science of designing machines, products, and systems to maximize the safety, comfort, and efficiency of the people who use them
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34. 8. Ethical Issues in Information Systems
Code of ethics: states the principles and core values that are essential to a set of people and thus governs their behavior
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35. ACM code of ethics and professional conduct
Contribute to society and human well-being
Avoid harm to others
Be honest and trustworthy
Be fair and take action not to discriminate
Honor property rights including copyrights and patents
Give proper credit for intellectual property
Respect the privacy of others
Honor confidentiality
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36. 9. Summary ACM code of ethics Preventing computer-related waste
Computer crime, categories of crimes, cyberterrorism
Preventing crimes on the Internet
The work environment and health problems
ACM code of ethics
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