1. Chapter 10
Privacy and Security

2. Competencies (Page 1 of 2)
Discuss the privacy issues related to the presence of large databases, private networks, the Internet, and the Web
Describe and control cookies, web bugs, and spyware
Describe the security threats posed by computer criminals, computer crime, and other hazards
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3. Competencies (Page 2 of 2)
Discuss ways that individuals and organizations protect their security
Describe the common types of physical and mental risks associated with computer use and ways to protect yourself against these risks
Discuss what the computer industry is doing, and what you can do, to protect the environment
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4. Introduction
The ubiquitous use of computers and technology prompts some very important questions about use of personal data and privacy. This chapter will cover issues related to the impact of technology on people and how to protect ourselves on the Web.
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5. Information Systems Concerns for People
Privacy – What are the threats to personal privacy and how can we protect our selves?
Security – How can access to sensitive information be controlled and how can we secure hardware and software?
Ergonomics – What are the physical and mental risks to technology and how can these risks be eliminated or controlled?
Environment – What can individuals and organizations do to minimize the impact of technology?
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?
Ergonomics (key term)– What are the physical and mental risks to technology and how can these risks be eliminated or controlled?
Environment – What can individuals and organizations do to minimize the impact of technology on our environment?
Let’s look at the definition of computer ethics ( key term) and privacy first
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6. Computer Ethics and Privacy
Computer ethics provide guidelines for computer use
Ethics issues include:
Privacy
Accuracy
Property
Access
Privacy relates to the collection and use of personal information; concerns include:
Large databases
Private networks
Internet/Web
Privacy laws exist, but privacy remains primarily an ethical issue
Every computer user should be aware of ethical matters, including how databases and networks are used and the major privacy laws
Ethics defined: standards of moral conduct
Computer ethics: guidelines for morally acceptable use of computers including privacy
Standards or guidelines are important in this industry because technology changes are outstripping the legal system’s ability to keep up
Emphasize that ethics is a standard or moral conduct – it is what is morally right and what is morally wrong – not what a court says or whether others do or do not do it!
Four primary issues:
Privacy – collection and use of data about individuals
Accuracy – responsibility of those who collect data
Secure
Correct
Property – who owns data and who has rights to software
Access – responsibility of those who control data and use of data
Technology moving faster than law can adapt
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7. Large Databases Data collected daily Data gatherers
Information resellers or information brokers
Electronic profiles are created
Concerns
Spreading information without consent
Identify theft
Spreading inaccurate information
Mistaken identity
Freedom of Information Act
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 list telephone numbers sequentially and can be used to gather data about the persons we call
Data information has value – hence the rise of the information reseller: information resellers provide this gathered data to others for a fee
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 – an electronic profile of one person is switched with another
Under the Freedom of Information Act you are entitled to look at your records held by government agencies.
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8. Private Networks Employers monitor e-mail
Legally done
Snoopware Software
Online services right to censor content
Screen and reject messages
Terminate user accounts
Currently legal for employers to monitor electronic mail; survey reported 75% do so using snoopware
Snoopware records virtually everything you do on your computer
Most online services reserve the right to censor content; libel, obscenity, or offensive material
Can terminate your account for unacceptable “behavior” towards company
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9. The Internet and the Web
Illusion of anonymity
Not concerned about privacy when surfing the Internet
Not concerned about privacy when sending
History file
Cookies – two basic types
Traditional
Ad network or adware cookies
Cookie-cutter programs
Spyware
Spy removal programs
Financial Modernization Act
Illusion of anonymity is that if you are on the Internet and selective about disclosing names or other personal information that no one knows who you are or how to “find” you - false
Recent cases of people tracing other people through Internet activity
When you browse the Web your activity is monitored; when you visit a Web site your browser stores critical information onto your hard disk – usually without your permission or knowledge; a history file includes the locations of sites visited by your computer system
Traditional cookies (key term) – monitor your activities at a single site
Ad network cookies – monitors your activities across all sites visited; once deposited onto a hard drive, they continue to actively collect information on Web activities; form of spyware
Most browsers can control many types of cookies called cookie-cutter programs – which allow users to selectively filter or block the most intrusive cookies while allowing selective traditional cookies to operate
Spyware – wide range of programs that are designed to secretly record and report an individual’s activities on the Internet; in addition to Internet Ad cookies, there are also
Web bugs – small programs typically hidden within the HTML code for a Web page or message and can be used to secretly read message or work with cookies to collect and report information back to a predefined server on the Web
Computer monitoring software (key term)– invasive and dangerous type of spyware; programs record every activity and keystroke made on a computer system including credit card numbers, bank account numbers, and messages
Sniffer programsand keystroke loggers (key term)– can be deposited on a hard drive without detection from the Web or by someone installing programs directly onto a computer
New category of programs known as spry removal programs – designed to detect Web bugs and monitoring software – also called anti-spyware (key term)
Financial Modernization Act – protects personal financial information
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10. Viewing History Files
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11. Viewing and Blocking Cookies
Two basic types of cookies: traditional and ad network-
Traditional cookies monitor activities at a single site
Ad network or adware cookies monitor activities across all sites
Most browsers are able to control many types of cookies
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12. Spyware Removal Anti-Spyware is used for: Finding and removing spyware
Automating spyware removal
Staying up to date
Computer monitoring software is the most invasive and dangerous type of spyware
It is more difficult to remove Web bugs and computer monitoring software than ad network cookies because they are more difficult to detect
Use Ad-aware software to scan computer for spyware
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13. Major Laws on Privacy
Federal laws governing privacy matters have been created
To learn more about existing privacy laws visit and enter the keyword law
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14. Security and Computer Criminals
Threats to computer security are criminals, computer crime, and hazards
Computer criminals are of five types:
Employees
Outside users
Hackers and crackers
Organized crime
Terrorists
Computer crime – illegal action in which the perpetrator uses special knowledge of computer technology
Computer criminals – those using computer technology to engage in illegal action, five types
Employees – the largest category; may be trying to steal hardware, software, proprietary information and could be doing this out of resentment and trying to get back at the company
Outside users – could include employees and clients or suppliers having access to a company’s computer system; could obtain confidential passwords (key term)
“Hackers” and “crackers” – hackers gain unauthorized access to computer systems “for fun” but crackers have malicious intent including stealing information or introducing a “bomb,” (key term) a destructive computer program
Organized crime – tracking illegal enterprises, forgery, counterfeiting
Terrorists – could potentially crash satellites and wage economic warfare by disrupting navigation and communication systems
Concerned with security – on and off the Internet
Most people don’t realize that security involves theft by employees as well as deliberate thefts from viruses, electronic break-ins, etc.
Re-emphasize ethics as an integral part of security – what belongs to the company, belongs to the company (computer time, software, floppies, getting into area in computer where you don’t need to be)
If you do happen to go somewhere in network or Internet you really didn’t intend to go, back out right away
Tell your supervisor of the error and document what happened (how you got there, whom you told, and when you told the person)
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15. Computer Crime Computer Crimes have tripled in the past two years
Malicious Programs
Viruses
Worms
Trojan horse
Denial of service (DoS)
Internet Scams
Theft
Hardware or software
Data
Computer time
Data Manipulation
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act
$1.5 trillion estimated to be lost in the past year from computer crime
Computer crime can take various forms:
Creation of malicious programs – called malware (key term)which is short for malicious software
Viruses (key term)– (**Use link to show table of common viruses when talking about viruses) 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 Abuse Amendments 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 – programs that are disguised as something else; like worms they are carriers of viruses; can be innocently downloaded from the Internet
Denial of service attacks – denies service from ISPs by flooding a computer or network with requests for information and data
Internet scams (key term) – (**Use link to show table of common Internet scams when talking about Internet scams) a fraudulent or deceptive act or operation to trick someone into spending money
Theft – hardware, software, data, computer time; unauthorized copying of programs for personal gain is called software piracy (key term). The Software Copyright Act (key term) allows only the program owner to make backup copies of programs.
Data manipulation – Computer Fraud and Abuse Act – law states that it’s a crime for an unauthorized person to even view data using any computer across state lines
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16. Commonly Encountered Viruses
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17. Common Internet Scams
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18. Other Hazards Natural hazards Civil strife and terrorism
Fires & floods
Winds
Hurricanes
Tornadoes
Earthquakes
Civil strife and terrorism
Wars, riots and terrorist acts
Technological failures
Voltage surge
Use surge protector
Hard disk crashes
Human errors
There are plenty of other hazards to computer systems besides criminals
Natural hazards include fires, floods, winds, hurricanes, etc., keep data is safe locations in case of fire or storm damage
Civil strife – wars, riots, etc. are real risks
Technological failures – voltage surges or spikes (key term); hard disk crashes possibly occur when the hard disk is bumped
Human errors – data entry are commonplace mistakes; programming, faulty design mistakes; sloppy procedures
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19. Measures to Protect Computer Security
Encrypting messages
Restricting access
Anticipating disasters
Backing up data
Security involves protecting information, hardware, and software from unauthorized use, damage from intrusions, sabotage, and natural disasters
Security growing field; currently have courses on Network security as well as
Encryption – coding messages to prevent people from reading your messages
Restricting access through passwords and firewalls (key term)
Anticipating disasters – companies and individuals should prepare
Physical security (key term)– protecting hardware
Data security (key term)– protecting software and data from unauthorized tampering or damage
And have a disaster recovery plan (key term)– describing ways to continue operating until normal computer operations can be restored; can create special emergency facilities called hot sites which are fully equipped backup computer centers or cold sites if hardware must be installed to be utilized
Use physical backups – off-site storage using tapes or disks in case of loss of equipment (World Trade Center; Mississippi floods for example; hurricanes in Gulf states; fires in California and national parks)
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20. Restricting Access Biometric scanning Assigning passwords Firewalls
Fingerprint scanners
Iris (eye) scanners
Assigning passwords
Firewalls
Special hardware and software
Controls access to internal networks
Computers should be protected from unauthorized access
Biometric scanning
Fingerprint scanners
Iris scanners
Passwords
Firewalls – a security buffer between a corporation’s private network and all external networks
Anticipate disasters
Physical security
Data security
Most organizations have a disaster recovery plan
Hot sites – centers equipped as backup operations
Cold site – empty shells where hardware can be installed and the backup data processed
Backing up Data
Routinely copy data and store it at a remote location
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21. Ergonomics (Page 1 of 3) Study of human factors related to things people use
The study of human factors related to things people use; concerned with fitting job to worker rather than worker to job
Take regular breaks (like every hour or two) from computer monitor to avoid eye strain, back strain, or even vibrations from the system. Avoid monitors that flicker; ensure adequate monitor brightness
By keeping all objects on which you are working at the same distance, you avoid eye strain, neck strain or arm/wrist injury
Keep equipment (keyboard and monitor) at comfortable level – get a chair that adjusts or rearrange your equipment
Avoid repetitive strain injury (key term) (RSI) by again having your equipment comfortable to ease the stress on tendons and muscles in your arms, wrists, back, and neck
Billions of dollars in claims and productivity losses every year
Recommendations for the ideal microcomputer work environment
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22. Ergonomics (Page 2 of 3) Physical Health Eyestrain and headache
Back and neck pain
Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
Sitting in front of a screen in awkward positions for long periods may lead to physical problems such as eyestrain, headaches, and back pain
Take frequent breaks and use the well-designed computer furniture
RSI also called repetitive motion injury (key term) and cumulative trauma disorder (key term)
Carpal tunnel syndrome (key term) is common among heavy computers users; consists of damage to nerves and tendons in the hands
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23. Ergonomics (Page 3 of 3)
Computer technology offers ways of improving productivity but can create irritants other than physical
Noise
Electronic monitoring
Technostress
Stress associated with computer use
Computers tend to emit very low frequency noise that can be stressful and/or damaging to some people. Some printers emit considerable noise. Networking of peripherals (requiring fewer printers) and the advances in technology have helped cut out a lot of this; however, still a factor to be considered.
Workers electronically monitored have more health problems
Recently researchers have discovered what a common sense manager already knew: human monitoring yields more productivity than electronic monitoring
Capabilities of microprocessor stimulate manufacturers to load on the features, which often results in a product that is difficult to use. Trend is towards including fewer features and only those that are needed for particular job
Technostress – tension that arises when trying to adapt to computers
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24. Environmental Protection
Microcomputers use most of the electricity in work environment. Turn off when not using (like evenings or weekends)
They account for 5% of the electricity used
Most systems now come with energy-saving screens that go into “sleep mode” when not used for period of time
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has created the Energy Star (key term) program to discourage waste in the microcomputer industry
Goal to reduce power required
Organized the Green PC (key term) concept
Look for energy star that indicates PC is working to follow guidelines established by EPA. What are characteristics of “Green PC”?
The Green PC
System Unit –energy saving microprocessor, eliminates cooling fan, has sleep mode
Display – flat panels, power-down monitors, screen-saver software that clears the display when not in use
Manufacturing – use of fewer harmful chemicals particularly choloroflurocarbons (CFCs) in solvents and cleaning agents
The Green PC
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25. Personal Responsibility to Help Protect the Environment
What can computer users do?
Conserve
Recycle
Educate
What can you do to protect the environment as a computer user?
Conserve-the EPA estimates that 30 to 40 percent of computer users leave their machines running days night, and weekends-turn off computers. 80 percent of the time a monitor is on, no one is looking at it; use screen-saver programs that blank the computer screen after 3 to 5 minutes of inactivity
Recycle-US businesses use an a pile of 48,900 miles high of paper; also only 14 % of computers were recycled; recycle discarded computers by contacting any one of the groups listed in the Computer recycling groups charts in slide
Educate-Learn more about ecological dangers; make your concerns known to manufacturers and retail agencies; support ecologically sound products
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26. Careers in IT
Cryptography is the science of disguising and revealing encrypted information
Usually refers to keeping any intercepted information private
Cryptographers are mathematicians who specialize in making and breaking codes
Annual salary is usually between $60,000 to $101,000/year
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27. A Look to the Future Presence Technology
Presence technology alerts you that someone is trying to reach you
People can locate you
People can tell which device is best to contact you
Could become a standard feature of new cars, phones, and appliances
Ask students to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of presence technology
Is it always good to be found?
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28. Discussion Questions (Page 1 of 2)
Discuss the impact of large databases, private networks, the Internet, and the web on privacy.
Discuss the various kinds of computer criminals.
What are the principal measures used to protect computer security? What is encryption? How is it used by corporations and individuals?
Have students turn to the end of Chapter 10 in their textbooks to view the same “Open-Ended” questions/statements
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29. Discussion Questions (page 2 of 2)
What is ergonomics? How does computer use impact mental health? Physical health?
Describe the basic elements of the Green PC and what you can do to protect the environment.
Have students turn to the end of Chapter 10 in their textbooks to view the same “Open-Ended” questions/statements
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