Sunday, September 26, 2010

Ethics and Security (Week 5)





Explain the ethical issues surrounding information technology.


Privacy is one of the major ethical issues surrounding information technology. It is the right to have control over your own personal possessions and to not be observed without your consent.


Other ethical issues include:

  • Intellectual Property                               
  • Copyright
  • Fair Use Doctrine
  • Pirated Software
  • Counterfeit Software

Describe a situation involving technology that is ethical but illegal.


A person who purchases a software package and makes two copies, keeping one for backup. It is illegal because they made a copy of the software but ethical because the intention is good.


Describe and explain one of the computer use policies that a company might employ


Internet Use Policy contains general principles to guide the proper use of the internet within an organisation. The policy describes available internet services, defines the purpose and restriction of internet access, describes user responsibilities and complements the ethical computer use policy.

What are the 5 main technology security risks?

  1. Human Error                                                
  2. Natural Disasters
  3. Technical Failures
  4. Deliberate Acts
  5. Management Failure
Outline one way to reduce each risk.

Human Error: password policy such as changing passwords regularly
Natural Disasters: Backup data that is kept off site 
Technical Failures: Regular recovery testing
Deliberate Acts: system audits to track down malicious activity
Management Failure: Well documented procedures

What is a disaster recovery plan, what strategies might a firm employ


A disaster recovery plan is a plan that outlines processes of regaining access to computer systems and data after a disaster has occurred.  A firm could employ strategies such as communications plan, business continuity, location of back up data, well documented procedures, regular recovery testing and off site data location. 




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