2. The Challenges of the Digital Age9
Chapter
The Challenges of the Digital Age

3. Truth Issues: Manipulating Digital Data
Digital Images and Sounds can be manipulated
Pro: Creates new forms of art
Morphing software makes one image morph into another
Movies such as “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Harry Potter” contain many scenes that could never actually happen
Adobe Photoshop allows changes, enhancements to photos
Digital technology allows musicians to sing every track of a song and accompany themselves
Con: Has made photographs & recordings untrustworthy
Famous Yalta summit photo edited: Stallone added in!
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4. Truth Issues: Manipulating Digital Data
Photographs may not be authentic
Photographs may be deliberately misleading
1994 Time magazine photo of O.J. Simpson was digitally darkened to make him appear sinister
Could this have biased potential jury members?
Fashion model photos are routinely elongated to make models appear more slender
How many girls become anorexic to try to match those models’ impossible perfection?
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5. Truth Issues: Manipulating Digital Data
Techniques to combat digital deception
Prof. William H. Mitchell of M.I.T. wrote the first systematic, critical analysis of the digital revolution
Corbis adds a digital watermark to its photos
Hany Farid of Dartmouth College devised algorithms to detect changes to uncompressed digital photos
Prof. Jessica Fridrich of S.U.N.Y. at Binghamton is researching digital cameras that hide a picture of the photographer’s iris inside each digital photo
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6. Truth Issues: Manipulating Digital Data
Limitations of Public databases
You can’t get the whole story
Start with a public database, THEN do more research
The data is not necessarily accurate
Cross-check against multiple sources
Each database service has boundaries
Know what those boundaries are
Different keywords bring different results
History is limited
These databases often begin with data from 1980 or later
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7. Security Issues: Threats
Errors and accidents
Natural hazards
Computer crimes
Computer criminals
Discussion Question: Is your computer safe?
What do you need to do to use it safely for work, home, and school?
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8. Security Issues: Threats Errors & Accidents
Human errors
People choose the wrong computer
Too simple or too complex
Human emotions affect performance
People get frustrated
Human perceptions are slower than the equipment
Watch out when you click the OK button! You may have just deleted something important!
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9. Security Issues: Threats Errors & Accidents
Procedural errors
When people fail to follow safe procedures, errors can occur
Software errors
Programmers make coding errors
Famous example: Utility billing software:
Customer pays early – software credits account
Customer pays late – software credits account, adds late fee in for next bill
Programmer forgot to consider customers who pay exactly on time – their payments were never credited at all!
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

10. Security Issues: Threats Errors & Accidents
Electromechanical problems
Mechanical systems wear out
Power failures shut down computers unless you have battery backup
Using cellphones and Blackberries while driving can cause people to crash
Dirty data problems
Incomplete, updated, or inaccurate data
Check your records – medical, school, and credit to make sure they are accurate
Natural hazards can lead to disasters
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11. Security Issues: Threats Computer Crimes
Two types of computer crime
It can be an illegal act perpetrated against computers or telecommunications
It can be the use of computers or telecommunications to accomplish an illegal act
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12. Security Issues: Threats Computer Crimes
Theft of hardware
Theft of software
Theft of online music and videos
Theft of time and services
Theft of information
Internet-related fraud
Taking over your PC
Crimes of malice
Computer criminals
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

13. Security Issues: Threats Computer Crimes
Theft of hardware can range from
Shoplifting an item from a computer store
Stealing an entire PC or laptop
Theft of software
Pirated software is software obtained illegally
This includes “softlifting” - buying one copy of the software and using it on multiple computers
Software makers have prosecuted both companies and individuals including students for software piracy
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

14. Security Issues: Threats Computer Crimes
Theft of online music and movies
Entertainment industry takes this seriously and prosecutes offenders
Stealing music
Illegal file swapping services
Damages can be up to $150,000 per song
Stealing movies
The film industry has taken aggressive aim at pirated movies
11-nation crackdown announced in 2005
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

15. Security Issues: Threats Computer Crimes
Theft of time and services
Theft of computer time at work
Surfing or playing games when you should be working
Some employees violate policy by conducting personal business online such as online auctions from work
Most employers have policies against viewing X-rated web sites at work
Theft of phone services
Phone phreaks use company phone systems to make “free” unauthorized long distance calls
Why break the law, when you can get free long distance over the internet using Skype (
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

16. Security Issues: Threats Computer Crimes
Theft of Information
A common crime today
Can include theft of personal information, medical information, or credit card and financial information
Legislation to make it a crime to steal someone’s identity was the 1998 Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act
The U.S. Department of Justice discusses their approach to this crime at
If you are a victim of identity theft, you may file a report online at the Federal Trade Commission’s website at
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

17. Security Issues: Threats Computer Crimes
Internet-related Fraud
Because it lends itself to anonymity, internet-related fraud is becoming more common
Well-known examples include:
Nigerian letter scam
Letter says you can get a lot of money out of Nigeria if you pay a “money transfer fee” first
Evil twin attacks
A cracker sets up an attack computer as a duplicate public access point in a public location
Phishing
Sending s that appear to come from a trusted source that links you to a website where you type in personal information that is intercepted by the phisher
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18. Security Issues: Threats Computer Crimes
Internet-related Fraud (continued)
Pharming
Malicious software is implanted in your computer that directs you to an imposter web page
Trojan horses
A program such as a “free” online game or screensaver that loads hidden programs that take over your computer or cause mischief without your knowledge
For example, Windows users who install the phony MSN Messenger Version 8 "beta" are actually installing an IM worm that spreads to their IM contacts, and connects their computer to a remote control "bot" network run by malicious hackers
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19. Security Issues: Threats Computer Crimes
Crimes of Malice: Crashing entire computer systems
Sometimes criminals are more interested in vandalizing systems than they are in gaining control of them
In 2003, an entrepreneur with a grudge because he lost a sale retaliated by shutting down the WeaKnees website
Crackers regularly attempt to crash Microsoft’s website
Security specialists monitor for possible cyber-attacks on electrical and nuclear power plants, dams, and air traffic control systems
Crackers have attacked the internet too and brought down large sections of it
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

20. Security Issues: Threats Computer Crimes
Computer criminals may include
Individuals or small groups who
Use fraudulent and websites
Steal peoples’ identities for monetary gains
Show off their power for bragging rights
Employees who
Have a grudge against their current or former employers
Have a grudge against another employee
Sell their company’s secrets for personal profit
Outside partners and company suppliers
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

21. Security Issues: Threats Computer Crimes
Computer criminals may also include
Corporate spies
Enemy foreign intelligence services
Organized crime
Vandals & Terrorists
Computer criminals do not include your employer, who is legally allowed to monitor the computers at work
Check your company’s computer usage policy
Make sure you follow the rules
Know that any data you store in the computer at work – including s – is company property
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

22. Security: Safeguarding Computers & Communications
Security is
A system of safeguards for protecting information technology against disasters, system failures, and unauthorized access that can result in damage or loss
Computer Security’s Five Components
Deterrence of computer crime
Identification and access
Encryption
Protection of software and data
Disaster recovery plans
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23. Security: Safeguarding Computers & Communications
Deterrents to computer crime
Enforcing laws
CERT: The Computer Emergency Response Team
Provides round-the-clock information on international computer security threats
The CERT website is
For example, on December 15, 2005 announced a partnership between the US and ictQatar, the Qatar Supreme Council for Information and Communications Technology, to conduct and coordinate cybersecurity activities
On December 13, 2005 CERT issued alert SA05-347A documenting Windows Explorer vulnerabilities
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24. Security: Safeguarding Computers & Communications
More deterrents to computer crimes
Tools to fight fraudulent and unauthorized online uses
Rule-based detection software
Predictive-statistical-model software
Employee internet management software
Internet filtering software
Electronic surveillance
Verify legitimate right of access
Use cards, keys, signatures, and badges
Use PINs and passwords
Use physical traits and personal identification
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

25. Security: Safeguarding Computers & Communications
Encryption
The process of altering readable data into unreadable form to prevent unauthorized access
Advantage: encrypting data that is available over the internet keeps thieves and crackers from reading it
On Dec. 7, 2005, Guidance Software, a maker of Computer Forensics software, informed their customers that criminals had stolen their credit cards because Guidance had FAILED to encrypt a database that was accessible over the internet
Disadvantage: encrypting data may prevent law-enforcement officials from reading the data criminals are sending to each other
Discussion Question: Does information privacy outweigh law enforcement’s needs to track down and prosecute criminals? Should we all encrypt our information to prevent crackers and criminals from stealing it?
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

26. Security: Safeguarding Computers & Communications
Three ways to protect software & data
Control of access to restrict usage
Audit controls to document who used what programs and computers and when
People controls include screening applicants, background checks, monitoring internet, , and computer usage
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

27. Security: Safeguarding Computers & Communications
Disaster-recovery plans
A method of restoring information-processing operations that have been halted by destruction or accident
Reinforced by 2001 World Trade Center attack
Reinforced by company data losses incurred during 2005 Hurricane Katrina
Plans range in price and complexity from
Backing up data from disk to tape, CD, or zip disk, with a UPS
Automatically storing data redundantly in two places, with a generator
Having an off-site computerized data storage center with independent power supply
Having a complete “hot” redundant data center that can instantly be used if there is a disaster
More $$$
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

28. Quality-of-Life Issues
Information Technology misuse can result in
Environmental problems
Manufacturing computers and circuits can cause pollution
Computer component manufacturing employees may be exposed to toxic substances
Used computers/monitors contain chromium, cadmium, lead, mercury, PVC, and brominated flame retardants – all toxic substances that must be disposed of properly
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

29. Quality-of-Life Issues
Information Technology misuse can result in
Exacerbation of mental-health problems
Isolation; computer gamers may substitute online games for interpersonal interaction
Online gambling can be addictive
Many users find PCs stressful
Internet usage by children can expose them to online predators
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

30. Quality-of-Life Issues
Information Technology misuse can result in
Proliferation of pornography
Online pornographers use pop-up ads and internet search engines to troll for new customers
This means that children may be exposed to porn when involved in innocent online searches
Parents may use online blocking software like Cybersitter, Cyber Patrol, or Net Nanny to prevent this
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

31. Quality-of-Life Issues
Parental responses to protecting children from online porn
Online blocking software
DVD filters
Videogame rating systems
The V-chip
“xxx” web addresses
Monitor internet use
Be candid to your children about the threats
Save evidence and block messages to prevent cyberbullying
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

32. Quality-of-Life Issues
Information technology misuse can result in
Workplace problems
Misuse of technology
Fussing with computers can waste time
Information overload
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

33. Economic & Political Issues
Technology may affect the gap between the rich and the poor
Most jobs require employees who are tech-savvy
People who are not tech-savvy won’t qualify for those jobs
Technology is being used to replace employees in traditional jobs, traditionally filled by untrained workers
Internet is not controlled
This means that information moves freely on the internet
Nondemocratic governments can’t control internet political activism
Internet is only loosely policed, so criminals take advantage
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.