Principles of Information Systems Eighth Edition Chapter 14 The Personal and Social Impact of Computers

Principles and Learning Objectives Policies and procedures must be established to avoid computer waste and mistakes Describe some examples of waste and mistakes in an IS environment, their causes, and possible solutions Identify policies and procedures useful in eliminating waste and mistakes Discuss the principles and limits of an individual’s right to privacy Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Principles and Learning Objectives (continued) Computer crime is a serious and rapidly growing area of concern requiring management attention Explain the types and effects of computer crime Identify specific measures to prevent computer crime Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Principles and Learning Objectives (continued) Jobs, equipment, and working conditions must be designed to avoid negative health effects List the important effects of computers on the work environment Identify specific actions that must be taken to ensure the health and safety of employees Outline criteria for the ethical use of information systems Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Why Learn About Security, Privacy, and Ethical Issues in Information Systems and the Internet? Many nontechnical issues associated with ISs 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 Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

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 Caused mostly by human error Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Computer Waste Cause: improper management of information systems and resources Discarding old software and 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 Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Computer-Related Mistakes Common 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 Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Preventing Computer-Related Waste and Mistakes Effective policies and procedures must be: Established Implemented Monitored Reviewed Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Establishing Policies and Procedures Establish policies and procedures regarding efficient acquisition, use, and disposal of systems and devices Identify most common types of computer-related mistakes 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 before they are implemented and used Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Implementing Policies and Procedures Policies often focus on: Implementation of source data automation Use of data editing to ensure data accuracy and completeness Assignment of clear responsibility for data accuracy within each information system Training is very important for acceptance and implementation of policies and procedures Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Monitoring Policies and Procedures Monitor routine practices and take corrective action if necessary Implement internal audits to measure actual results against established goals Follow requirements in Sarbanes-Oxley Act Requires companies to document underlying financial data to validate earnings reports Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Reviewing Policies and Procedures 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? Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

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 Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

The Computer as a Tool to Commit Crime Criminals need two capabilities to commit most computer crimes Knowing how to gain access to computer system Knowing how to manipulate the system to produce desired results Examples Social engineering Dumpster diving Counterfeit and banking fraud using sophisticated desktop publishing programs and high-quality printers Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Cyberterrorism Cyberterrorist: intimidates or coerces a government or organization to advance his or her political or social objectives by launching computer-based attacks against computers, networks, and information stored on them Homeland Security Department’s Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate Serves as governmental focal point for fighting cyberterrorism Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Identity Theft Imposter obtains personal identification information such as Social Security or driver’s license numbers in order to impersonate someone else To obtain credit, merchandise, and services in the name of the victim To have false credentials Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 passed to fight identity theft 9 million victims in 2005 Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

The Computer as the Object of Crime Crimes fall into several categories Illegal access and use Data alteration and destruction Information and equipment theft Software and Internet piracy Computer-related scams International computer crime Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Illegal Access and Use Hacker: learns about and uses computer systems Criminal hacker (also called a cracker): gains unauthorized use or illegal access to computer systems Script bunny: automates the job of crackers Insider: employee who comprises corporate systems Malware: software programs that destroy or damage processing Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Illegal Access and Use (continued) Virus: program file capable of attaching to disks or other files and replicating itself repeatedly Worm: parasitic computer program that can create copies of itself on infected computer or send copies to other computers via a network Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Illegal Access and Use (continued) Trojan horse: program that appears to be useful but purposefully does something user does not expect Logic bomb: type of Trojan horse that executes when specific conditions occur Variant: modified version of a virus that is produced by virus’s author or another person Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Using Antivirus Programs Antivirus program: program or utility that prevents viruses and recovers from them if they infect a computer 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 Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Using Antivirus Programs (continued) Antivirus software should be used and updated often Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Information and Equipment Theft Obtaining identification numbers and passwords to steal information or disrupt systems Trial and error, password sniffer program Software theft Computer systems and equipment theft Data on equipment is valuable Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Software and Internet Software Piracy Software is protected by copyright laws Copyright law violations Making additional copies Loading the software onto more than one machine Software piracy: act of illegally duplicating software Internet-based software piracy Most rapidly expanding type of software piracy and most difficult form to combat Examples: pirate Web sites, auction sites with counterfeit software, peer-to-peer networks Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Computer-Related Scams Examples of Internet scams Get-rich-quick schemes “Free” vacations with huge hidden costs Bank fraud Fake telephone lotteries Selling worthless penny stocks Phishing Gaining access to personal information by redirecting user to fake site Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

International Computer Crime Computer crime becomes more complex when it is committed internationally Large percentage of software piracy takes place across borders Threat of terrorists, international drug dealers, and other criminals using information systems to launder illegally obtained funds Computer Associates International’s CleverPath for Global Compliance software Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Preventing Computer-Related Crime Efforts to curb computer crime being made by: Private users Companies Employees Public officials Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Crime Prevention by State and Federal Agencies Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 Punishment based on the victim’s dollar loss Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) Responds to network security breaches Monitors systems for emerging threats Newer and tougher computer crime legislation is emerging Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Crime Prevention by Corporations Public key infrastructure (PKI) Allows users of an unsecured public network such as the Internet to securely and privately exchange data Use of a public and a private cryptographic key pair, obtained and shared through a trusted authority Biometrics: measurement of one of a person’s traits, whether physical or behavioral Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Crime Prevention by Corporations (continued) Table 14.3: Common Methods Used to Commit Computer Crimes Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Crime Prevention by Corporations (continued) Table 14.3: Common Methods Used to Commit Computer Crimes (continued) Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Using Intrusion Detection Software Intrusion detection system (IDS) Monitors system and network resources Notifies network security personnel when it senses a possible intrusion, such as: Repeated failed logon attempts Attempts to download a program to a server Access to a system at unusual hours Can provide false alarms E-mail or voice message alerts may be missed Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Using Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) Managed security service provider (MSSP): organization that monitors, manages, and maintains network security for both hardware and software for its client companies Sifts through alarms and alerts from all monitoring systems May provide scanning, blocking, and filtering capabilities Useful for small and midsized companies Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Internet Laws for Libel and Protection of Decency Filtering software Screens Internet content to protect children Prevents children from sending personal information over e-mail or through chat groups Internet Content Rating Association (ICRA) rating system for Web sites Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Requires filters in federally funded libraries Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Internet Laws for Libel and Protection of Decency (continued) Libel: publishing an intentionally false written statement that is damaging to a person’s reputation Can online services be sued for libel for content that someone else publishes on their service? Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Preventing Crime on the Internet Develop effective Internet usage and security policies Use a stand-alone firewall with network monitoring capabilities Deploy intrusion detection systems, monitor them, and follow up on their alarms Monitor managers’ and employees’ use of Internet Use Internet security specialists to perform audits of all Internet and network activities Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Privacy Issues With information systems, privacy deals with the collection and use or misuse of data More and more information on all of us is being collected, stored, used, and shared among organizations Who owns this information and knowledge? Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Privacy and the Federal Government Data collectors U.S. federal government State and local governments Profit and nonprofit organizations U.S. National Security Agency (NSA)’s program to wiretap telephone and Internet traffic of U.S. residents Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Privacy at Work Rights of workers who want their privacy versus interests of companies that demand to know more about their employees Workers can be closely monitored via computer technology Track every keystroke made by a user Determine what workers are doing while at the keyboard Estimate how many breaks workers are taking Many workers consider monitoring dehumanizing Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

E-Mail Privacy Federal law permits employers to monitor e-mail sent and received by employees E-mail messages that have been erased from hard disks can be retrieved and used in lawsuits Use of e-mail among public officials might violate “open meeting” laws Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Privacy and the Internet Huge potential for privacy invasion on the Internet E-mail messages Visiting a Web site Buying products over the Internet Platform for Privacy Preferences (P3P): screening technology Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), 1998: requires privacy policies and parental consent Potential dangers on social networking Web sites Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Fairness in Information Use Table 14.4: The Right to Know and the Ability to Decide Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Fairness in Information Use (continued) The Privacy Act of 1974: provides privacy protection from federal agencies Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act: requires financial institutions to protect customers’ nonpublic data USA Patriot Act: allows law enforcement and intelligence agencies to gather private information Other laws regulate fax advertisements, credit-card bureaus, the IRS, video rental stores, telemarketers, etc. Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Corporate Privacy Policies Should address a customer’s knowledge, control, notice, and consent over storage and use of information May cover who has access to private data and when it may be used A good database design practice is to assign a single unique identifier to each customer Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Individual Efforts to Protect Privacy Find out what is stored about you in existing databases Be careful when you share information about yourself Be proactive to protect your privacy When purchasing anything from a Web site, make sure that you safeguard your credit card numbers, passwords, and personal information Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

The Work Environment Use of computer-based information systems has changed the workforce Jobs that require IS literacy have increased Less-skilled positions have decreased Computer technology and information systems have opened up numerous avenues to professionals and nonprofessionals Despite increasing productivity and efficiency, computers and information systems can raise other concerns Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Health Concerns Occupational stress Repetitive stress injury (RSI) Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) Emissions from improperly maintained and used equipment Increase in traffic accidents due to drivers using cell phones, laptops, or other devices while driving Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Avoiding Health and Environment Problems Work stressors: hazardous activities associated with unfavorable conditions of a poorly designed work environment Ergonomics: science of designing machines, products, and systems to maximize safety, comfort, and efficiency of people who use them Employers, individuals, and hardware manufacturing companies can take steps to reduce RSI and develop a better work environment Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Avoiding Health and Environment Problems (continued) Research has shown that developing certain ergonomically correct habits can reduce the risk of RSI when using a computer Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Ethical Issues in Information Systems Laws do not provide a complete guide to ethical behavior Many IS-related organizations have codes of ethics for their members American Computing Machinery (ACM): oldest computing society founded in 1947 ACM’s code of ethics and professional conduct Contribute to society and human well-being Avoid harm to others Be honest and trustworthy Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Ethical Issues in Information Systems (continued) ACM’s code of ethics and professional conduct (continued) 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 Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Summary Computer waste: inappropriate use of computer technology and resources Computer-related mistakes: errors, failures, and other computer problems that make computer output incorrect or not useful; caused mostly by human error Preventing computer-related waste and mistakes requires establishing, implementing, monitoring, and reviewing effective policies and procedures Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Summary (continued) Criminals need two capabilities to commit most computer crimes: knowing how to gain access to a computer system and knowing how to manipulate the system to produce desired results Crimes in which computer is the tool: cyberterrorism, identity theft, etc. Crimes in which computer is the object of crime: illegal access and use, data alteration and destruction, information and equipment theft, software and Internet piracy, computer-related scams, and international computer crime Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition

Summary (continued) Efforts to curb computer crime are being made by state and federal agencies, corporations, and individuals With information systems, privacy deals with the collection and use or misuse of data Ergonomics: science of designing machines, products, and systems to maximize safety, comfort, and efficiency of people who use them Many IS-related organizations have codes of ethics for their members Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition