Computer Science Info-Age & Ethics

There are six common types of characterised computer attacks by my knowledge:

• Military/Intelligence Attacks
• Business Attacks
• Financial Attacks
• Terrorist Attacks
• Grudge Attacks
• Reasonless Attacks

How are computer crimes committed? Break-in methods include altering input, theft of computer time, software theft, data theft/modification and output theft. Software theft is a large problem in the software industry. Not only does software theft contribute to loss of sales, but it also adds to the spread of computer viruses. Two examples of software theft are the production of illegal copies of software and the creation of software used to break into systems. Data theft is another way of committing a computer crime. Various techniques are used to commit computer crimes including a trapdoor, round down, salami, masquerading, and eavesdropping. Masquerading relates to software theft. By using a legitimate user's login name and password to gain access to a computer system, a criminal could masquerade as you on your UOB user area, use your printer credits and even steal your work. We also should always be extremely cautious about releasing any important information on the web. Even secured transactions are not always safe from fraud, as tools used to break into computer systems can be obtained easily. Many can be found on underground Internet sites, discussion groups, or private bulleting boards on the web. A few sites I have mistakenly come across are:

• Astalavista.com,
• Illegalworld.com
• Gamecopyworld.com
• Cheathouse.com
• Totally.net
• Etc… the list goes on for ages.

We must learn to respect patents and copyrights thus the ‘intellectual property’ of other professionals like us. Even though as student of computer science we may posses the knowledge to do some of the unethical situations mentioned, such as:

• Produce viruses, Trojans, etc.
• Pirate software or download copyrighted music.
• Steal work or plagiarise work and pass it off as ours.
• Hack or Crack security systems.
• Etc… the list goes on.

We must remember as educated individuals, ethics are just the factors that relate to principles and the honourable outcomes from a specific situation, whereas we as students must use our morals and distinguish between just and unjust circumstances, to do what is right not wrong…

In this world of computer crimes, we student can be victims also!!!  

We must be aware of this and take measures to protect ourselves with, simple things such as privatising our e-mail by using anonymous remailers. Not allow Internet sites to store cookies about us, which are basically details on our private information, which break our basic rights to privacy. Cookie acceptance can be disabled, but the question falls on whether or not people are willing to forgo convenience for anonymity. When considering security for PC’s or networks, there are many things to consider. Determine the threats. If the system is in danger, then estimate the danger of each threat. Determine the consequences from each threat. Identify controls against each threat. If threats are internal, take appropriate measures to protect the system. Sensitive data should be controlled. Access to computer terminals should be restricted. And, very importantly, when transmitting data, encrypt it. I am all for the way all work is inter-sharable on the Unix/Linux network as it permits progression if used ethically, but can easily be abused that’s why individuals must learn to regulate themselves morally. Although no security measure is fool proof, steps can be taken to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of fraud. Be aware of computer crimes and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your work.

When using our abilities as engineers we must use ethical decision-making including risk and reliability, privacy, info-war, crime, access, business ethics, copyright, patents, and more.

Methods that can be used to resolve ethical issues:

• Clear concise codes of ethics and conduct.
• Implemented ethical reasoning skills.
• Professionalism and professional responsibility.
• Effective inter-personal communication.
• Knowledge of legal and ethical issues.
• Awareness of current events.
• The impact of computers locally and globally

We are the coming generations, whom have responsibilities to live-up to and use our skills in an ethical way. This knowledge and the accompanying skills are critical for productive and constructive professional careers, as eventual BCS members at the end of our course’s we must honor our morals and our profession thus. Conflicts of interest exist at all levels, institutional as well as personal, and we're in danger of forgetting how deleterious they are. One way of trying to avoid the issue is to pretend that it doesn't exist. Let me leave you with the thought that these issues are not other people's problems, they are our problem, and they are everyone's problem. If too many of us cut corners, then science can come to a dead stop.  

What JOBS in the computer world are ethically worthwhile, which evil, which OK but not very worthwhile?  What job is REALLY WORTHWHILE in computing? Should people be allowed to use prewritten material to their benefit? Or should we respect the originality of those brilliant minds that created the highly sought after literary works in the first place? These are questions we must answer at University and especially when we leave and begin work in the real world. BAD uses of computer skills such as virus writing and cracking to cause damage are not ethical.