Information Systems Ethics (Cyberethics)

Dr. Robert Chi

Department of Information Systems

California State University, Long Beach

What is Ethics?

• Definition

• The importance of Integrity

• Ethics in the business world

Ethics for IT processionals and IT users

• IT professionals– Professional Codes of Ethics– Professional Organizations– Certification– Government Licensing

• IT users– Common Ethical Issues for IT Users– Supporting the Ethical Practice of IT Users

Computer and Internet Crime

• IT security incidents: A worsening problem– Increasing complexity increases Vulnerability– Higher computer user expectations– Expanding and changing systems introduce

new risks– Increasing reliance on commercial software

with know vulnerabilities

Reducing Vulnerabilities

• Risk assessment

• Establishing a security policy

• Educating employees, contractors and Part-time workers

• Prevention

• Detection

• Response

Privacy Protection and the Law

• The right of privacy

• Recent history of privacy protection

Key Privacy and Anonymity Issues

• Governmental electronic surveillance• Data encryption• Identity theft• Consumer profiling• Treating consumer data responsibly• Workplace monitoring• Spamming• Advanced surveillance technology

Case Study 1

• RFID Elicits Fears of “Big Brother” Technology

Case Study II

• UK Government Comes under Trojan Horse Attack

Case Study III

• Computer Associates Is Forced to Clean up Its Act