Learning: The Importance of Computer Ethics

Computer ethics, better labeled "information technology ethics," deal with the proper use of a wide range of telecommunication and data storage devices (Cell Phones, MP3 players, Computers etc.).

Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with moral judgments, issues of right and wrong, and determining what behaviors are caring and what behaviors are cruel. 

Some Suggestions for Protecting Yourself:

1. Take advantage of anonymity.  Chat under a name that belies your age and sex the best your can (i.e. JaneDoe15 is bad and bluelagoon is better).

2. Feel free to use more than one e-mail address.  Send personal mail from a separate address than you use for business or school related subjects.  If you are provided e-mail through school or work, you probably realized that it is hard to be anonymous as jdoe@shs.k12.il.us, especially when your identity screams "Jane Doe 03".  There are dozens of e-mail providers online from the popular Yahoo! and MSN Hotmail to the less well known services at Blazemail and Ramen Freemail.   All of these will allow your to enter a pseudonym as a sending name and require you to tell the service only your real zip code.

3. Never arrange to meet anyone you have met online without telling two or three friends or family members where you are going, who you are going to meet, and when you plan on being home.  Meet in a well lit public place and inform family and friends of any changes in your plans.  You weren't born yesterday.  Just because they say their name is Jane and they are 15 doesn't mean their name isn't Rob and their age is 37.

4. Read a web site's privacy policy before sending them personal information. And remember, some web sites sell information to mailing lists or advertisers - your information is valuable, at times, financially.  Reject cookies that do not return to the original domain.

5. Only give out your most important personal information (such as your social security number, or your credit card number) on a secured server.  If you would not feel comfortable putting the information on a post card, you should not be sending it online with a more encrypted format.  And, while encryption helps tremendously, be aware that no encryption is perfect.


6. Use common sense.  If someone gives you the creeps in real life, you wouldn't give them your phone number, right?  Exercise the same logic online.  Just as you wouldn't wave about a cash filled wallet, don't be careless with a credit card number.  You wouldn't hand your key to a random stranger who said he was a locksmith, don't give just anyone your password.

Reference:
images.schoolinsites.com/.../Ethics%20Document-Information.doc

Computer Ethics? Right vs. Wrong

Many see computer ethics as a gray area.  Some people justify wrong actions for what they shouldn't be doing.  Most just don't understand the rules and why the rules were made in the first place.  Society has rules about our behavior.

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

-The Golden Rule

Treat your password like your toothbrush.  Don't let anybody else use it, and get a new one every six months.  ~Clifford Stoll