Computer Misuse

The Kingsway School

Computer Misuse

Computers have improved our standards of living for most of us.

Some individuals and organisations do misuse them.

Some misuse can cause serious problems for individuals or organisations.

Privacy

Records have always been kept about people. Companies keep records about staff and customers. Schools keep records about students.

The difference computers make is that it is easier to: Store large quantities of information Combine information from many sources Retrieve information quickly and in new ways

Who Might Store What?

Organisation Examples of Data HeldPlace of Work Salary, work performance.

Bank Income, debts

Insurance company Health data, possessions, amount insured

Police Criminal convictions, motoring offences, movements

Inland Revenue Income, tax paid

Local authority Postcode, type of house

Internet Service Provider

Web sites visited

Telephone Provider Telephone numbers called or received.

Concerns about Data

If someone had access to all of this data a formidable picture of a persons private life could be built up.

People are concerned about their level of privacy and access to their personal details by unauthorised people.

Some personal information has found its way onto the internet where anyone can see it.

What might cause people concern? This is something you need to know and be prepared to give a detailed answer about.

Examples of Concerns

Law abiding people may be subject to investigation without even knowing.

The state can exert even more control over individuals and their private lives.

Organisations with commercial interests could use data for irritating marketing and junk mail.

Criminals could use it to find out who has property worth stealing and when occupants will be on holiday.

People could be harassed by stalkers People have lots of reasons, usually legitimate, as to why they

do not want their details examined by others.

Misuse of Computers at Work

Most companies provide IT facilities for their staff to help them do their jobs. However some employees abuse these resources:

Circulating irrelevant or offensive emails via the companys email system. This can slow the system down by clogging up the servers.

Visiting questionable web sites and wasting work time. This can place companies in a dubious position.

Installing illegal software, thus placing the company at risk of prosecution.

Running private business interests on the company’s equipment Wasting time playing games when they should be working.

Copyright

Software developers depend on income from sales. Without this they will not create new programs. Copying software is theft!

With modern technology copying software, music and documents is very easy.

To keep software distribution under control companies issue licences which outline how and where a piece of software may be used. Schools often buy a site licence which means that software can be used freely in the school but nowhere else.

There are severe penalties for those caught using or copying software illegally!

Make sure you understand how software is licensed!!

©