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Computer Ethics and Computer Security
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COMPUTER ETHICS AND COMPUTER SECURITY 2
Computer Ethics and Computer Security
Famous war general Sun Tzu once stated that if you know your enemy and you know
yourself, then you need not fear the result of a thousand battles. In his context, he spoke of
war and battle tactics, which apply greatly to computer ethics and security. When the
stakeholders in security are aware of what these tenets entail and how best to take advantage
of them, there is no need to fear what lies ahead. However, many are unaware of these tenets
(Macnish & Van der Ham, 2020). The rise of groups such as Anonymous and Lapsus$ is
evidence that there is a need to learn more about ethics in computing while increasing the
need to learn computer security in society (Miller & Bossomaier, 2024). The analysis of
computer ethics and security and their tenets will be discussed in detail.
Computer security refers to the computing field that protects computing components,
including systems, networks, and data, from theft, unauthorized access, or damage (Bynum,
2020). In an ideal world without crime, data security would not be needed (Macnish & Van
der Ham, 2020). However, since the world is rife with crime, it is impossible not to have
computer security to protect the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of the data being
used. Computer security involves implementing various technologies, policies, and
procedures to keep the technology safe (Bynum, 2020).
In contrast, computer ethics are the moral principles governing computer use and
digital information (Macnish & Van der Ham, 2020). As seen from time immemorial, the
world needs order to thrive. It needs a set of rules that govern interactions and keep things
moving. In computing, computer ethics aid in this endeavor. They aid in addressing ethical
dilemmas and issues arising in computing (Bynum, 2020). They also define how computers
and technology should be used and the best way to take advantage of existing technologies.
Ethics also ensure accountability in the event of a violation.
COMPUTER ETHICS AND COMPUTER SECURITY 3
A popular adage in society asserts that prevention is better than cure. One of the best
ways to prevent a catastrophe from destroying a computing system is to put measures in place
to protect it (Macnish & Van der Ham, 2020). This is why I have a preference for computing
security. This is not to mean that computing ethics are not important. On the contrary,
computing ethics are the foundation for security. They determine how data is protected and
how it can be accessed. To explain the relationship between the two, I will use a security
guard (Bynum, 2020). The role of the guard is to protect the residents of the house. However,
they have been given guidelines by the house owners on who should have access to the house
and when it should be accessed. If unauthorized visitors try to access the data, they have been
trained to handle these cases.
In this case, the stakeholders are the house owners. They create ethics that govern how
computers are used and how confidentiality, integrity, and availability are ensured in a great
balance (Bynum, 2020). The security guard is the computer security system. These systems
use the ethics set by the rules to determine the best way to protect data and ensure its access.
They also use this approach to prevent intruders from accessing the system. They have
measures that punish intruders who wish to access information without consent (Miller &
Bossomaier, 2024).
However, it is important that security works on the 90/10 principle. This is where
security measures and technology only play a 10% role in ensuring the organization's safety.
The other 90% is on the user and the organization, who must place measures to protect
themselves. A padlock is an efficient tool to ensure security, but it is useless if the homeowner
fails to lock the door when they leave. In the same way, security systems are good elements
to implement, but in the absence of proper use by the user, they are inefficient. This is why
the user is the greatest strength while being the biggest liability.
COMPUTER ETHICS AND COMPUTER SECURITY 4
Computer security is an integral part of information technology. As history shows, an
entity that is not secure often falls (Miller & Bossomaier, 2024). In the absence of computing
security, technology use would be akin to the badlands, where nothing productive would
occur, and banditry would be the norm. As such, it is integral that everyone in technology is
trained on the tenets of computer security and the best way to implement it.
COMPUTER ETHICS AND COMPUTER SECURITY 5
References
Bynum, T. W. (2020). The historical roots of information and computer ethics. In>The Ethics
of Information Technologies (pp. 43–61). Routledge.
Macnish, K., & Van der Ham, J. (2020). Ethics in cybersecurity research and
practice.>Technology in society,>63, 101382.
Miller, S., & Bossomaier, T. (2024).>Cybersecurity, Ethics, and Collective Responsibility.
Oxford University Press.
