Ethics

---

Ethics are defined as a set of principles or rules that govern one's morals and actions as they apply to one's duty. There are ethics that apply to just about every topic under the sun. There are ethics that apply to certified security specialists, doctors, lawyers, publishers, teachers, use of the Internet, use of business systems, finances, and many other occupations and subjects. Our focus is targeted at ethics that pertain to computer usage, the Internet, business practices, and security certification.

Computer Ethics

Most 'morally sound' people have a pretty good idea of the basic ethics that should be considered and implemented when using a computer and the Internet at home, or when following computer usage policies and practices in the workplace. If you become a security certified specialist it will be important that you are educated with the 'Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics' as created by The Computer Ethics Institute and ethics practices stated by the Internet Architecture Board (IAB). It is also important that you are familiar with RFC (Request For Comments) 1087 that pertains to ethics and proper use of the Internet.

It is important for people to consider the rights of others when using computer systems and the Internet. Privacy, laws, and basic common sense should be used as tools to help guide those who need a little help with computer-related ethics. The Computer Ethics Institute does a great job explaining some of these ethics that should be considered.

The 'Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics' according to the Computer Ethics Institute are as follows:

1. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.

2. Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.

3. Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.

4. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.

5. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.

6. Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.

7. Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.

8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.

9. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.

10. Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that insure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.
    © 1991. Computer Ethics Institute

For more information regarding the computer ethics and the Computer Ethics Institute, visit the Computer Ethics Institute at http://www.brook.edu/its/cei/cei_hp.htm.

---