Computer Security: Ethics and Law in Canada

The principles that govern a person's behavior or conducting an activity.

Ethical considerations play a vital role in computer security, alongside legal frameworks.

The moral implications of actions taken by individuals and organizations in developing, deploying, and using technology.

A theory that supports the action leading to the greatest overall happiness or utility for everyone involved.

A perspective that emphasizes duties and rules, stating that certain actions are right or wrong regardless of their outcomes.

A theory focusing on the character of the moral agent rather than specific actions, encouraging honesty, integrity, and responsibility in technological practices.

A major ethical issue in technology, involving the collection, storage, and use of personal information.

Organizations must consider how they collect, store, and use personal information ethically.

Maintaining the accuracy and consistency of data. This principle raises ethical dilemmas when a professional needs to balance reporting vulnerabilities and protecting an organization's reputation.

Protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access. This principle involves handling personal data responsibly and ensuring individuals consent to their data usage.

Ensuring that information and resources are accessible when needed. Ethical dilemmas arise when accessibility measures clash with security protocols, such as restricting access to sensitive data.

A federal law in Canada that outlines guidelines for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. Organizations must obtain consent and implement security measures to protect data.

A Canadian law that amends PIPEDA and strengthens privacy protections. It mandates breach reporting, requiring organizations to notify individuals when their personal information is compromised.

This law addresses cybercrime, including unauthorized access to computer systems, data breaches, and identity theft. It's critical to understand these legal standards to recognize criminal activity and ensure security measures comply.

Violating ethical standards can result in serious consequences for individuals and organizations. Professionals may face disciplinary actions, legal troubles, and reputational damage. Organizations can experience financial losses, legal penalties, and loss of public trust.

Protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access. Keeping secrets safe. This is crucial for organizations that handle private data like healthcare records or financial information.

Ensuring data remains accurate and unaltered throughout its lifecycle. Trustworthy information for decision-making. Like an original document staying unchanged.

Making sure information and resources are accessible to authorized users when needed. Organizations can function without interruption. Essential for businesses to operate smoothly.

Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability are the three primary ethical principles in computer security. Ensuring responsible and secure data handling.

A set of steps taken to protect information and prevent data breaches. Encryption, access controls, and authentication protocols help safeguard data.

Verifying a user's identity before granting access to systems or data. Essential for confidentiality and integrity.

Granting different levels of access to specific information based on user roles. This helps enforce confidentiality and integrity.

Transforming data into an unreadable format to protect it from unauthorized eyes. Like a code only a specific person can decode.

A framework suggesting actions should be chosen based on their positive outcomes for the most people.

A framework emphasizing following moral rules and duties, regardless of consequences.

A person who exposes wrongdoing within an organization, often at personal risk.

A legal framework governing how private organizations collect, use, and protect personal information in Canada.

Canadian law addressing various computer-related crimes, including hacking and unauthorized system access.

Legislation regulating commercial electronic messages in Canada, requiring consent and unsubscribe mechanisms.

An individual, often an employee, who reports unethical, illegal, or harmful practices within an organization, especially in the tech industry. They might disclose information about data breaches, misuse of user data, unethical algorithms, or unsafe working conditions.

Whistleblowers often act out of a strong sense of moral obligation to report wrongdoing, particularly when it involves public safety or harm to others.

Laws exist that require employees in certain sectors to report illegal activities. Not reporting can have legal consequences.

In Canada, the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act safeguards federal employees who report wrongdoing. This prevents them from facing retaliation for doing the right thing.

Whistleblowers may face various challenges, including losing their jobs, experiencing harassment, or having their reputations damaged.

Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor, revealed classified information about surveillance programs, sparking worldwide debates about privacy and national security. This raised important ethical issues.

Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee, testified before Congress about the company's practices regarding misinformation and user safety. This highlight's the powerful role whistleblowers can play in exposing unethical practices in the tech industry.

Whistleblowing is a complex topic in the tech industry, involving ethical considerations, potential legal protections, and significant challenges for individuals who speak out against wrongdoing.

A Canadian law governing how federal government institutions handle personal information, providing individuals with the right to access and correct their data. It emphasizes protecting information from unauthorized use and disclosure, promoting trust in government operations.

Canadian provinces have enacted their own privacy and data protection laws, like those in Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec. These laws may impose stricter requirements than PIPEDA, emphasizing the importance of understanding regional legislation.

A collection of federal and provincial laws in Canada that regulate how organizations collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information. These laws ensure a balance between data privacy and the development of technology.

The Canadian government has developed frameworks and guidelines to enhance cybersecurity across different sectors. The Cyber Security Strategy for Canada aims to protect critical infrastructure, foster a culture of cybersecurity, and encourage collaboration. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is widely adopted to manage cybersecurity risks.

The importance of understanding and complying with Canadian computer security laws, encompassing both federal and provincial regulations. Professionals must stay updated about legal developments to ensure their practices are ethical and compliant.

These laws can result in significant fines for non-compliance, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adhering to them. Organizations need to ensure their practices and systems are compliant to avoid legal penalties.