IT Professionalism: Ethics and Security

• The course examines issues from technical to sociological aspects of Information Technology.
• Modern society relies heavily on IT, resulting in laws and regulations to manage this dependency.
• IT security is crucial for protecting the privacy of personal data and abiding by the introduced rules.
• A key objective is to teach how to adopt a professional attitude in applying IT.
• The course analyzes codes, standards, and laws guiding professional conduct, and methods for making ethical decisions.
• Society anticipates IT professionals to be aware of technology-related risks and threats and to have solutions available.
• The course will distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable explanations in unforeseen events or situations.
• Analysis of possible computer-related crimes and security measures to combat them and maintain data integrity are looked at.
• The growing use of computers in critical systems highlights society's dependence on IT.
• Societal attitudes can impact the development of technology.
• The course will review present computing trends and consider their potential future impact.

What is a Professional

• Professionals display expertise, with high regard held in the community.
• Expertise is important, but it isn't the only factor.

Competence-Responsibility-Trust (CRT)

• Technical competence is expected from a professional, alongside continuous learning and updating of skills.
• Continuous Professional Development is essential throughout a professional's career.
• Professionals should accept full accountability for their work, actions, patients and clients.
• Professionals recognize their limitations and seek assistance when necessary.
• Professionals act in the best interests of others, even when those interests aren't understood.
• Trustworthiness is critical for professionals, especially when clients lack the understanding to assess their advice.
• Disclosing confidential information requires trust between a professional and their client or patient.
• Competence, responsibility, and trust (CRT) are key defining factors for professionals

When Do You become a Professional

• You become a professional when treated as one and responding professionally.
• Acting responsibly, giving advice within competence, and respecting confidences are attributes of a professional.
• Professionalism cannot be guaranteed through certificates alone.

What is a Profession

• A profession is when practitioners are monitored by a professional body.
• Membership in professional bodies is often voluntary, but sometimes legally required.
• Legal and medical fields have mandatory professional body membership.
• Professional bodies can penalize members for not following guidelines or for misconduct.
• Doctors can be removed from practice if their performance jeopardize patients.

Guarantor of C-R-T

• Professional body ensures practitioner's competence, responsibility, and trust.
• A professional body distinguishes an occupation from a profession and practitioners from professionals.
• Membership in a professional body proves adherence to conduct codes, qualifications, experience, and trustworthiness.
• Certificates assures the public the person is a professional member of their professional body.

The British Computer Society

• The British Computer Society (BCS) is the UK's professional body for IT professionals, established in 1957.
• The BCS has over 47,000 members in over 100 countries.
• The BCS is the leading professional society in computing and information systems.
• Courses accredited by BCS meet their academic requirements for membership.
• The BCS has a Continuing Professional Development program to keep members updated.
• Student membership in the BCS is affordable and advantageous.
• The BCS website offers a "Code of Conduct" and "Code of Good Practice."