Professional Ethics in Information Technology

Importance of IT Security

• Information technology security is crucial to protect sensitive data, maintain privacy, and ensure the integrity of systems.
• Breaches can lead to financial loss, reputational damage, and legal consequences for organizations.

Prevalence of Computer Incidents

• A major factor for the high occurrence of computer incidents is increased connectivity and reliance on digital systems, making them attractive targets for attackers.

Cloud Computing

• Cloud computing involves delivering computing services (e.g., storage, processing) over the internet, offering flexibility, scalability, and reduced infrastructure costs.

Pressure on Help Desks

• Computer help desks face intense pressure to provide rapid responses due to user dependency on technology for business operations and productivity.

Complexity and Vulnerability

• Rising complexity in computing environments leads to greater vulnerabilities, as intricate systems can introduce more points of failure and potential attack vectors.

Importance of Safeguarding Data

• Protecting confidential business and customer data is vital to maintain trust, uphold compliance with regulations, and prevent data breaches.

Zero-Day Exploit

• A zero-day exploit refers to a cyber vulnerability that attackers can exploit before developers release a fix, leaving systems unprotected.

Purpose of a Virus

• Viruses are malicious software designed to replicate and spread to damage systems, corrupt data, or steal information.

Virus Disguises

• Viruses can be disguised as legitimate software, file attachments, or downloads to deceive users into activating them.

Characteristics of Zero-Day Exploit

• The defining feature of a zero-day exploit is its ability to take advantage of a vulnerability that has not yet been identified or patched by the software developer.

Rootkit Definition

• A rootkit is a type of malicious software that gives attackers remote access and control over a computer, often allowing them to hide their presence.

Purpose of Phishing

• Phishing aims to deceive individuals into providing personal information, such as passwords and financial details, through fake communications that appear legitimate.

Characteristics of Commercial Software

• Commercial software is typically developed for profit, with features including regular updates, customer support, and licensing fees.

Virus Delivery

• A virus often delivers additional malicious payloads or commands as part of the data it transmits, leading to further exploitation or harm.

Types of User Target Attacks

• Users can face various types of attacks, including phishing, malware infections, ransomware, and denial-of-service attacks that disrupt service availability.

This quiz covers the importance of security in information technology, safeguarding confidential business and personal data, and protecting against malicious acts. It is based on lecture 8 and the textbook 'Ethics in Information Technology' by George W. Reynolds.