This paper examines the ethical challenges posed by the rapid expansion of information technology across business, education, and personal spheres. It addresses societal ethical changes driven by increased data accessibility and security threats, discusses the importance of ethical IT usage and the prevention of malicious behavior, and analyzes the development and implementation of professional codes of ethics within the IT industry. The paper also considers how ethical frameworks function in academic settings and emphasizes the shared responsibility of individuals, organizations, and institutions in protecting data while maintaining constitutional freedoms and organizational integrity.
The world of information technology has expanded from small desktop computers to tablets, smartphones, and other advanced forms of technological communication. What we have seen as advanced opportunities to excel and truly set ourselves apart has resulted in variables we continue to address that have impacted this success, such as ethical behaviors. In the past, information technology advancements had limited impact on societies and cultures. However, in today's world, information technology is almost part of every business, educational institution, and personal activity. This paper examines the power of the information technology field and how ethical behavior plays a role in addressing the challenges that arise from information technology usage.
With the increase of information technology use in societies, there is also an increase for some individuals and businesses to engage in unethical behaviors related to information technology. This is why it is important for consumers and for businesses of all types to be well educated in ethics and to address the ethical concerns of information technology usage.
Security has become a critical concern as hackers worldwide seek opportunities to steal identities and exploit data for their own benefits. Businesses face increased pressure and awareness regarding the need to protect the privacy of others, especially in the financial industries. Today's information and data are stored either in files or in databases, and as computer usage continues to increase, the ability for businesses to protect that data has become more complex. Local colleges and universities have created new degree programs tailored toward meeting these challenges, as businesses actively seek individuals with specialized security skills. Because of this complexity and accessibility to the internet, it has become increasingly difficult to restrict access to information. This requires businesses to develop robust security procedures to protect data from unauthorized outside access.
As Brooks (2010) noted, hacking is not always a threat that occurs from persons outside the organization (Brooks, 2010, p. 9). Several studies have shown that this is not a unique situation; approximately 33 percent of IT workers have admitted to accessing privileged information by using their administrator passwords (Brooks, 2010, p. 5). An organization that can effectively plan and implement measures to prevent such internal threats will see success and continued growth. While cost savings are associated with placing all data and business information on the internet, this also increases the challenges and risks. It is because of this principle that businesses develop data security plans to regulate, secure, and maintain the use of private data. Regulating access to that data, especially when dealing with third parties, is equally important.
According to Moor (2010), the concept of privacy seems so obvious, so basic, and so much a part of American values that there may seem to be little room for philosophical concern about it (Moor, 2010, p. 69). Moor provided a philosophical framework of what privacy is, what it means, and whether it can be defended through philosophical reasoning. Reflecting on this work raises questions about the term privacy itself and its relationship to social ethical changes. Privacy is a representation or concept of the information to be protected and whether it will be sold or disclosed to others. We hear about privacy constantly and the ethical duties placed on us to protect it.
The ethical usage of information technology is something that has been discussed over time and continues to grow today. Ethical usage of information technology relates to how individuals utilize technology in their daily interactions. It encompasses communicating with friends, family, and colleagues; conducting legitimate business online; and making purchases online. Throughout time, human behaviors have always played a role in everyday lives. Unethical behavior occurs when an individual uses information technology in a fraudulent or malicious manner (Brooks, 2010, p. 3). Situations such as hacking into another person's computer to steal personal information or hacking into a company's computer network to corrupt it or steal data are examples of unethical behavior.
While these behaviors can be viewed as unethical, the solutions to these problem behaviors also present ethical dilemmas, as we must take many factors into account. We often hear about constitutional rights, such as freedom of speech, and our abilities as Americans to protect those freedoms. The ability to protect those freedoms while also protecting ourselves from unethical behavior in the information technology industry is a challenge we face today (Stephens, 2012, p. 16). What constitutes a violation of our rights as Americans while protecting the information that businesses are charged to safeguard? Where is the line between right and wrong? When comparing violations by personal hackers and misuse of information at a company level, which is more severe, or are they considered equal? They are exactly the same. We must take ownership of our actions and the behaviors we reflect toward others.
Adopting a code of ethics is considered part of a larger process to become an ethical organization. A code of ethics is the set of principles that organizations, employees, customers, partners, and stakeholders agree to follow. The code of ethics must be supported by policies, procedures, and regulations, and it must be followed by members of the organization and become part of the organization's culture. It is something found in all organizations of any size, including the military, where it forms the core of each serviceman and servicewoman's conduct. In the IT field, developing a code of ethics for information technology professionals has been subject to many controversies (Onorato, 2014, p. 26). It is a challenge to develop and sustain a code of ethics related to IT because the field changes at a rapid pace. As consumers, we want newer, innovative ideas that can make it difficult for businesses to ensure that proper codes of ethics are not only in place but are realistic for current times.
Developing and maintaining a code of ethics specific to the IT profession is essential to creating a culture that fosters trust and commitment to responsibility, honesty, corporate integrity, and personal integrity while avoiding conflicts of interest and perceived improprieties. However, implementing a code of ethics and standards to define information technology usage is more difficult. In most cases, this difficulty results from legally protected characteristics of information technology usage. In order to protect company assets and the rights of the public, it is essential to develop a set of standards that include both ethical codes and legal codes that control the legitimate opportunities employees have to engage in unethical behaviors while using company information technology.
"Maintaining integrity in educational environments"
With the advancement of computers, networks, and ease of communication over the internet, it has become possible to share almost any information with anyone and anywhere. We have a responsibility to protect this information at all levels of involvement, and it all starts with the owner of the information themselves. The world will continue to grow, and information technology will continue to grow with it. With it comes challenges, but if we can ensure we have the proper policies and procedures in place and put more pressure on ourselves to think ethically, it will be amazing to see what we can accomplish.
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