ICT - Issues

ICT - Issues

1. Security Issues

   • Physical Threats
     • theft, flooding, fire and accidental damage
   • Hackers
     • get access to data without permission
       • use firewalls and encrypt information
   • Phishing
     • cons people into believing that an email is from a valid organisation
   • Unsecured wireless networks
     • have a password and encrypt data
   • Cookies
     • Know how to delete and manage cookies
   • Viruses
     • keep Bluetooth switched off when not in use
   • bluejacking
     • sending unwanted messages to open Bluetooth connections

2. Threats to privacy

   • social networking sites
     • know how to use privacy settings
   • search engines
     • record information about your searches including your location
   • may be tricked into buying spyware
     • use up to date anti spyware
   • Hackers
   • Identity theft
     • keep all information safe by using passwords
   • cookies
     • know how to delete and manage cookies

3. Ways to monitor people

   • social network sites
   • credit/debit cards - banks know how much people are spending
   • passports are scanned and movement in and out of countries is monitored
   • mobile phone companies know who we have been in contact with
   • Geolocation information (GPS) can track your movements
   • email companies know who we email

4. Health and safety

   • Positive effects
     • Friendships can be built on social networking
     • Easier to maintain contact with family
     • Easier to access information and learn new things
     • Exercise at home using WII fit etc
     • ICT skills mean you can get better paid jobs
     • always safe by being in contact with someone
     • GPS means you can use SatNavs etc
   • Negative effects
     • contribute to obesity
     • over use social network sites
       • set timers
     • repetitive strain injuries can develop
     • joint pain can occur if you sit in the wrong position for too long
     • Eye strains
     • accidents can occur if people use mobile phones whilst driving

5. Networks

   • shopping
     • rapid access
     • round the clock availability
     • no need to leave house
   • communication
     • talk to people all over the world 24/7
     • news can be spread quick
   • work
     • teleworking (working from home)
     • work with people al over the world
     • location of office is less important

6. Legislation

   • Data Protection Act
     • protects against misuse of personal data by schools, shops and businesses
   • Computer Misuse Act
     • covers misuse of computer software and illegal access to files
       • piracy
       • hacking
       • fraud
   • Copyright, Designs and Patents Act
     • criminal offence to copy or steal media or someone else's work
   • Digital Economy Act
     • stops people illegally downloading media

7. Unequal Access to ICT

   • Disability or illness
   • affordibility
   • people living in remote areas
   • lack of knowledge and skills
   • limited access to electricity
   • Censorship - some governments restrict and censor access to digital technology

8. Sustainability

   • E-waste
     • old computer equipment ends up as E-waste
   • Pollution
     • All devices use electricity
     • Toxic substances from E-waste get into the soil and water supplies
   • Finite resources
     • Some elements used to create technology are in short supply and will eventually run out
     • Electricity often comes from non-renewable resources and will eventually run out