Issues

Issues

1. Security Issues

   • Hackers: try to get access to data without permission.
     • Prevented: use firewalls, passwords and encrypt information travelling across networks
   • Phishing: cons people into believing that email/text is from a valid organisation so that they give away usernames/passwords leaving to identity theft.
     • Prevented: need to be able to identify phishing
   • Unsecured wireless networks: let other users easily see and use wireless network
     • Prevented: secure wireless networks using a password/encrypt data travelling over network
   • Viruses: designed to be harmful to digital devices and spread easily over networks
     • Prevented: keep Bluetooth switched off when not in use
       • Bluejacking: process of sending unwanted messages to open Bluetooth conections
   • IMPORTANT TO:
     • Make sure latest updates are installed for operating system/browser
     • Use encryption for transmission/storing data so only intended recipient can decode it
     • Backup to save data. Cloud computing allows users to backup data ronline.

2. Privacy issues

   • Privacy protected by Data Protection Act.
   • Social networking sites: keep track of all your interaction and save them
     • Know how to use the privacy settings and be aware pf how much personal info you share online
   • Hackers
   • Cookies: small text files stored on your computer and store your browsing habits/frequently visited sites. this helps with advertising relevant products - seen as a privacy issue
     • Know how to delete and manage cookies
   • identity theft: involves someone pretending to be someone else by collecting information about their identity
     • Keep all personal information safe

3. Monitoring movements and communications

   • Ways of monitoring people
     • Your computers IP address provides clues to search engines/social networking sites about your geographical location
     • Use of credit/debit card allows banks to know when/where and how much money you spend
     • Geolocation information form GPS-enabled devices can track your position
     • Social networking sites can use Geotagging from photographs posted online and can be used to monior your movements

4. Health and safety

   • Positive effects
     • Easier to maintain contact with family/friends especially those who live far away
     • Exercises at home using games such as Wii can improve physical fitness.
     • ICT skills can help get better paid and more skilled jobs
     • Mobile phones can help us keep safe by always being able to contact others
   • Negative effects
     • ICT can contribute to obesity due to inactvity
       • Prevented: should be balanced with other activities
     • Accidents can be caused by mobile phones being used whilst driving
       • Prevented: use hands-free devices when driving
     • Repetitive strain injuries can develop from doing the same thing again and again
       • Change position or controller, use supports
     • Overuse of social networking sites and micro blogging sites
       • Track time online, balance this with seeing family and friends inperson

5. Impact of networks

   • Work
     • Teleworking: working from home
     • Work easily with people all over the world
     • Location of office less important
     • Allow users to share resources and have access to a range of resources
   • Shopping
     • Rapid access
     • Round the clock availability
     • No need to leave the house
   • Communication
     • Socialising with people all around the world 24/7
     • Over use of social networking sites and rapid spread of news
   • Creativity
     • Crowd sourcing: contributing content to websites
     • People become content generators for websites e.g Youtube/Wikipedia
   • DIgital divide

6. Legislation relating to the use of ICT

   • Data Protection Act: protects you against misuse of our personal data that may be held by a range of organisations e.g shops and schools. This ensures that personal data is:
     • 1. processed fairly and lawfully
       • 2. Obtained for specific purposes
         • 3. Adequate, relevant and not excessive
           • 4. Accurate and kept up to date
             • 5. Not kept longer than necessary
               • 6. Processed respecting rights of people
                 • 7. Kept secure
                   • 8. Not transferred outside Europe
   • Computer Misuse Act: covers misuse of computer equipment and illegal access to files. Following things illegal:
     • 1. Software privacy - copying and distributing software illegally
       • 2. Planting viruses
         • 3. Hacking
           • 4. Fraud
   • Copyright, Designs and Patents Act: makes criminal offence to copy or steal media or other people's work/ideas. Makes following things illegal:
     • 1. Copy or distribute media without a proper licence or the copyright owner's permission
       • 2. Use purchased media on more computers than you have licences for
   • Digital Economy act stops people illegally downloading media. Internet Service Providers(ISPs) can collect data about repeat offenders.

7. Unequal access to ICT

   • Causes of it in UK
     • Affordability
     • DIsability or illness
     • People living in remote areas
     • Lack of knowledge/skills
   • Causes of it worldwide
     • Affordabiliy
     • Censorship
     • Limited access to electricity
   • Digital divide: the gap between people with and without access to networks/digital technology both within and between countries
     • Implications
       • Economic
         • People with good IT skills tend to get better paid jobs
         • Internet gives people access to a wider range of goods and services
       • Educational
         • People with access to online courses can improve their skills and knowledge
         • Have access to schools personalised learning using VLEs
       • Social
         • People can feel left out if they don't have access
         • Access means you can keep in touch more easily/regually with friends and family

8. Safe and responsible practice

   • Computer equipment emits heat SO keep room well ventilated
   • Spilt drinks can cause an electric shock or damange your computer SO keep food away from equipment
   • Use of computer can cause eye strain SO keep room well lit and take regular screen breaks

9. Sustainability issues

   • Issues
     • E-waste: old computer equipment ends up as electronic waste that goes to land fill sites
     • Pollution: toxic substances from e-waste can get into soil and water supplies. as uses electricity produces greenhouse gases adding to global warming
     • Finite resources: some devices have short supply so willl run out. Electricity comes from non-renewable resources such as coal and oil(fossil fuels) which will run out in future
   • How to increase sustainability
     • Recycle or reuse old digital devices e.g. selling them
     • Reduce your impact as long as possible and switch off when not in use
     • Renewable energy: cheap sustainable electricity e.g. hydro electric power(cooling water). Also using solar powered devices