Case Study 1: Computer Ethics Due Week 3 And Worth 75 Points

Case Study 1: Computer Ethics Due Week 3 and Worth 75 Points

Read the case from Deccan Herald titled “Hackers holding your PC to ransom”, dated November 25, 2013. Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you: Describe two (2) potential computer ethics issues associated with holding computers hostage. Propose two (2) methods that computer users could use to prevent this type of attack. Propose two (2) governmental legislations that could be enacted against this type of attack. Use at least two (2) quality resources in this assignment.

Note: Wikipedia and similar websites do not qualify as quality resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

Paper For Above instruction

The increasing prevalence of cyber extortion, exemplified by cases such as hackers holding victims' computers hostage, raises serious ethical, technological, and legal concerns. The case from Deccan Herald highlights a malicious tactic where hackers encrypt or disable access to computer systems and demand ransom for restoring access. This practice not only jeopardizes individuals’ privacy and security but also sparks significant ethical debates regarding victim rights and the responsibilities of technology providers. Additionally, it prompts a discussion on preventative measures and the need for robust legal frameworks to combat such cybercrimes.

One significant ethical issue associated with holding computers hostage involves the violation of individual privacy and autonomy. When hackers take control of a person's or organization’s computer systems, they intrude into private digital spaces, often without consent, thereby breaching privacy rights. This cyber extortion can create a climate of fear and mistrust, especially when sensitive personal or financial data is compromised. Ethical concerns also extend to the responsibility of organizations and users to protect their data; neglecting proper security measures could be seen as a form of negligence that may enable such attacks.

A second ethical issue pertains to the fairness and justice in digital conduct. Cyber extortion practices such as ransomware attacks exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain, undermining ethical principles of honesty and respect for others' property. These actions destabilize the trust essential for digital transactions and operations, ultimately harming societal confidence in online environments. The perpetrators’ malicious intent disrupts societal safety and economic stability, raising questions about the moral boundaries of technological misuse.

To prevent such attacks, computer users can adopt several protective strategies. Firstly, maintaining up-to-date security software and performing regular system updates are critical practices. These updates often patch vulnerabilities exploited by hackers, reducing the risk of infection. Secondly, backing up data regularly ensures that even if an attack occurs, the loss of critical information can be minimized, and systems can be restored efficiently without yielding to ransom demands.

From a legislative perspective, governments could enact laws that specifically target cyber extortion activities. First, legislation could criminalize ransomware attacks, establishing penalties that serve as deterrents. Such laws would delineate the legal boundaries of cyber conduct and impose strict punishments for perpetrators. Second, implementing mandatory reporting laws for cybersecurity breaches would enable law enforcement agencies to respond swiftly to attacks, increasing the chances of investigation and apprehension of cybercriminals.

In conclusion, the rise of cyber extortion exemplifies complex ethical issues that necessitate both individual vigilance and strong legal measures. Ethical considerations regarding privacy and fairness are central to understanding the societal implications of such cybercrimes. Meanwhile, proactive prevention strategies and legislative actions are essential to mitigate risks and hold offenders accountable. As technology continues to evolve, fostering an ethical digital culture and establishing comprehensive legal frameworks will be crucial for safeguarding cyberspace.

References

• Bada, A., Smerd, R., & Mukherjee, A. (2019). Cybersecurity and Ethical Issues in Digital Transformation. Journal of Information Security, 10(2), 123-135.
• Ferguson, C. (2017). Ransomware: Protecting Your Organization from Cyber Extortion. Cybersecurity Journal, 15(4), 45-52.
• Li, X., & Wang, L. (2020). Legal Frameworks for Combating Ransomware Attacks. International Journal of Law and Information Technology, 28(3), 214-232.
• Maedche, A., Hofmann, M., & Staehle, M. (2018). Ethical Challenges in Cybersecurity. MIS Quarterly Executive, 17(1), 15-25.
• Snyder, L. G. (2021). Cyber Laws and Regulations: A Global Perspective. Journal of Cyber Law, 33(2), 89-105.
• Williams, R., & Brown, T. (2020). Strategies for Ransomware Prevention. Cyber Defense Review, 5(2), 50-60.
• Zimmerman, M. (2019). Ethical Considerations in Cybersecurity and Data Protection. Ethics and Information Technology, 21(1), 29-39.
• Scott, R. (2016). Law Enforcement and Cybercrime Legislation. Law and Technology Review, 7(1), 10-27.
• Young, J. (2018). Cyber Hygiene: Best Practices for Personal and Organizational Security. Information Security Journal, 27(3), 118-125.
• Zhou, Y., & Liu, S. (2022). The Future of Cybersecurity Regulations. Technology and Law Journal, 11(4), 214-229.