Read Directions In The Attachment Provided, Then Look Up Com

Read Directions In The Attachment Providedthen Look Up Computer Crimes

Read directions in the attachment provided then look up computer crimes and code of ethics found on many websites and answer the situations below. Provide your reasoning for each of your answers using both the ethical codes of conduct and the information on computer crimes that you found on the internet. Beside each situation below, place a check by the term(s) that best reflects your opinion of the behavior of the individual. Provide your reasoning for each of your answers using both the ethical codes of conduct and the information on computer crimes.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The rapid advancement of information technology has transformed numerous industries, especially healthcare, where the integration of computer systems enhances patient care, medical research, and administrative efficiency. However, these technological benefits also introduce ethical challenges and vulnerabilities to computer crimes. Understanding the ethical codes governing information technology professionals and the legal implications of computer crimes is crucial for maintaining integrity, confidentiality, and trust within healthcare environments. This paper analyzes various hypothetical scenarios related to computer ethics and crimes by applying established ethical standards and legal principles.

Scenario Analysis

a. Sharing a Textbook and Access Code

John and Beth decide to share a textbook that includes online access, establishing one account under Beth’s name with shared login credentials. Ethically, this act constitutes copyright infringement and a breach of terms of service (ToS). According to the Ethics and Guidelines for Computer and Internet Use (ACM Code of Ethics), individuals must respect intellectual property rights and refrain from unauthorized copying or sharing of licensed materials. Legally, this behavior infringes on copyright law (17 U.S.C.), which prohibits unauthorized reproduction and distribution of copyrighted works. Therefore, John’s and Beth’s actions are both unethical and constitute computer crimes (copyright infringement). It is unethical because they violate legal protections of intellectual property and breach licensing agreements, which is a fundamental tenet reinforced by professional ethical standards.

b. Selling Access to Web Resources

John and Beth plan to sell their access and textbooks to a future student, Robert. Transferring or selling access credentials in this manner infringes upon software licensing agreements and the terms of service (ToS). This is considered unethical because it involves unauthorized redistribution, violating licensing terms and intellectual property rights. Legally, it can be categorized as software piracy or license violation, constituting a computer crime under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Selling licensed access undermines the rights of copyright holders and violates ethical standards that emphasize respect for lawful use and ownership of digital resources.

c. Sharing Clinical Assignments

Susan requests Betty to share her clinical assignment details to prepare for upcoming clinicals. Betty agrees because they frequently collaborate. Ethically, sharing clinical assignments, which are typically confidential and may include patient-specific information, may breach confidentiality obligations and academic integrity policies. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates strict confidentiality of patient information, and even de-identified data must be handled securely. From an ethical standpoint, this behavior is questionable due to potential breaches of confidentiality and professional standards. It is not a computer crime, assuming no electronic records or patient identifiers are improperly accessed or shared, but it does contravene ethical guidelines regarding patient privacy and academic honesty.

d. Accessing Patients’ Information Unauthorized

Betty learns she cannot access certain patient information and reports this to Susan, who then contacts the clinical instructor. The instructor prints and blacks out patient identifiers before sharing the data. Ethically, accessing patient information without proper authorization violates HIPAA and professional confidentiality standards. However, the instructor’s actions—printing and anonymizing data—align with ethical practices for limited data sharing under supervision. It prevents unauthorized disclosure and maintains confidentiality, making the behavior mostly ethical. Unauthorized access would be unethical and potentially criminal, but the instructor’s method mitigates legal violations.

e. Using a Password During a Medical Emergency

James uses Dr. Smith's password to read a hospital message during an emergency. This act involves unauthorized use of someone else's credentials, violating the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). Ethically, it is a breach of trust, confidentiality, and professional standards of conduct. Legally, this is a computer crime—unauthorized access to protected systems. Even in emergencies, using another person's login credentials without explicit permission is unethical and criminal, emphasizing the importance of proper access controls in healthcare IT environments.

f. Copying Web Page Graphics Without Permission

Brian copies a background graphic from another website without obtaining permission, but includes an acknowledgment link. Ethically, this falls into copyright violation, as he reproduces a copyrighted work without explicit permission, although acknowledgment mitigates some concerns. Legally, this may be considered copyright infringement, which is a computer crime under U.S. copyright law. Proper attribution does not authorize reproduction, and permission is required for commercial or public use, according to copyright law and ethical standards respecting intellectual property.

g. Data Collection in Research with IRB Approval

Research involving sensitive patient data requires IRB approval and informed consent, with strict procedures for data access. The PI plans to proceed using existing access but ignores new procedures. Ethically, this disregards protocol and Institutional Review Board (IRB) policies designed to protect patient rights and confidentiality, constituting misconduct. Legally, unauthorized access or deviation from approved protocols can compromise privacy and breach legal protections like HIPAA. The PI and investigators have a duty to adhere to ethical standards and laws governing research.

h. Using an Online Term Paper

Terri uses a plagiarized term paper, heavily revising it without citation. Ethically, this constitutes academic dishonesty and plagiarism, violating the Ethical Principles of the American Psychological Association (APA) and other scholarly standards. Legally, plagiarism infringes on intellectual property rights, but it is primarily an academic integrity violation rather than a criminal act. However, it damages professional reputation and violates ethical norms about originality and proper attribution.

i. Illegally Using Software Licenses

Dr. Bob distributes licensed software beyond authorized copies, planning to extend access by using student accounts after dropping the course. Ethically, this violates licensing agreements and intellectual property rights. Legally, this behavior infringes software licensing laws and could be considered software piracy, a federal offense under the DMCA. Using or distributing licensed software without appropriate purchasing violates both law and professional standards.

j. Forwarding Patient Information via Email

James forwards a patient's email that discusses health concerns to the nursing staff. This is a violation of HIPAA and constitutes unauthorized disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI). Ethically, James breaches confidentiality obligations and fails to uphold trust in healthcare provider-patient relationships. Legally, this act could result in sanctions due to non-compliance with HIPAA regulations, classifying it as a computer crime and breach of privacy protections.

Conclusion

The analysis of these scenarios underscores the critical importance of adhering to ethical principles and legal statutes in the use of computer technology, especially within healthcare environments. Respect for intellectual property, confidentiality, proper authorization, and fair use are fundamental to maintaining professional integrity and avoiding criminal liability. Educating healthcare professionals about ethical standards and the consequences of computer crimes is essential for fostering trust and safeguarding patient rights in digital health systems.

References

• American Medical Association. (2016). Code of Medical Ethics. AMA Journals.
• American Psychological Association. (2020). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.
• Association for Computing Machinery. (2018). ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
• Copyright Law of the United States (17 U.S.C.). (1976).
• Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). (1998).
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
• Office for Civil Rights. (2020). Summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
• Riegelman, R. K., & Kirk, M. A. (2018). Studying a Case in Healthcare Ethics. Medical Ethics Journal.
• United States Department of Justice. (2021). Computer Crime and Cybersecurity issues.
• Vacca, J. R. (2013). Computer and Information Security Handbook. Elsevier.