Computer network security has been a significant issue surrounding the evolution of the internet. In order to secure network communication, it is vital that security objectives are well achieved. Computer security is a course that ought to be offered to students pursuing Computer Science so as to equip them with the mandatory information in handling network attacks. This is important since most organizations rely on computer networks to store, access and supply business information, either internally or externally to its clients (Douligeris, 2007).
A closer look at the course content reveals that when developing its syllabus, it is vital to incorporate topics like hacking into a system, learning how to create malware and how to penetrate a DOS attack. These topics raise some ethical issues with regards to the utilitarianism ethical theory which primarily implies that when undertaking something, the choice that a person makes should yield the greatest benefit to the most people (Geirsson & Holmgren, 2010). Hacking may be considered unethical depending on the intent of the hacker. Some hackers attack organizations’ networks for personal gain and others for pure destruction. This type of hacking should not be suggested for college students willing to become computer security experts since they will be a menace to the society.
As a computer security specialist, it is important to have knowledge of identifying potential threats to a computer network. This will require some knowledge in hacking and the sort of malware that can be exploited by different hackers. This is necessary since it will equip you with the skills to spot the weaknesses or possible security vulnerabilities of the network so that it can be strengthened. Therefore, this course should be offered at undergraduate level since it is vital to get accustomed with the knowledge at an early stage and more emphasis should be laid on moral practices involving network security.
The rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence, which is a branch of Computer science, has led to the design and development of machines that are exclusively controlled by the computer and others with the aid of human beings such as the Google Computer Driven Car. These developments have raised serious ethical and societal concerns which need to be tackled effectively.
As much as these technological advancements are welcome, it should be noted that their existence should pose the least harm to humanity. For instance, it is estimated that the number of deaths caused by human drivers will decrease with the advent of autonomous cars since human error will be completely eliminated. With possibilities of further upgrades of the cars, it is expected that there would be a decline in the number of people maimed or killed by autonomous car accidents (Finn & Scheding, 2010). Hence, it is considered an ethical move for the society since more lives will be saved and this is a positive end result.
On the other hand, the introduction of such technology would virtually mean replacing people with machines (Lin, 2012). This will help businesses reduce operational costs and improve efficiency and safety in its operations but it will also contribute to unemployment in the society. This poses a serious ethical dilemma since technology should improve livelihoods and ways of doing things but if it leads to unemployment, it means it will have a negative impact on livelihoods of affected individuals.
The technological advancements are very exciting and promising, but at the same time the ethical and possible legal issues that may arise should be handled with great care.
References
Douligeris, C. (2007). Network security current status and future directions. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley ;.
Geirsson, H., & Holmgren, M. R. (2010). Ethical theory: a concise anthology (2nd ed.). Peterborough, Ont.: Broadview Press.
Lin, P. (2012). Robot ethics: the ethical and social implications of robotics. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press.
Finn, A., & Scheding, S. (2010). Developments and challenges for autonomous unmanned vehicles: a compendium. Berlin [u.a.: Springer.
