Chapter 10. Privacy, Security, and Ethics
Viruses, spyware, and identity theft are turning the World Wide Web into a dangerous place. By undermining consumer trust, these problems are hampering e-commerce and the growth of online communities. A basic lesson is coming home to researchers, operators, and ordinary users alike: Security and privacy are not frills or features, but vital and enabling building blocks. As Web-based systems take on a physical dimension through wireless devices and sensors, and as they absorb varied media — from books to online games to home movies — digital security is ramifying in its economic and social reach.
Currently, there are no standard protocols for protecting the security of email, telemetry, or electronic health records. Further, firewalls and encryption, while they may slow down the process, are unlikely to deter someone motivated to access personal health records. Wireless transmissions pose even greater concerns. Concerns regarding privacy, confidentiality, and security of health information have always existed; however, the ease with which, the extent to which, and the context within which they may be breached are intensified with the electronic exchange of information.” Patients must feel protected from “nightmare scenarios,” which include accidentally transmitting medical information to the wrong address or to someone masquerading (as a physician for example) and allowing hackers to break into medical information that they then broadcast over the Internet. Privacy concerns are more accentuated in the older people group as evidenced by a 2005 Pew Internet survey (2) which shows that, “sixty-one percent of those 65 and older say they are ‘very concerned’ about businesses and people they don’t know getting personal information about them or their families, compared to forty-six percent of Americans between ages 18 and 29”.
CAREERS IN IT : Cryptography - is the science of disguising and revealing encrypted information; in terms of information technology, cryptography usually refers to keeping any intercepted information private. For example, such information may be financial data, like banking and credit card information used in online shopping, or private e-mail and correspondence. Cryptographers can expect to earn an annual salary of $60,000 to over $100,000. Opportunities for advancement typically depend on experience; the most competitive field will be research positions in the military and at universities.
A LOOK TO THE FUTURE : A webcam on every corner...
Wireless internet connections are becoming widely available in public places. At the same time, digital video and still camera technology is becoming more sophisticated and cheaper. As a result, images of public places are more accessible than ever before. Mobile phones are now equipped with cameras and internet connectivity, and such devices are likely to improve in quality and speed in the future.
Currently, there are no standard protocols for protecting the security of email, telemetry, or electronic health records. Further, firewalls and encryption, while they may slow down the process, are unlikely to deter someone motivated to access personal health records. Wireless transmissions pose even greater concerns. Concerns regarding privacy, confidentiality, and security of health information have always existed; however, the ease with which, the extent to which, and the context within which they may be breached are intensified with the electronic exchange of information.” Patients must feel protected from “nightmare scenarios,” which include accidentally transmitting medical information to the wrong address or to someone masquerading (as a physician for example) and allowing hackers to break into medical information that they then broadcast over the Internet. Privacy concerns are more accentuated in the older people group as evidenced by a 2005 Pew Internet survey (2) which shows that, “sixty-one percent of those 65 and older say they are ‘very concerned’ about businesses and people they don’t know getting personal information about them or their families, compared to forty-six percent of Americans between ages 18 and 29”.
CAREERS IN IT : Cryptography - is the science of disguising and revealing encrypted information; in terms of information technology, cryptography usually refers to keeping any intercepted information private. For example, such information may be financial data, like banking and credit card information used in online shopping, or private e-mail and correspondence. Cryptographers can expect to earn an annual salary of $60,000 to over $100,000. Opportunities for advancement typically depend on experience; the most competitive field will be research positions in the military and at universities.
A LOOK TO THE FUTURE : A webcam on every corner...
Wireless internet connections are becoming widely available in public places. At the same time, digital video and still camera technology is becoming more sophisticated and cheaper. As a result, images of public places are more accessible than ever before. Mobile phones are now equipped with cameras and internet connectivity, and such devices are likely to improve in quality and speed in the future.