Main

Introduction

Possibilities

Ethics

Physical Security

Digital Security

Bibliography

Introduction

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In today's post-9/11 world, cyberspace ethics pivot on the issue of computer security. Computer security, in the words of Bruce Sterling, "is a nasty topic, and we wish we didn't have to think about it." (301) Yet, in modern day cyberspace, we are forced to make it first in our thoughts and our plans. However, it is possible to go too far in an attempt to secure cyberspace. One of the prime directives of any security system should be that it is "compatible with the legitimate use and flow of data and information in a democratic society." (Denning 398)

The United States Government knows the salient fact that ""Our economy and national security are fully dependent upon information technology and information infrastructure. At the core of the information info structure upon which we depend is the Internet." (viii) But of course, in order to protect our nation's vital infostructure laws must be put into effect. Historically technology laws have lagged behind the technology they apply to and current laws are no exception. Surprisingly, the UK was the first to put computer laws into effect, however the US was soon to follow with the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986, which turned computer intrusion into a federal crime.

Of course a lot has changed since then. Since 1986 hackers have increased in number, attacks have increased in frequency, and the danger that can results from these attacks has become more and more dangerous. Computers have become integrated into our lives so much that even the smallest of intrusions can have wide reaching effects. Even worse, corporations have invaded our home computers with adware and spyware. New viruses come out every day and the harm that they can do has become far reaching. With all these problems and our assimilation of technology the issue of Information Security is one of the great issues facing our society.

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