Ethics Governing Cyber Laws - Essay Example

As more and more people were allowed to use the networks problems arose. Before computers became more mainstream they were the domain of the computer "geeks" who used them for entertainment. They used them to play complex games and often wrote the programs for the computers they used. Many of these computer users found it challenging to "hack" into available networks such as military and university sites. This is considered "gaining unauthorized access to a computer system" (Oxford Dictionary of Law, 2006).

These sites put up the first "firewalls" to prevent, or limit, access. To this day websites are often the victim of hackers trying to do as much damage as possible. As computer usage became more and more mainstream computer networks grew. Usage became more user-friendly. The internet became a major vehicle for sharing knowledge, communicating, and entertaining its users. Today students spend a good portion of their days on the internet researching and learning. Many have completed college in online classrooms.

As the use of the internet grew it became an asset to many users and organizations. Communication between users became easier and easier. The internet has become a communication tool, educational tool, and a requirement for many jobs. Employers often require entry level workers to have computer related training. Using such tools as Word, Excel, and Access are considered entry level skills that are taught at the high school level. Older workers are required to learn these skills on their own to keep up with the technological changes at their workplace.

With all the good the internet brings it also is an avenue for modern criminals to take advantage of others. The problem with the internet is that it is hard to legislate and enforce laws having to do with internet usage and it is hard to tell where to draw the line when it comes to what is okay and what is not. Many computer users exploit this grey area and get all they can out of the internet. It is this grey area that will be the focus of this paper.Ethical BehaviorEthical behavior is defined as "relating to moral principals"(Concise Oxford English Dictionary, 2006).

Ethical behavior consists of conducting yourself according to principals of right and wrong. It is the basic principal of what an individual considers right, or good behavior, and wrong behavior. These moral standards vary from one culture to another and are often not mandated. Ethical behavior consists of "fair and honest behavior" (Concise Oxford English Dictionary, 2006).Those most vulnerable to the temptation of cyber ethics violations are teenagers and young adults who are still developing their ethics.

There are many behaviors this group will try out to see how much they can get away with. Many attempt to download music and videos that are copyrighted. Many others have moved on to riskier behaviors such as identity theft and falsifying log on details to access pornography sites. Because ethical behavior varies from one culture to another it is hard to legislate this behavior as wrong or right. What one person might never do another may find permissible. Copying information from the internet directly into an academic paper may be considered okay by some and plagiarism by others.

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