Ethics in computing or Data Protection Act - Research Paper Example

Data projection and ethics Data Protection Overview To protect data stored in the database that I developed, I ensured that I incorporated are wide range of security controls to help protect the database against compromises of confidentiality and integrity. In the database projects, I incorporated technical and procedural controls to protects that data from unauthorized access, malware infections, systems overloads, design flaws and data corruptions. These activities were carried out with the data protection act in mind
Data protection requires that comprehensive solution be availed for organizations and individuals to collect and store information in real reliable systems. This requires safeguarding data through viable planning. This may require data reliable data back up and protection. These protections required for data are regulated by the data protection Act (1998). While these Acts seemed comprehensive at the time of legislation, they have come to show that there are a number of loop holes that can be exploited by various interest groups to achieve their ends (Strobl, Cave, &, Walley, 2000).
My input and considerations
According to Strobl, Cave, &, Walley, (2000), data protection is a regulation that places me in an awkward position while doing my project on data bases. This act made it very important for me to ensure I introduce structures geared at protecting the information of the data subjects. To ensure that I never contravened the data protection Act or anybody using the databases does not override the data protection act, I ensured that the available controls provided by the existing file systems are upgraded and if possible combined to improve the level of security of the data (Per Arne Godejord, 2008).
While this was not only focused on ensuring that the data inside were protected and that the data subjects rights are upheld, I had to ensure that I had in place proper structures for Access control and auditing. However, I had to come up with plans to ensure that the authentication and encryption processes are always up to date. Updating the programs helped me maintain the integrity of the files.
Though it is a requirement of the data protection act to ensure that, the personal data are fairly processed. I had to ensure that I carried out a vulnerability assessment and compliance. This is in line with the requirement of that Act that any personal data be processed in fair and lawful manners. Vulnerability assessment and compliance is important in ensuring that data are not processed against the wish of the data subject. After assessing vulnerability, I also configured the original single factor authentication into a two-factor authentication process based on the value of the data stored in the database. Further to this, I also made sure that sensitive data were held in a maximum security. I have also ut in place structures for processing personal data and the limits for each person accessing personal data stored in the database (Akeroyd, 1991)
Application security
Application security is one of the main areas that i put a lot of effort in to ensure that the application s used in connection with the database do not overwrite the command and only execute the command given to them. This security is important for ensuring that the information are safe. I also achieved this by ensuring that i incorporate security into the database development process (Per Arne Godejord, 2008).
Countermeasures
Databases are also vulnerable to threats and attacks. However, I ensured that I incorporated countermeasures geared at mitigating the risks of such activities. Even the strongest database with the most up to data firewalls is vulnerable to attacks and threats.
Bibliography
Akeroyd, A. V. (1991) Personal information and qualitative research data: Some practical and ethical problems arising from data protection legislation, in N. G. Fielding and R. Lee (eds) Using Computers in Qualitative Research, London: Sage Publications Ltd, pp. 89-106.
Strobl, J., Cave, E. and Walley, T. (2000) Data protection legislation: interpretation and barriers to research, British Medical Journal 321(7261): 890-892.
Per Arne Godejord, (2008)."Getting Involved: Perspectives on the Use of True Projects as Tools for Developing Ethical Thinking in Computer Science Students," International Journal of Technology and Human Interaction 4.2 22-34 Read More