Privacy and Security
| Author | Lisa Gueldenzoph, Mark Snyder |
| Pages | 602-604 |
Page 602
The use of computers by business, industry, health care, education, and government enhances their ability to collect, analyze, and communicate information quickly and efficiently. The availability and access of this information, however, significantly affects individual privacy and security. Personal information is transmitted and stored every time a credit card is used, a telephone call is made, or an electronic mail (e-mail) message is sent or received. Personal information regarding health care, insurance, and Social Security records is digitized, stored, and maintained in easily accessible computer files. Although computer technology makes data easier to compile, combine, and circulate, it dramatically increases potential violations of personal privacy and security.
Privacy is an individual's ability to be anonymous. It is not a constitutional right; unsanctioned intrusion of privacy, however, is legislated against at various federal and state levels. Once personal information is shared—whether in electronic, written, or oral form—the individual's privacy cannot be assured. Security implies confidentiality, integrity, and the assurance that personal information will remain private. In the information age of the twenty-first century, privacy and security are difficult to maintain. Identity theft is a continuous threat.
During 2004 more than 9.3 million Americans were victims of identity theft. This activity resulted in $52.6 billion in damages. On average, victims of identity theft spent 600 hours repairing their credit. As victims of identity theft, individuals reported a temporary loss of credit as well as significant mental anguish. Although personal identities may be stolen by computerized methods, the majority (62.8%) of identity theft occurred by more traditional means (stolen wallets, mail removed from household mailboxes, dumpster diving, and employee theft).
Employee theft occurs in places such as medical offices and human resource departments where confidential personal information is routinely recorded and distributed. Although many people are more comfortable providing their credit cards in face-to-face transactions (e.g., at stores or restaurants) rather than electronically (e.g., online shopping), a level of personal trust is assumed in both cases. Online transactions, however, are often processed without human intervention. The potential risk is the security of the database of customer information stored online. Security engineering attempts to protect customer...
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