Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 10

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define key ethical issues like plagiarism and piracy.
• Identify common security threats like malware and phishing.
• Explain potential health risks from ICT use.
• Apply strategies to stay safe, healthy, and ethical online.
• Analyse these issues in a South African context.

Lesson summary

The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has become integral to almost every aspect of our lives in South Africa, from accessing education and healthcare to conducting business and connecting with loved ones. While ICTs offer incredible opportunities, they also present ethical dilemmas, security risks, and potential health hazards. This week, we will explore these crucial social implications, equipping you with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the digital world responsibly and safely.

Lesson notes

2.1 Ethics in ICT: Ethics refers to a set of moral principles that govern our behavior. In the context of ICT, ethics guides us on how to use technology responsibly and avoid actions that could harm others or infringe on their rights.

Plagiarism: Presenting someone else's work as your own without proper attribution. This includes copying text, images, or ideas from the internet or other sources without giving credit.

Example:* Copying and pasting information from Wikipedia into an assignment without citing the source. This is unethical and a violation of academic integrity. Many institutions in South Africa use plagiarism detection software like Turnitin.

Digital Piracy: Illegally copying, distributing, or using copyrighted software, music, movies, or other digital content.

Example:* Downloading a movie from a torrent website instead of paying for it on a streaming service. This deprives the copyright holder of their rightful compensation and is illegal. South Africa's Copyright Act aims to protect creators.

Software Licensing: Understanding different types of software licenses (e.g., freeware, shareware, commercial) and the restrictions they impose on usage. Using software outside the bounds of its license is unethical and may be illegal.

Example:* Using a single-user license of a software program on multiple computers.

Responsible Online Communication: Using respectful language, avoiding cyberbullying, and protecting personal information when communicating online.

Example:* Posting offensive or harassing comments on social media. This can have serious consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator. Think about the impact of sharing someone's private information without their consent.

Netiquette: A set of guidelines for acceptable online behavior. This includes using proper grammar and spelling, avoiding excessive use of capital letters, and being mindful of others' perspectives.

Example:* Writing a professional email versus sending a casual WhatsApp message. 2.2 Security Threats and Vulnerabilities: ICT security involves protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.

Malware: Malicious software designed to harm computer systems. This includes viruses, worms, Trojans, and ransomware.

Example:* Downloading a file from an untrusted source that contains a virus. The virus can then spread to other files on your computer and potentially steal your data or damage your operating system. Anti-virus software such as Avast, McAfee, and Kaspersky are used to combat malware.

Phishing: A type of online scam where criminals attempt to trick users into revealing personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or bank account details, by disguising themselves as legitimate entities.

Example:* Receiving an email that appears to be from your bank, asking you to verify your account details by clicking on a link.

However, the link leads to a fake website designed to steal your information. Be wary of emails asking for personal information.

Hacking: Gaining unauthorized access to computer systems or networks. Hackers may steal data, install malware, or disrupt services.

Example:* A hacker breaking into a company's database and stealing customer information. This can lead to identity theft and financial loss for the customers.

Data Breaches: Security incidents where sensitive information is accessed or disclosed without authorization.

Example:* A hospital's patient records being exposed due to a security vulnerability in their computer system.

Strong Passwords: Using strong, unique passwords for all online accounts. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Example:* Instead of using "password123", use something like "P@sswOrd!2024". Using password managers is a great way to manage strong passwords.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security to online accounts by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.

Firewalls: Security systems that monitor and control network traffic, blocking unauthorized access to computer systems.

Software Updates: Keeping software up to date with the latest security patches to fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.

Backups: Regularly backing up important data to protect against data loss due to hardware failure, malware, or other disasters. Consider cloud backups or external hard drives. 2.3 Health Risks Associated with ICT Use: While ICTs offer numerous benefits, prolonged and improper use can lead to various health problems.

Physical Health Risks: Eye Strain: Caused by prolonged screen time.

Mitigation:* Taking frequent breaks, adjusting screen brightness, and using blue light filters. The 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can help.