Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 10

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define ethical issues like plagiarism and digital piracy.
• Identify security threats like viruses, malware, and phishing.
• Explain potential health risks from prolonged ICT use.
• Discuss South African legal implications like the POPIA Act.
• Analyze case studies of unethical or insecure ICT practices.

Lesson summary

In today's world, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is deeply woven into the fabric of our lives, especially here in South Africa. From mobile phones and social media to online banking and education, ICT tools impact how we communicate, learn, work, and even access essential services.

However, this increasing reliance on ICT brings with it important ethical, security, and health considerations. It's crucial to understand these implications so we can use technology responsibly and safely. This lesson will explore these issues, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate the digital world effectively and ethically.

Lesson notes

2.1 Ethical Issues in ICT Ethics refers to a set of moral principles that govern our behavior. In the context of ICT, ethical issues arise from the misuse or abuse of technology.

Let's explore some common examples: Plagiarism: Presenting someone else's work as your own. This includes copying text, images, or ideas from the internet without proper attribution. In South Africa, plagiarism is a serious academic offense and can have severe consequences.

Example: Copying an entire paragraph from a Wikipedia article into your CAT assignment without citing the source. This is plagiarism and can lead to a failing grade.

Prevention: Always cite your sources using a consistent referencing style (e.g., Harvard referencing). Use plagiarism detection software to check your work. Rephrase information in your own words.

Digital Piracy: Illegally copying and distributing copyrighted software, music, movies, or other digital content. This deprives creators of their rightful earnings. South Africa has laws against digital piracy.

Example: Downloading a pirated movie from a torrent website. This is illegal and could expose your computer to malware.

Prevention: Purchase or stream content from legitimate sources like Netflix, Spotify, or Google Play Movies.

Online Identity Theft: Stealing someone's personal information (e.g., name, ID number, bank details) and using it to commit fraud or other crimes.

Example: Gaining access to someone's social media account by guessing their password and using it to spread false information or impersonate them.

Prevention: Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. Be cautious about sharing personal information online. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.

Cyberbullying: Using electronic communication to bully or harass someone. This can take many forms, including sending hurtful messages, spreading rumors, or posting embarrassing photos or videos. In South Africa, cyberbullying can have serious legal consequences.

Example: Creating a fake social media profile to impersonate a classmate and post embarrassing rumours about them.

Prevention: Block and report cyberbullies. Don't respond to their messages. Save any evidence of cyberbullying. Tell a trusted adult.

Hacking: Gaining unauthorized access to a computer system or network. Hackers may steal data, install malware, or disrupt services.

Example: Using a password cracking tool to gain access to someone's email account.

Prevention: Use strong passwords, keep your software up to date, and be cautious about clicking on suspicious links or attachments. Install a firewall. 2.2 Security Threats and Mitigation Computer security involves protecting computer systems and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.

Here are some common security threats: Viruses: Malicious programs that replicate themselves and spread to other files or computers. Viruses can cause data loss, system crashes, and other problems.

Example: Downloading a file from an untrusted website that contains a virus. The virus then infects other files on your computer.

Mitigation: Install and regularly update antivirus software. Be careful about downloading files from untrusted sources.

Malware: A broad term for any type of malicious software, including viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and spyware.

Example: A Trojan horse pretends to be a legitimate program but secretly installs malware on your computer.

Mitigation: Use antivirus software, be cautious about clicking on suspicious links or attachments, and keep your software up to date.

Phishing: Attempting to trick people into giving up their personal information by disguising as a trustworthy entity (e.g., a bank or a government agency).

Example: Receiving an email that looks like it's from your bank, asking you to verify your account details by clicking on a link. The link leads to a fake website that steals your information.

Mitigation: Be wary of unsolicited emails or phone calls asking for personal information. Verify the legitimacy of any requests before providing information. Check the sender's email address carefully.

Hacking: Attempting to gain unauthorized access to a computer system or network.

Example: A hacker uses a vulnerability in a website's code to gain access to its database and steal customer information.

Mitigation: Use strong passwords, keep your software up to date, and install a firewall. Be cautious about clicking on suspicious links or attachments. Enable two-factor authentication.

Ransomware: A type of malware that encrypts a victim's files and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key.

Example: Opening an email attachment that installs ransomware. Your files become encrypted and a message pops up demanding payment in Bitcoin.

Mitigation: Back up your data regularly to an external drive or cloud storage. Install and update antivirus software. Be cautious about opening suspicious attachments.