Unit 3 – Information and Computer Security
Unit 3 INFORMATION AND
COMPUTER SECURITY
UNIT OUTCOME
Students will be able to:
understand and aware of copyright issues;
recognize national and international laws on copyright.
3.1 INFORMATION AND COMPUTER SECURITY
In Grade 9, you have studied some of the basic concepts of information and computer security. You know
that computer viruses can corrupt and damage the computers. Viruses can also open security breaches on
a computer that allows yet another threat, hackers, into computer system. Do you know that simply by
the fact of having our school or home computers connected to a network and on the Internet (see Fig. 3.1);
these are exposed to several information and computer security risks?
Fig. 3.1: Networking of computers exposes information and computer security
Information and computer security risks arise from the intentional or unintentional misuse of
computers, network resources as well as the Internet. These risks may result in the loss of or damage to
computer hardware, software, confidential information, and data integrity as well as network and Internet
availability.
Hackers can do a number of things, from stealing your passwords to controlling your computer through
remote access. So, every student and other computer users must know about information and computer
security. Remember that violation of information and computer security is punishable.
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Unit 3 – Information and Computer Security
All of us must make sure that we are aware of the security risks and develop the ability to know what to
do in different situations. Figure 3.2 shows the impact of information and computer security on society.
Fig. 3.2: Impact of information and computer security on society
In this unit, we will learn about information and computer security.
l Software Copyright
What is copyright?
Copyright is the exclusive legal right that prohibits the copying of intellectual
property without the permission of the copyright holder. Figure 3.3 shows
the copyright symbol.
Copyright relates to ownership of an original work. An original work
can be in various forms: text, image, audio recording, video recording,
Fig. 3.3: Copyright symbol
computer software, website, etc. Copyright automatically belongs to the
author(s) or creator(s)— but it may also be assigned to a third party, for
example, a publishing house. The copyright owner(s) has/have the exclusive rights to prevent any third
party from doing any of the following without permission:
1. Copy the work: It includes photocopying (e.g., copying a book),
scanning of texts or images and reproducing them in electronic
format, and duplicating audio and video recordings.
2. Communicate copies of the work to the publ ic: It includes
making a copy available on a public website and the intranet.
3. P erform a drama or pl ay, a piece of music or a song before
the publ ic: It includes making recordings of such performances Fig. 3.4: Copying a book is violation
and uploading them to a public website and the intranet. of copyright
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Unit 3 – Information and Computer Security
4. Mak e deriv ativ e works: It includes making modifications, adaptations or other new uses of a work,
or translating the work to another media.
Remember that unless a work is clearly stated to be copyright-free or out of copyright by virtue of its
age, it is illegal to download, scan or otherwise copy it for onward dissemination, even if no financial gain
is there.
Software Copyright
Computer software is considered a literary work, i.e., books, computer
programs, e-mails, and databases etc. It is protected by copyright laws.
Unauthorized copying of computer software is not allowed. This applies
regardless of whether the original copies of the software have been purchased
on a medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD (see Fig. 3.5), or downloaded from
the Web.
Neither the networking of software without the proper permission from Fig. 3.5: Computer software
is available on DVDs
the copyright holder is allowed, nor is the copying of software onto several
stand-alone computers. If the software is to be networked for simultaneous access by a number of users,
proper permission has to be taken from the publisher. The software user must check the terms and conditions
on the packaging of the software or in accompanying documentation—which may be in printed or electronic
format.
Software can easily be copied, so it is very important that an educational institution possesses only
legitimate copies of all the software it uses.
To summarize, it is illegal for the software users to do the following:
1. Lend software so that a copy can be made or to copy software while it is on loan.
2. Run a software program on two or more computers simultaneously unless the agreement permits
it.
3. Copy or distribute the software or accompanying documentation without a licence or permission
from the copyright owner.
4. Compel, allow, encourage or request that students/employees make, use or distribute illegal copies
of software.
Copyright Issues for Software Developers
Software developers must ensure that they have a written agreement with the software users. In other
words they must protect their software using copyright (see Fig. 3.6).
Fig. 3.6: Software developers must copyright their software
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Unit 3 – Information and Computer Security
The written agreement protects them with the copyright issues. Some important issues are:
1. An adequate description of the software and associated documentation.
2. Usage terms and conditions.
3. The right for the user to copy the software and/or associated documentation.
4. Permission to modify or alter the software.
5. The requirement that the user reports to the developer any infringement of copyright.
6. Sub-licences.
7. Maintenance/Warranty.
Dangers of Copying Others’ Work
Plagiarism is copying others’ work and presenting it as your own. Some dangers of copying others’ work
are:
1. It does not show that you understand the topic you have presented.
2. It just shows you can cut and paste.
3. It makes the software ineligible for free maintenance updates in some cases.
4. There is always the risk of installing malicious code on your computer.
5. It affects the rights of others.
6. It affects the social and economical development of all countries.
You must recognize that the use of others’ property is not proper.
l National and International Laws on Copyright
Copyright law aims to prevent people from taking credit for and profiting from other peoples’ work.
Ethiopia is not short of laws against copyright infringement. Software copyright law is something that
affects anyone who uses a computer. It is not uncommon for a person or business to face civil or even
criminal proceedings for software copyright infringement. At present, it is a complex area of law that is not
widely understood in some countries. Ethiopia has not signed up the B erne Conv ention yet. However, the
creative works may be copyright protected locally and directly in the Intellectual Property Department.
National Laws
In Ethiopia, copyright is a critical issue which requires serious attention and collective responsibility. The
problem is now very big and forces the artists, the government and the society to realize its impacts and
find its solutions. Ethiopia has enacted laws for the protection of literary works through copyright. The
copyright law provides protection for the following:
1. Written works
2. Phonographs and cinematographic films
3. Theatre and musical pieces
4. Television and radio works for publication
5. Paintings
6. Sculpture and architecture
7. Maps
8. Speeches and
9. Literary work
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The Copyright and Related Rights Proclamation considers software as a literary work and as such a
fifty years protection is provided. The author has the right to commercially utilize his/her work within the
bounds prescribed by law. Again, he/she has the right to maintain his/her copyrighted works by means of
infringement actions to stop others from encroachment in his/her rights. He/she may take a criminal action
or a civil action in case of any infringement.
In Ethiopia the revised criminal code prescribes five-year prison terms to those who violate the copyright
law with negligence. A more severe penalty, a prison term of up to 10 years is prescribed against a violator
if the act is intentional. In addition to this, a fine of 100,000 Birr as moral damage may also be levied on
the guilty party.
There have been efforts made recently to try and tackle the problem of copyright violations. One such
effort is the establishment of the Ethiopian Copyright and Related Rights Collective Management Society
(ECRRCMS), which was officially established in November 2009, with Ekubay as its Chief Executive Officer
(CEO).
International Laws
While there is no single international copyright law, many countries have agreed to international rules for
protecting intellectual property from copyright infringement, piracy and counterfeiting.
Some international laws are given below:
1. Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works: The Berne Convention requires
its signatories to recognize the copyright of works of authors from other signatory countries (known
as members of the Berne Union) in the same way as it recognizes the copyright of its own nationals.
For example, French copyright law applies to anything published or performed in France, regardless
of where it was originally created.
2. EU Copyright and Neighbouring Rights: Copyright and related rights provide an incentive for
the creation and investment in new works and other protected matter (music, films, print media,
software, performances, broadcasts, etc.) and their exploitation. This is contributing to improved
competitiveness, employment and innovation. The field of copyright is associated with important
cultural, social and technological aspects, all of which have to be taken into account in making a
policy in this field.
3. International Copyright Law: Creators and users of copyrighted works should be aware of the
differences in intellectual property law between nations. Many works are now distributed
internationally or use components from authors in other nations. No international copyright law
exists that will protect a work in every country of the world. However, several key international
treaties that the US has signed protect works from and within member nations.
4. WIPO Copyright Treaty: The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty is
an international treaty on copyright law adopted by the member states of WIPO in 1996. It provides
additional protections for copyright which are necessary due to advances in ICT since the formation
of previous copyright treaties before it. There have been a variety of criticisms of this treaty, including
that it is overbroad and that it applies a ‘one size fits all’ standard to all signatory countries despite
widely differing stages of economic development and knowledge industry.
Ethiopia has yet to sign the Berne Convention for Literary and Artistic Works and the World Intellectual
Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty.
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Unit 3 – Information and Computer Security
l Protection
In Grade 9, you have studied that virus scanners are one of the most important tools to help protect your
computer, for example Norton or McAfee. A firewall helps to block unwanted incoming connections to
your computer from the Internet. Windows already has a built-in firewall. However, if you feel the need to
increase your security, you can download a firewall program such as Z one Alarm, or Online Armor Free.
It is also important to install new Windows updates as they appear on your computer. Often, Windows
updates will address security issues found in the operating system.
Let us first discuss some important concepts, such as misuse of e-mail and unauthorized intrusion:
Misuse of E-mail
Every person or business that uses e-mail as the main communication tool
should put together an e-mail etiquette guide. Many of us often forget that
there is another person on the other end of an e-mail and this leads to misuse.
Some people may not even be aware of the fact that they are misusing e-mail.
For example, some people do not sign their name at the end of a message in
the e-mail.
Fig. 3.7: Misuse of E-mail
Some of the common mistakes people often make when using e-mail are: is growing
1. Asking for receipts of all messages.
2. Not adding additional information to the messages you forward.
3. Typing a message in bold, capital letters. This is like shouting when talking to someone in person.
4. Sending lengthy e-mails. Remember that some things are better discussed over the phone or in
person.
5. Overuse of the Carbon Copy feature.
6. This leads to the Blind Carbon Copy feature. It is rude to send an e-mail to one person and bcc
another without their knowledge.
7. No inclusion of the appropriate greetings, etc.
These are just a few of the common e-mail misuses and there are many more. So, next time when you
communicate via an e-mail, think before you send and make sure you are not guilty of these common
e-mail misuses.
U nauthorized Intrusion
One type of information and computer security risk is unauthorized access and use. Unauthorized intrusion
is the use of a computer or network without permission. Hackers typically break into a computer by
connecting to it and then logging in as a legitimate user. Some intruders do no damage but they merely
access data, valuable information or programs on the computer.
Unauthorized intrusion is the use of a computer or its data for unapproved or illegal activities. It
includes a variety of activities such as gaining access to a bank computer and performing an unauthorized
money transfer for financial gains, etc.
Sixth Annual IT Security Survey Report says that incidences of unauthorized intrusions of large
companies increased significantly in 2010.
Some examples of unauthorized intrusion are:
1. Illegally accessing another person’s data or private system files.
2. Corrupting, destroying, manipulating or deleting others’ data with malicious intent.
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3. Creating, storing, sending or viewing pornographic material.
4. Downloading, uploading and/or executing viruses, malware, scripts.
5. Using e-mail user IDs other than yours own ID.
6. Violating safety and/or security measures when using e-mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct
electronic communications.
7. Hacking or any other unlawful online activities.
8. Providing unauthorized persons with passwords and access to computers or networks.
For preventing unauthorized intrusion:
1. Have a written acceptable user policy that specifies the computer activities for which the computer
and the network may and may not be used.
2. Use firewall
3. Access controls
4. Use intrusion detection software
Now let us focus on protection:
Use of Internet technology often leads to violation of copyright laws. Remember that you own everything
you create, regardless of whether you have filed it with the Copyright Office or not. To protect your
material from unlawful distribution, make others aware of the terms of use of your intellectual property.
For protecting your materials do the following:
1. Include a prominently displayed statement of ownership with the material that you have posted on
a Website or posted to someone else (for example, “This image is property of Senya Ali and may
not be used or reproduced without prior permission”).
2. Include your e-mail address with the statement so that people can contact you for permission to use
your material.
3. Add the “Terms and Conditions of Use” or “Legal Information” on the Web page explaining your policy
on the use of your material. For example, you may wish to allow reproduction for any personal use as
long as the material remains unaltered or for social welfare.
4. Consider registering with the Copyright Office to explicitly protect certain materials. Include
prominently displayed copyright notices with any copyrighted material.
Useful Tip
Protecting Your Material
The copsycape. com Website has both a free and paid service for protecting your material. You can paste your
material in a URL and the site will check other websites for it or you can use the Copysentry service, which
will automatically alert you if there are any other websites copying your content.
Use of Password
Your online accounts, computer files, and personal information are more secure when you use strong
passwords to help protect them. Short, easy-to-remember passwords can be easily cracked using simple
techniques, and may compromise the security of your website or client data.
Windows X P has password options for its folders and files, and using them is an easy process. Password
protected files are prevented from unauthorized viewing.
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Wh at is a strong password?
The strength of a password depends on the different types of characters (both upper-case and lower-case
letters, numbers and symbols) that you use, the overall length of the password, and whether the password
can be found in a dictionary. It should be at least 14 characters long.
If the website or service allows long passwords, you could consider using pass-phrases instead of
passwords. Online password generators are available and can give you completely random passwords of
any level of complexity.
Never use the same password for your e-mail, your computer, or your accounts. If you find it hard
to remember a long list of strong passwords (as most people do! ), you could consider using a password
manager.
Useful Tip
Evaluate the Strength of Your Password
For evaluating the strength of your password, use the tool developed by Microsoft at www.microsoft.com/
protect/fraud/passwords/.
Activity 3.1
WHY SHOULD SOFTWARE BE PROTECTED BY A COPYRIGHT LAW?
In small groups, students will discuss “Why should software be protected by a copyright law?” The group leader
from each group will give a presentation to the class based on their discussions.
Software
Software, or programs, are all the electronic instructions that are used to operate computers and related
devices. They are divided into two categories: system software and application software. Without software,
hardware are useless.
Copyright
A copyright is the exclusive legal right that prohibits copying of intellectual property without
the prior permission of the copyright holder. Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office
(EIPO)-PO Box 25322, Ras Mekonnen Street, Addis Ababa is the competent
administration for copyright in Ethiopia. The e-mail address of EIPO is eipo@
ethionet.et. Violation of copyright is punishable in Ethiopia (see Fig. 3.8). Fig. 3.8: Copyright violation
is punishable in Ethiopia
Software Copyright Law
Pirated software is software obtained illegally, for example, an illicit copy of a commercial video game. If you
get such software from a friend or buy it, then the original copyright owners are not paid for their work. Also
there is a risk of getting inferior goods and, worse, picking up a virus.
Software copyright law affects anyone who uses a computer and particularly businesses. It is a complex area
of law that is not widely understood. For example, application software (e.g., commercial software, shareware,
freeware, rentalware) and system software are copyrighted. In Ethiopia, the law does not permit illegal copying
of computer software.
Software manufacturers do not sell you their software; rather they sell you a license to become an authorized
user of it. In paying for a software license, you sign a contract in which you agree not to make copies of the
software to give away or resell.
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