How men and women view ethics

Abstract

nformation systems are an integral part of business today and the benefits are numerous. But, there is also a downside to the easy data access that IS provides. There are opportunities for invasion of privacy, as well as theft of data, money, and intellectual property (such as software and product designs). Harm can also be done by altering data or modifying software. Studies have cited the monetary loss to businesses as a result of the misuse of computers and computer fraud amounts to billions of dollars per year. A recent article in Fortune magazine reported how easily the security of a business information system was breached. The article noted that many companies do not report such problems to avoid harmful publicity. Information Week surveyed security managers and IS chiefs and found that nearly half of the 1,300 respondents suffered security-related losses.