Chapter 5

Name Patrick Bratton Class time: Online

Author: Sara Baase
Date of Publication: 2008
Book: A Gift of Fire
Sections read: Chapter 5

1. (Questioning) After reading this chapter/article what questions do I have?
With websites that claim to protect your identity, will people’s information ever be protected off of the Internet?

2. (Knowledge) Tell three interesting elements of this chapter:

People create fake websites to obtain information.
Hackers changed the CIA website to “Central Stupidity Agency”
Hacking was originally “creative programming” with people writing very elegant or clever programs.

3. (Comprehension) Summarize what is being discussed within this chapter?
Hacking, crime, viruses, identity theft and pharming are some of the main topics discussed within this chapter. Identity theft is easily obtained when someone enters their information into a deceiving website. Crimes committed online are harder to catch then those offline.

4. (Application) Name a specific example or NEW solution for this type of problem/similar situation in society or that you have experienced – be specific and explain?

I noticed that on Facebook, sometimes people profiles are hacked. You notice this when you see random posts on the wall telling you to click on this link and if you do; you too will automatically start posting fake links for more people accounts to be hacked. The good thing about this is that all you have to do is change your password and then you’re good again.

5. (Analysis) Address ANY that apply. How can you compare one of the situations in this chapter to something that does not relate to computers, technology, or the Internet? Be sure to reference the chapter and your solution. What ideas NEW can you add to the issue that is being presented within the reading?

I can relate this to a B2B type of business. People within this business go house to house knocking on doors trying to sell a product. I feel this may be an easy way to deceive people because if someone was walking around selling a product and stated they needed your information, those who fell into the trap may be in jeopardy of identity theft. People need to be aware of the things they sign up for and never ever give out their social security unless what they are signing up for is legit. People need to ask questions and check the terms of agreement before signing on the dotted line.


6. (Synthesis) Address all that apply. Do you agree with what is being said within the article (Why/Why not? Back up with FACTS, reference)?

I agree with what is being said within the chapter. At first, hackers programmed creatively, but now within this generation hacking seems to be “cool” because now hacking is easily done and the information to hack can be easily obtained online. Hackers can create viruses and spyware to obtain information with ease.

7. (Evaluation) Address all that apply. Judge whether or not this topic is relevant in today’s society? Are there any ethical considerations (see Chap1-1.4 for exp of Ethics)? What new ideas will you make after reading this chapter/article?
This topic is definitely relevant in society today! People and companies are hacked all the time. One major hack that happened back in April was the hacking of the PlayStation Network! Millions of data and credit card information was claimed to be obtained. With that type of information people accounts may be wiped out, and email addresses might be sold which brings spam into people’s email. People information is bought and obtained online daily and I feel that people need to really to start taking notice to their accounts and make sure nothing is happening to their identities.

8. (Conclusion) after completing this assignment, based on new thoughts and evidence
what new conclusions have you come to about this topic?

Will people information be protected off of the Internet? NO! If hackers can hack into the CIA I feel that if someone wanted information bad enough and was a professional hacker than they will obtain that information. And I do not feel websites that claim they will protect your information can protect it as they say because I remember the guy who was showing his social security for life lock on the TV got his information hacked.

References:

References: Baase, Sara. A Gift of Fire. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008.