Ethical Dilemmas of an Information Technology Helpdesk Technician
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Ethical Dilemma of Ownership 1
Ethical Dilemma of Privacy 3
Ethical Dilemma of Control 4
Ethical Dilemma of Security 4
Conclusion 5
Works Cited 6
Introduction
The world of Information Technology has made it literally possible for people to communicate access data and conduct research from any point of the world to another. Most people who make use of these systems are referred to as end-users by technicians in the information technology (IT) profession. End-users range from our next door neighbors to large businesses and firms who rely on computers and date transportation for day to day business. In many instances, the use of Information technology is vital when conducting business both locally and foreign. These end-users, like with any other profession, may require technical assistance from time to time with their modes of accessing their information, may require support for system failure, or the user may not be the most computer savvy, the list may go on and one. With such vital information travelling through cyberspace, the expertise of an IT helpdesk technician is vital to the end user.
A helpdesk technician, also known as a computer support specialist (The New York Times Company, 2011) has the responsibility to provide computer or other technical support. As such, helpdesk technicians are exposed directly to the contents of personal, professionally legal and other information not originally meant for public distribution. Helpdesk techs are faced with many ethical dilemmas in that regard. Managers of IT departments are faced with ethical issues such as ownership, privacy, control and security.
Ethical Dilemma of Ownership
The ethical dilemmas in regards to ownership with helpdesk technicians may be difficult to pinpoint. Information, knowledge and skills developed in the course of working on projects can be intricately intertwined. As a technician, a person is responsible for his or her own efforts to
Introduction 1
Ethical Dilemma of Ownership 1
Ethical Dilemma of Privacy 3
Ethical Dilemma of Control 4
Ethical Dilemma of Security 4
Conclusion 5
Works Cited 6
Introduction
The world of Information Technology has made it literally possible for people to communicate access data and conduct research from any point of the world to another. Most people who make use of these systems are referred to as end-users by technicians in the information technology (IT) profession. End-users range from our next door neighbors to large businesses and firms who rely on computers and date transportation for day to day business. In many instances, the use of Information technology is vital when conducting business both locally and foreign. These end-users, like with any other profession, may require technical assistance from time to time with their modes of accessing their information, may require support for system failure, or the user may not be the most computer savvy, the list may go on and one. With such vital information travelling through cyberspace, the expertise of an IT helpdesk technician is vital to the end user.
A helpdesk technician, also known as a computer support specialist (The New York Times Company, 2011) has the responsibility to provide computer or other technical support. As such, helpdesk technicians are exposed directly to the contents of personal, professionally legal and other information not originally meant for public distribution. Helpdesk techs are faced with many ethical dilemmas in that regard. Managers of IT departments are faced with ethical issues such as ownership, privacy, control and security.
Ethical Dilemma of Ownership
The ethical dilemmas in regards to ownership with helpdesk technicians may be difficult to pinpoint. Information, knowledge and skills developed in the course of working on projects can be intricately intertwined. As a technician, a person is responsible for his or her own efforts to
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