The risks to privacy from collecting and storing personal information

Personal information collection and storage carries serious privacy issues that affect both people and society as a whole. One of the main worries is the possibility of data breaches, in which hackers and cybercriminals use stored personal information as a target. Sensitive information, including financial records, medical histories, and personally identifiable information (PII), may become public knowledge in the event of a breach. This could result in identity theft, financial fraud, and other types of exploitation. Such hacks have serious repercussions for the impacted individuals as well as the larger community since they not only violate people's privacy but also undermine confidence in the institutions in charge of protecting their data.

Furthermore, worries regarding monitoring and surveillance are sparked by the pervasive gathering and storing of personal data. Collected data may be used by governments, businesses, and other organizations to spy on people, keep tabs on their whereabouts, and observe their habits. The ubiquitous monitoring violates people's right to privacy and self-determination, perpetuating a climate of constant observation and undermining individual liberties. Additionally, when people's preferences, routines, and vulnerabilities are commoditized and used for profit without their express consent, the use of acquired data for profiling and targeted advertising can result in manipulation and abuse.

It was discovered in 2018 that millions of Facebook users' personal information had been collected without their knowledge or permission by the political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica. During the 2016 US presidential election, psychographic profiles based on this data were developed for focused political advertising. The controversy damaged users' confidence in the way their data is managed and brought attention to the possibility that personal information gathered through social media platforms could be used for political manipulation.

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How can computing resources be misused and how can it be protected?

There are several ways that computer resources can be abused, such as through virus penetration, unauthorized access, and vulnerability exploitation. Weak passwords, unpatched software, and social engineering assaults can all lead to unauthorized access, which gives hackers access to networks and compromises private information. Via USB devices, compromised websites, or malicious email attachments, malware can infect computer resources and cause data loss, system damage, or unauthorized access. The integrity and security of computer resources can be further jeopardized by attackers using vulnerabilities in software or network setups to obtain unauthorized access or launch assaults.

In order to effectively mitigate these threats, firms need to put in place a comprehensive cybersecurity plan. Regular software updates to patch known vulnerabilities and the installation of robust access controls, such as multi-factor authentication, are part of this strategy. Regular security audits are necessary to find vulnerabilities and fix them quickly. Furthermore, by using cutting-edge security solutions like intrusion detection systems and antivirus software, businesses may strengthen their defenses against possible assaults by being able to identify and address threats instantly.

Over 147 million people's personal information was compromised in a significant data breach that occurred in 2017 at Equifax, one of the biggest credit reporting companies. Sensitive information including addresses, birth dates, and Social Security numbers were exposed in this hack. The hack highlighted the dangers of centralizing enormous volumes of personal data and resulted in widespread identity theft and financial crime.

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How unauthorized access to information is gained?

Unauthorized access to data can be obtained in a number of ways, frequently by taking advantage of gaps in security protocols or vulnerabilities in people. Exploiting software vulnerabilities is a popular method by which hackers find and use holes in systems or software to get access. This could entail taking use of unpatched software or zero-day vulnerabilities, which are weaknesses that the program developer or seller is unaware of. Attackers can circumvent security measures and obtain unauthorized access to private data kept on the compromised systems by taking advantage of these flaws.

Using credentials that have been stolen, such as usernames and passwords, is another technique. These login credentials can be acquired in a number of ways, such as phishing assaults, in which victims are duped into divulging their login credentials by means of phony emails or websites. As an alternative, attackers might employ strategies like credential stuffing, which involves methodically testing previously obtained credentials against a variety of websites and services in order to take advantage of victims who repeat passwords for several accounts. Once attackers get legitimate credentials, they can use them to get into accounts or systems and possibly access private data.

Over 40 million consumers' credit card information was exposed in a data breach that occurred in 2013 at Target, one of the biggest retail chains in the US. Via a third-party HVAC vendor, hackers were able to obtain unauthorized access to Target's network and infect the point-of-sale systems of the business with malware. Target suffered large financial losses as well as reputational harm as a result of this hack.

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How can Computing Innovation be beneficial?

Innovation in computing has the potential to transform many facets of society in a number of positive ways. The improvement of productivity and efficiency across industries is one important benefit. Computing technologies provide more efficient resource allocation, quicker decision-making, and process streamlining through breakthroughs like automation, artificial intelligence, and enhanced data analytics. In the end, this improved efficiency boosts economic growth and competitiveness by lowering operating costs and facilitating more effective product and service delivery within enterprises.

Additionally, advances in computing have the ability to raise people's standard of living everywhere. Computing technologies enable people and communities to live healthier, safer, and more sustainable lives. Examples of these developments include telemedicine and personalized medicine, which are powered by big data analytics, and smart infrastructure solutions that improve urban living. Global connectedness is also made possible by advancements in communication and collaboration tools, which promote cross-cultural interaction, learning, and cooperation on a scale never before possible. All things considered, computing innovation has the potential to solve societal issues, promote inclusive progress, and mold a more prosperous and connected future for humanity.

Space exploration activities have advanced thanks in large part to innovations in computing. For example, in order to traverse the Martian landscape, gather scientific data, and communicate with Earth, NASA's Mars rovers, Curiosity and Perseverance, depend on complex onboard processors and software. These rovers have uncovered novel information that has deepened our knowledge of the Red Planet and its possible habitability. Furthermore, computational technology make it possible to analyze the enormous volumes of space data that satellites and telescopes have acquired, which has led to new discoveries about the structure, evolution, and beginnings of the universe.

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How computing innovation can have impact beyond its intended purposes?

Innovation in computing has the potential to transform many facets of society in a number of positive ways. The improvement of productivity and efficiency across industries is one important benefit. Computing technologies provide more efficient resource allocation, quicker decision-making, and process streamlining through breakthroughs like automation, artificial intelligence, and enhanced data analytics. In the end, this improved efficiency boosts economic growth and competitiveness by lowering operating costs and facilitating more effective product and service delivery within enterprises.

Additionally, advances in computing have the ability to raise people's standard of living everywhere. Computing technologies enable people and communities to live healthier, safer, and more sustainable lives. Examples of these developments include telemedicine and personalized medicine, which are powered by big data analytics, and smart infrastructure solutions that improve urban living. Global connectedness is also made possible by advancements in communication and collaboration tools, which promote cross-cultural interaction, learning, and cooperation on a scale never before possible. All things considered, computing innovation has the potential to solve societal issues, promote inclusive progress, and mold a more prosperous and connected future for humanity.

The original purpose of social media platforms was to link individuals and enable conversation. But they have unintentionally exacerbated social separation and political conflict. For instance, the rise in echo chambers and filter bubbles on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter has exacerbated preexisting prejudices and impeded fruitful conversation. Social media algorithms magnified partisan content and misinformation during events like the Brexit referendum and the 2016 US presidential election, deepening societal tensions and harming democratic debate. This phenomena became apparent during these events.

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