Information Literacy #4 — Computer Security Apologies
Answer each of the following questions in two separate paragraphs and with thoughtful argument – a paragraph defending each side of each question. That is, give your best, most compelling reasons for both a
“yes” and a “no” answer – clearly differentiate your two arguments, i.e., for each enumerated question provide two paragraphs, one paragraph entitled “YES” and another paragraph entitled “NO”. (Note: done correctly, you
will submit eight (8) paragraphs, two for each question.) Bonus points will be awarded based on the quality of your reasoning, for both sides of the arguments (not literary style, though you can certainly lose points for
incorrect grammar and spelling).
(NOTE: there are great, defendable answers to both “yes” and “no”.)
1) Should distribution of a computer virus carry the same criminal penalty as manslaughter?
2) Should it be a crime to make a copy of computer data while leaving the original data in place and unaltered?
3) Should hackers be sent to jail if they cannot pay damage restitution to their victims, i.e., those that lost
money as the result of their criminal actions?
4) Do you think that a hacker would make a good consultant on computer security?
Preferred language style Simple (Easy vocabulary, simple grammar constructions)