Computer Network Security and Cyber Ethics (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Computer Network Security and Cyber Ethics H. Frank Cervone Computer Network Security and Cyber Ethics, Joseph Migga Kizza . Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2006. 223p. $35 (ISBN 0-7864-2595-4) Given the constantly escalating incidents related to security problems in information systems, an updated text on the issues related to the topic should be a welcomed addition to the body of literature. Unfortunately, this second edition of Kizza's Computer Network Security and Cyber Ethics is fundamentally flawed due to the introduction of a biased discussion of morality and ethics. The first edition of this text stood out from the crowd of academic titles due to its use of a simple, down-to-earth style that made it easy for the non-technical person to understand many of the complex issues related to computer and network security. One did not need to be an expert to discover what a "Trojan horse" is, what it does to a computer system, and how it can be detected and prevented. This was one of the reasons the first edition was the 2002 Choice "Outstanding Academic Title." Not unexpectedly, in the second edition the author continues to develop the body of knowledge in the text by adding, expanding, and updating information to explain new and emerging problems. Although this title is primarily positioned as an introductory work, the updated information related to technical issues makes the book relevant to the seasoned professional through its exploration of evolving practice in this quickly changing field. Particularly useful are the new and expanded diagrams, figures, and tables that enhance the overall readability of the book. This is particularly evident in the first chapter, entitled "The Changing Landscape of Cyberspace," which is not new but has been significantly revamped with additional facts and statistics from the last several years. Where the book becomes problematic, however, is in the next three chapters added specifically for this second edition. It is in these chapters, titled "Morality," "Ethics," and "Morality, Technology, and Value" that the bulk of the truly new content lies. However, it is in these chapters that the author veers off into troublesome territory. The second chapter is a relatively brief discussion of morality, moral codes, and moral standards. What is bothersome is its exclusively Christian-centric perspective. After reading this chapter, one would be [End Page 249] under the impression that no other faith tradition than Christianity has anything to say about morality. A more neutral and inclusive perspective on morality, drawing on other faith-traditions and perspectives, is expected in a work of this nature. Far more neutral from a theological perspective, the third chapter on ethics gives a fleeting nod to the ancient Greek ethicists with a quote from Socrates, "The unexamined life is not worth living." However, the truly problematic issues in this work are found in the chapter entitled "Morality, Technology, and Value." Starting out with a brief overview of what advocacy is, the author discusses how the "growth of cyberspace has made a fertile ground for advocacy groups." (p. 33) The irony of this statement has its origins a bit earlier in the chapter in the section entitled "Incomplete or Misleading Information," in which the author cautions the reader about the problems of having to make decisions without complete information. Less than three pages later, the author provides us with recommendations on finding useful advocacy groups including three "renowned advocacy groups for moral issues" such as the Family Research Council, Enough is Enough, and the Christian Coalition. (p. 33) All three of these groups view the world from a strict, fundamentalist Christian religious perspective. Although the technical part of this book is well written and is free of religious bias, it is particularly troubling that in a discussion of morality and ethics the author does not reveal his own significant theological biases or provide alternative points of view. The author severely undercuts his credibility and the value of this work. One would expect a text such as this to be neutral, but it is not. This work is not a balanced discussion of the issues related to ethics and morality as they relate to computer networks. Because of this, it cannot be...