Management and the Technology Professional – B302

Case study answer 1

With the development of the rootkit software reasons arise on a personal and professional level why development of the rootkit software should not have occurred. The decision to create unnecessarily evasive software violated users rights and trust which in itself violates personal ethics.
These actions also go against the 'Computer misuse act', specifically section 3. With the removal of the software it can 'impair the operation' of the computer and although it could be argued that it is the responsibility of the user to counter this action by taking the proper measures it is not the duty of the user.

Due to the fact that this software had the intended ability of transferring personal data of the consumer back to Sony also infringes on the 'Data protection act'. The violation of user rights by hiding files from the users and rendering their hardware (CD drive) inoperable should they try to remove it in itself would be reason for a developer to refuse being a part of the project. Continuing to reinforce my statement the fifth principle states that managers shall promote an ethical approach, exposing users to potential virus threats by allowing them to circumvent most anti virus products contradicts this practice. The consequences of contradicting this act could carry long term effect.

Being that the professional code of conduct is in fact a code that developers abide by and not a legislation this could mean that many job opportunities that were once open are now unaccessible due to the past actions taken even though no legal action would be perused .

In my opinion the most compelling reason why the rootkit software should not have been developed can be argued by the 'Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice'. Firstly the actions committed the creation of this software has no public interest at all and it goes a long way to its hindrance. Although it could be argued that the prevention piracy is a public interest I believe that that it is a far greater interest to the large industries which is why the rootkit came to be created.