Ethics Archives - Page 4 of 8 - Tech Prognosis Blog

Abusing “Free”: On Ethics And Deceptive Practices

May 27, 2011 by techprognosis

Have you ever tried to sign up for a “free” webinar only to be bombarded with a five-page interrogation sheet that asks you for all kinds of information that you find yourself saying “I just wanted to watch a presentation”? Did you come across a report or whitepaper you wanted to look at only to end up spending two to three minutes taking an exam and then the “report” turns out to be a two-page sales sheet? How about that eBook you saw and thought would be a good read until you were made to fill out a police report on why you are trying to get educated?

This issue has bothered me for quite some time. It is the practice of vendors, publishers and everyone in between offering “free” software, whitepaper, Mp3s, “special” reports and useless one-page drivel that makes you want to do some harm to the producers of such garbage in exchange for your personal information.

Is Facebook’s Login Approvals a Setback for Mobility?

May 24, 2011 by techprognosis

“Today, we’re announcing our newest opt-in security feature that I’ve worked to build over the past few months: Login Approvals.”

With that, Facebook announced Login approvals, “…a Two Factor Authentication system that requires you to enter a code we send to your mobile phone via text message whenever you log into Facebook from a new or unrecognized computer.”

The idea behind the new feature is to help users combat unauthorized access or the now infamous “I have been hacked” incidents that have plagued users of the Social Network. The new feature, which is currently optional is expected to add a second layer of protection to users’ login process.

What exactly is it? Here is Facebook’s explanation of Login Approvals:

How the Web is keeping IT Support Honest

May 22, 2011 by techprognosis

It is amazing how much the world of IT support has changed. Just a few years ago, the tech support folks were the reservoir of knowledge and users always took their advise, suggestions or diagnosis as the words of the wise. That, thankfully, has changed. We have computer users who are so savvy and tuned in to technology now that it will be foolish for an IT support technician to attempt pulling a fast one on them.

I remember when I first got started as an IT Manager and had to work on a Microsoft Exchange server that was foreign to me and we had to bring in an external support person to assist us whenever there was a problem. Looking back now, I feel really noobish because all the tech did was to hop on Microsoft Technet and search the knowledgebase (KB) for a solution to whatever errors the server was generating. Aw Snap.

The “Free Trial” Trap and How To Avoid It

May 14, 2011 by techprognosis

We’ve all been subjected to it: ” Install our software or hardware and use it for 30-60 days and if you do not like it, simply remove it and you will get your money back, no questions asked”. Well, there-in lies the problem – that no questions are being asked.

Have you ever subscribed to a “free” magazine only to spend frustrating months trying to get them to stop billing you for the useless magazine? Think of that situation magnified ten times. Here’s why.

The Cloud And Your Business: Where is Your Umbrella?

May 4, 2011 by techprognosis

That there is a lot of hype in the technology industry about “the cloud” is pretty obvious these days. You will be hard pressed to read an article about technology (this one included) without some reference to the beauty, ease and affordability of cloud services.

The argument is that IT infrastructures have become too complex and fragile for the pace and dynamism of modern day business. Champions of everything to the cloud are quick to point out that over 70 percent of current IT investment remains focused on maintenance. Worse yet, it is argued, users are clamoring for faster response times and of course management wants all the good stuff but are unwilling to pay for it. So, cloud computing to the rescue.

Beware The Ides of April: Web Indexing and Tax Data

April 13, 2011 by techprognosis

Tax season is in high gear and with it comes the need to be extra vigilant on how tax records are handled. After all, your tax records “has everything” that can be considered as Personally Identifiable Information (PII). PII refers to information that can be used to uniquely identify, contact, or locate a single person or can be used with other sources to uniquely identify a single individual.

Stephen Chapman over at ZDNet observed that as of 4/10/2011, there were over 50 tax documents containing any given combination of Social Security numbers, credit card information, names, addresses, tax IDs, and phone numbers being made available online.