CSci 1001 Lab 4: issues related to computer security

Tasks

• Work is done in groups of two or three, so find a partner or partners to work with
• Read the following two articles:
  • Lenders Misusing Student Database at the Washington Post
  • Education Department Shuts Access To Student Loan Database at informationweek.com
  Feel free to search for more information about the story if you are interested. You might find the definition of data mining helpful.
• Discuss with your partner the following questions:
  1. According to the articles, what was the problem with the access to the student data, who may have suffered in this situation, and who may have improperly benefited?
  2. What was the role of computing technology in facilitating searches?
  3. According to the articles, how was the technology abused?
  4. What mechanisms were in place to prevent improper access? Do you feel that the mechanisms were sufficient? If not, what would you suggest changing in these mechanisms?
  5. Do you think that an improper access to student records occurred? If yes, who should be held responsible?
  6. Do you think that the role of computing technology in managing student loans is mostly positive, mostly negative, or mixed? Briefly explain your answer
  7. What would you suggest changing in the way student loans are managed in order to prevent (or reduce) unauthorized or improper data access? Your proposed changes may include laws, rules and regulations, restructuring the organizations that handle the loans, changes to database access control - anything that you feel can deal with the security issues.
• At the end of the class send me an e-mail with brief answers to the above questions. Make sure to include the names of everyone in the group and CC to the entire group. If you and your partner(s) disagree - that's OK, just include all opinions.
  If you didn't finish the work during the class time, please finish it before the weekend in the same group or individually.