Code of Ethics in Information Technology

Information technology (IT) workers are often trusted to process information of a proprietary or highly sensitive nature, using sophisticated methods and equipment. Consequently, IT professionals are expected by their employers and their own trade organizations to adhere to a strict ethical code.

Keeping Management Informed

• The IT professional must keep his employers informed and up to date on information processing methods and procedures. This not only keeps employers current on improvements in IT technology beneficial to the company, but also makes the IT process more transparent.

Confidentiality

• IT professionals must adhere to strict confidentiality rules regarding privacy and proprietary matters.

Access Protection

• To the best of his ability, the IT professional must protect passwords, user IDs and other accessing information entrusted to him.

Copyright Laws

• The IT professional is expected to abide by all copyright laws and agreements. This would include laws against the unauthorized use, or pirating, of software.

Recording and Alteration

• IT workers may never share, copy, record or alter information unless specifically required to do so.

Reporting Noncompliance

• IT workers are expected to immediately report a colleague's violation of the code of ethics to the appropriate administrator.