Chapter 5: The Effects of Using IT
MICROPROCESSOR -Controlled Devices
• A microprocessor-driven labour-saving machine enables users to
focus on other activities while the machine completes its work. The
second generation of devices containing microprocessors is more
user-friendly and has more functionality, such as "intelligent
tuning" in television sets.
Advantages of microprocessor-controlled labor-saving devices:
• no need to do manual tasks at home
• more time for leisure activities
• no need to stay home while chores are being done
• web-enabled devices allow devices to be switched on or off while the owner is out
• automated burglar alarms give a higher sense of security and well-being
• smart fridges and freezers prevent food waste by keeping track of products’ expiry,
availability, etc.
Disadvantages of microprocessor-controlled labor-saving devices:
• unhealthy lifestyle due to inactivity caused by devices doing all tasks
• tend to make people lazy
• potential deskilling
• any device containing a microprocessor and can communicate using the internet displays a
threat of cybersecurity breaches
General advantages of using a microprocessor-controlled device:
• save energy due to being efficient, as well as turning off after inactivity
• can be easier 'programming' these devices to perform tasks rather than turning knobs and
pressing buttons manually
General disadvantages of microprocessor-controlled devices:
• lead to more wasteful devices
• can be more complex to operate for technophobes
• leaving devices on standby is wasteful
Data Security Issues
Any home appliance managed remotely could provide hackers access to
your personal information. These devices frequently have default (or no)
password settings, which makes it simple for attackers to get sensitive
information. For instance, it is easy to discover holiday dates by hacking into
a central heating controller (or the software used to interface with it),
making a home an obvious target for break-ins. It is likely for a hacker to
obtain important information, such as credit card numbers, if the refrigerator or freezer
automatically orders goods from a retailer.
Social Interactions
The positive aspects include:
• easier to make new friends using chat rooms
• easier to find people who share similar interests/hobbies
• less expensive to keep in touch using VoIP technology.
The negative aspects include:
• people do not meet face-to-face as much (social isolation)
• a lack of social interaction may make people more anxious about
meeting people in real life
• When communicating online, people can act less politely or more
harshly, and cybercrime is a serious issue, especially for teenagers.
Examples of Microprocessor-Controlled Devices
1. Household Devices:
- Washing machines
- Microwaves
- Dishwashers
- Smart thermostats
- Refrigerators
2. Entertainment Devices:
- Smart TVs
- Gaming consoles
- Music players
3. Transportation:
- Cars (e.g., engine control units, GPS systems)
- Traffic lights
- Airplanes (e.g., autopilot systems)
4. Medical Equipment:
- Heart rate monitors
- MRI machines
- Insulin pumps
5. Industrial Applications:
- Robotics
- Automated assembly lines
- CNC machines
Monitoring and Controlling Transport
Uses:
• monitoring traffic on motorways
• congestion zone monitoring
• automatic number plate recognition (ANPR)
• automatic traffic light control
• air traffic control systems
• railway signalling systems
Advantages of transport monitoring and control systems:
• smart motorways keep updating according to changing traffic conditions
• more efficient
• traffic offences can be remotely penalized using ANPR
• car thefts can be spotted using ANPR
• minimizes human errors, reducing the rate of accidents
Disadvantages:
• If a hacker breaches security, the vehicle could be controlled by them.
• The system might come to a halt if it malfunctions.
• Systems with a poor design could compromise safety.
• The easy tracking of harmless people's movements is made possible by ANPR equipment.
Who can access such data?
Autonomous vehicles in transport
To properly execute their activities, autonomous cars require
sensors, cameras, actuators, microprocessors (along with very
complex algorithms). Automobile control systems can
accomplish essential tasks by sensing information from cameras
and ultrasonics.
Consider an autonomous vehicle approaching a set of red-lighting traffic signals.
• The vehicle's control system must first recognize the road sign before consulting the
database to determine the appropriate action.
• The CPU must instruct the actuators to apply the brakes and put the gear in "park" since the
traffic light is red.
• The light must be continuously watched until it turns green.
• After that, the CPU will again tell the actuators to engage first gear, let go of the brakes, and
open the throttle (accelerator).
Advantages of an autonomous car, bus, or van:
• safer due to the removal of human error
• due to the more efficient operation of vehicles, it is better for the environment
• reduced traffic congestion
• increased lane capacity
• reduced travel times
• stress-free parking for motorists
Disadvantages:
• very high installation prices
• driver and passenger reluctance of the new technology
• reduction in taxi requirements could lead to unemployment
• maintenance of the sensors and cameras is crucial
• the ever-present fear of hacking into the vehicle’s control system
Advantages of an autonomous train:
• improved punctuality
• reduced running costs due to fewer staff
• no human error
• minimized energy consumption
• possible to increase the frequency of trains as the possibility of delays is removed
• more straightforward to update changes in train schedules
Disadvantages:
• fear of the system being hacked into
• initial instalment costs are very high
• ensuring passenger behaviour is vital, especially during rush hours.
• human reluctance to new technology
• without drivers, CCTV monitoring will be continuously required
Advantages of autonomous aeroplanes:
• improvement in passenger comfort
• reduced running costs, fewer staff
• as most accidents are due to pilot-induced errors, safety is improved
• improved aerodynamics as an outcome of the removal of the cockpit
Disadvantages:
• security aspects due to the absence of pilots
• emergencies may be challenging to deal with
• hacking into the system
• passenger reluctance
• software glitches can be catastrophic
Potential Health Problems related to the Prolonged use of IT Equipment
Long-term exposure to computing devices may affect user well-being.
Mentioned below are some of the health issues, accompanied by their causes and prevention
tactics:
1. Repetitive strain injury (RSI):
A condition affecting the muscles and nerves
Cause: repetitive movements and overuse of muscles, such as wrists
- Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, and numbness in the hands, wrists, or arms.
Minimizing health risks: regular breaks, ergonomic equipment, correct typing
techniques.
2. Back and neck strain:
Back pain and other related issues.
Cause: due to prolonged use of monitors and Poor posture while using IT equipment
Minimizing health risks: use adjustable chairs, footrests, and tiltable screens.
3. Eyestrain: strain and fatigue, unwanted harm to vision.
Cause: due to bad lighting and prolonged screen usage.
- Symptoms: Dry eyes, Blurred vision and Headaches.
Minimizing health risks: use LCDs instead of CRTs, take regular breaks, use anti-glare screens, and
do regular eye testing.
4. Headaches: pain or discomfort in the head or face area.
Cause: incorrect lighting, screen reflections, flickering screens, etc.
Minimizing health risks: use anti-glare screens, take regular breaks, regular eye-testing.
5. Ozone irritation: inflammation and irritation of the tissues lining human airways
Cause: inhalation of ozone released by laser printers in an office.
Minimizing health risks: proper ventilation, laser printers should be housed in a separate room,
replace laser printers with inkjet printers, if possible.
General Prevention and Solutions
1. Ergonomics:
- Use ergonomic furniture and equipment (e.g., adjustable chairs, keyboards,
and monitors).
- Maintain proper posture while working.
2. Regular Breaks:
- Follow the *20-20-20 rule*: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet
away for 20 seconds.
- Take short breaks to stretch and move around.
3. Screen Filters:
- Use blue light filters or glasses to reduce eye strain.
4. Exercise:
- Engage in regular physical activity to counteract sedentary behavior.
5. Limit Screen Time:
- Set boundaries for the use of IT equipment, especially before bedtime.
6. Work-Life Balance:
- Avoid overworking and prioritize mental well-being.
Physical Safety
1. Electrocution:
ICT devices require electrical power to charge or run; the electrical
device can cause electrocution, caused by the electric current
moving through a body, causing fatal injuries and/or death.
There are multiple causes for electrocution, including:
• Contact between liquid substances and electronic
devices: Keep liquids away from electrical equipment.
• Open cables: Ensure that cables are entirely insulated and
packed, and use circuit breakers or fuses to prevent electrical overload.
2. Fire:
ICT devices require electricity to charge or run; too many devices using a single socket can cause
the plug socket to overload, and heat is generated by too much electricity, causing the wiring to
degrade and ignite a fire.
The causes and reduction tactics for fire include:
• Socket overload: Ensure enough plug sockets in the
room, don’t plug too many devices into the same
socket, and don’t leave devices plugged in and unattended.
• Overheated equipment: Ensure that equipment is properly ventilated and not obstructed,
keep flammable materials away from heat sources, regularly check equipment for signs of
wear or damage, use fire extinguishers in case of emergencies, turn off or unplug devices
when away from the location, do not cover any air vents on devices.
3. Trailing cables:
Devices can be plugged in using cables. Cables that are protruding can cause an accident; you can
trip over a cable left out in a location, and body damage can occur during a fall, for example,
breaking bones, ligament damage, bruising, sprains, etc. depending on the area fell on
Trailing cables causes and prevention strategies:
• Unorganized/insecure cables: use cable ties to secure cables, keep cables packed
correctly in, let’s say, a table, therefore not coming in the way of walking paths, use wireless
devices where possible, and regularly inspect cables for signs of wear or damage.
4. Heavy falling equipment:
Devices have varying levels of weight, and if a device falls on you, it could cause injury; any device
should be placed in a secure location, like a PC on a solid desk and not near the edge.
Causes and reduction tactics for falling equipment:
• Improperly secured equipment: Ensure that equipment is properly secured and stable.
Regularly check the stability of locations containing devices.
• Equipment on unstable surfaces: Keep equipment away from edges and other potential
hazards, and regularly inspect equipment and locations containing devices for signs of
wear or damage.
Data Protection
The Data Protection Act (DPA) controls personal data collection, storage and processing.
• In the UK, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• Protects personal data, whether stored on paper or a computer system
Principles of the Data Protection Act
• Data must be processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently, with clear consent from the
individual.
• Data should only be collected for specific, explicit, and legitimate purposes.
• Organizations should only collect and retain the minimum personal data necessary for their
stated purpose.
• Data should be accurate and up-to-date, and reasonable steps must be taken to rectify or
erase inaccurate information.
• Personal data should not be kept longer than necessary and should be securely deleted
when no longer needed.
• Organizations must protect personal data against unauthorized or unlawful processing,
accidental loss, destruction, or damage.
Why is data protection legislation required?
• Protecting Individual Rights: Data protection legislation safeguards individuals' right to
privacy and control over their personal information.
• Preventing Misuse of Personal Data: It helps prevent unauthorized access, identity theft,
fraud, and other forms of data misuse.
• Promoting Trust: Data protection laws build trust between individuals and organizations by
ensuring their personal information is handled responsibly.
• Encouraging Responsible Data Handling: Legislation promotes responsible data
collection, storage, and processing practices among organizations.
• Enabling Data Subject Rights: Legislation grants individuals rights such as access to their
data, right to rectification, erasure, and objection to processing.
Personal Data
• Refers to information that can be used to identify an individual
• Examples
o Personal Name
o Address
o Date of birth
o A photograph in school uniform
o Medical history
• Threats that can be avoided by protecting personal data:
o Identity theft
o Privacy breaches
o Misuse of the information
o Data be sold to third-party companies
o Individuals could be held to ransom over personal data gathered
o could be used to commit a physical crime
• How to avoid inappropriate data disclosure:
o Personal data must be kept confidential and protected through privacy settings on
websites such as social media or strong passwords on websites where personal
data is held or used
o Access to personal data should be limited to authorized individuals
o Think before you post - consider what information could be gathered from your
image or content
o Check website details about the collection, storage, and use of personal data
o Only access websites where personal data is used or viewed when on a secure,
encrypted connection
eSafety
• E-safety is knowing about and using the internet safely and
responsibly.
• It refers to when an individual is using the internet, email, social
media, or online gaming.
• E-safety refers to the individual knowing how to protect
themselves from potential dangers and threats.
The Need for eSafety
• Awareness that personal information should not be shared freely
• Awareness of how to act online and avoid falling victim creates a safe and respectful
environment.
• Identify and avoid online scams, phishing attempts, and fraudulent websites that may try to
trick them into sharing personal or financial information.
• Mindful of online behaviour and interactions, protecting your digital reputation, which can
have long-term consequences in your personal and professional life.
• Control privacy settings on social media platforms, limiting who can access/view personal
information and posts.
• Avoid encountering explicit or harmful content online, reducing the risk of exposure to
inappropriate material or online predators.
• Engage in online gaming responsibly, avoid sharing personal details, and behave
respectfully towards other players.
• Protecting devices from malware, viruses, and other online threats, preventing data loss,
privacy breaches, or device damage.
• Develop responsible online behaviours, promoting respectful conduct while interacting
with others online.
• Maintain a healthy balance between online and offline lives, reducing the risk of addiction,
mental health issues, or negative impacts on relationships and self-esteem.
Safety Suggestions
• The internet:
o Use trusted websites recommended by teachers or reputable sources
o Utilize search engines that only allow access to age-appropriate websites and use
filters to ensure inappropriate content is not seen
o Never reveal personal information
• Email:
o Be aware of the potential dangers of opening or replying to emails from unknown
people, including attachments; potential dangers include phishing, spam
o Ensure you know who the email is for when considering sending personal data or
images via email, only with people you know and not with identifiable content like
school photos
• Social media:
o Know how to block and report people who send content or messages that are
unwanted
o Know where the privacy settings are to reduce the number of people who can see
your posts or images
o Be aware of the potential dangers of meeting online contacts face to face; do not
meet anyone you do not know; if you do, take an adult and meet publicly.
o Do not distribute inappropriate images and inappropriate language
o Respect the confidentiality of personal data belonging to other people
o Only accept friend requests from people you know
o Parents should be aware of what you are doing online, discuss what you are doing
online
o Do not post images or details that can be used to locate you
• Online gaming:
o Do not use real names as usernames
o Never share personal or financial details with other players
o Know how to block and report players for inappropriate messages or comments
• Sensitive Data is data that might result in loss of an advantage or level of security if
disclosed to others. I.e., ethnicity, religion, criminal record, etc. At the same time, personal
data can be used to identify the user, i.e., passport number, name, age, etc.