Security is always one of the most important concerns in the use of computers (Gasser, 1988).
Computers do not invade anybody’s privacy- people do. And because computer systems are designed to be user friendly, it may not be unauthorized people to get access to personal data. People must be able to protect their computer files and limit file access only to authorized users (Lawrence et al, 2000).
Companies do not like the idea of giving privacy choices to their clients. They consider it a threat to their influence on customer’s data. Analyst of Meridien Research Inc., Dennis Behrman said, “you won't lose customers if you offer privacy options, but you may lose access to your ability to gain information" (Thibodeau, 2002).
On November 2001 Harris Interactive for Privacy and American Business had conducted a survey titled, “Privacy On and Off the Internet. What Consumers want”, on the privacy issues of online business.
Results of the survey revealed that 75 percent of consumers are concerned about the safety of their privacy; 70 percent thought that their transactions are not safe; 69 percent are worried that hackers can steal their confidential information. Kristin Valente, Earnest & Young’s innovative assurance partner said, “One of the things that surprised me the most is the way consumers reacted to suspicion of mistreatment of personal information. It’s a ‘one strike and you’re out’ policy with consumers. There was really very little that they indicated companies can do once you’ve lost their [consumers’] trust, although trust can be built with independent verification. But you have a long row to hoe to get back the trust and confidence of the consumer if you make a mistake” (Hollis).
There are four general categories of threats:
Interruption: An asset of the system is destroyed or become unavailable or unusable.....
