432 Consequences of insecure software

Explore the ethical, social, legal, and financial harm that can result when software security is neglected.

Overview

Insecure software doesn't just fail—it can hurt people, damage reputations, break laws, and destroy trust. When systems are compromised, the consequences are often wide-reaching, affecting individuals, organisations, and entire communities.

This section examines the real-world impacts of security failures, including ethical and social issues, financial and legal penalties, and case studies from major breaches. Students are encouraged to consider the responsibility that comes with writing software and the long-term consequences of overlooking secure practices.

Targets

In this section, students learn to:

• Analyse the ethical and social effects of insecure software

• Identify legal and financial consequences that result from breaches

• Explore the broader impact on users, especially disadvantaged groups

• Evaluate real-world case studies of security failures