Software Engineering Ethics

Description: This quiz covers ethical considerations in software engineering, including professional conduct, intellectual property rights, privacy, and security.
Number of Questions: 14
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Tags: software engineering ethics professional conduct intellectual property rights privacy security
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Which of the following is NOT a core principle of the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct?

  1. Honesty

  2. Integrity

  3. Objectivity

  4. Self-Interest


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct outlines ethical principles that software engineers should follow. Self-interest is not one of these principles.

What is the primary responsibility of a software engineer?

  1. To satisfy the client's requirements

  2. To ensure the quality of the software

  3. To protect the public interest

  4. To maximize profits


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The primary responsibility of a software engineer is to protect the public interest. This means ensuring that the software is safe, reliable, and secure, and that it does not harm users or society.

Which of the following is NOT a type of intellectual property right?

  1. Copyright

  2. Patent

  3. Trademark

  4. Trade Secret


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Trade secrets are not a type of intellectual property right. They are confidential information that gives a business a competitive advantage.

What is the purpose of a privacy policy?

  1. To inform users about how their personal data will be used

  2. To obtain consent from users for the use of their personal data

  3. To protect users from identity theft

  4. To comply with government regulations


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The purpose of a privacy policy is to inform users about how their personal data will be used. This includes what data is collected, how it is used, and who it is shared with.

Which of the following is NOT a best practice for secure software development?

  1. Use strong passwords

  2. Keep software up to date

  3. Use encryption

  4. Ignore security vulnerabilities


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Ignoring security vulnerabilities is not a best practice for secure software development. Security vulnerabilities should be identified and fixed as soon as possible.

What is the difference between ethical hacking and malicious hacking?

  1. Ethical hacking is legal, while malicious hacking is illegal

  2. Ethical hacking is done with the permission of the target, while malicious hacking is not

  3. Ethical hacking is done to identify and fix security vulnerabilities, while malicious hacking is done to exploit them

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Ethical hacking is legal, done with the permission of the target, and done to identify and fix security vulnerabilities. Malicious hacking is illegal, done without the permission of the target, and done to exploit security vulnerabilities.

What is the role of a software engineer in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

  1. To speak up against discrimination and harassment

  2. To mentor and support underrepresented groups

  3. To create a welcoming and inclusive work environment

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Software engineers can promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace by speaking up against discrimination and harassment, mentoring and supporting underrepresented groups, and creating a welcoming and inclusive work environment.

What is the difference between a whistleblower and a snitch?

  1. A whistleblower reports illegal or unethical activities, while a snitch reports minor infractions

  2. A whistleblower reports activities that are harmful to the public, while a snitch reports activities that are harmful to the company

  3. A whistleblower reports activities that are illegal or unethical, while a snitch reports activities that are harmful to the company or the public

  4. None of the above


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

A whistleblower reports illegal or unethical activities that are harmful to the public, while a snitch reports activities that are harmful to the company or the public, regardless of whether they are illegal or unethical.

What is the role of a software engineer in protecting the environment?

  1. To design and develop energy-efficient software

  2. To reduce the carbon footprint of software development

  3. To promote the use of renewable energy in software development

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Software engineers can protect the environment by designing and developing energy-efficient software, reducing the carbon footprint of software development, and promoting the use of renewable energy in software development.

What is the difference between a bug and a security vulnerability?

  1. A bug is an error in the software, while a security vulnerability is a flaw in the software that can be exploited by an attacker

  2. A bug can be exploited by an attacker, while a security vulnerability cannot

  3. A bug is always a security vulnerability, while a security vulnerability is not always a bug

  4. None of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A bug is an error in the software that can cause it to behave unexpectedly. A security vulnerability is a flaw in the software that can be exploited by an attacker to gain unauthorized access to the software or its data.

What is the role of a software engineer in ensuring the safety and reliability of software?

  1. To design and develop software that is safe and reliable

  2. To test software thoroughly to identify and fix defects

  3. To deploy software in a secure and reliable manner

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Software engineers can ensure the safety and reliability of software by designing and developing software that is safe and reliable, testing software thoroughly to identify and fix defects, and deploying software in a secure and reliable manner.

What is the difference between a software engineer and a computer scientist?

  1. A software engineer is focused on the practical application of computer science, while a computer scientist is focused on the theoretical foundations of computer science

  2. A software engineer is focused on the design and development of software, while a computer scientist is focused on the study of algorithms and data structures

  3. A software engineer is focused on the implementation of software, while a computer scientist is focused on the design of software

  4. None of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A software engineer is focused on the practical application of computer science, while a computer scientist is focused on the theoretical foundations of computer science. Software engineers use computer science principles to design and develop software, while computer scientists study the theoretical foundations of computer science, such as algorithms and data structures.

What is the role of a software engineer in promoting social good?

  1. To develop software that addresses social problems

  2. To volunteer their time and skills to social causes

  3. To donate money to social causes

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Software engineers can promote social good by developing software that addresses social problems, volunteering their time and skills to social causes, and donating money to social causes.

What is the difference between open source software and proprietary software?

  1. Open source software is free to use and modify, while proprietary software is not

  2. Open source software is developed by a community of volunteers, while proprietary software is developed by a company

  3. Open source software is typically more secure than proprietary software

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Open source software is free to use and modify, while proprietary software is not. Open source software is developed by a community of volunteers, while proprietary software is developed by a company. Open source software is typically more secure than proprietary software because it is subject to more scrutiny.

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