There are many advantages of storing information electronically such as saving resources, space, and security, but likewise there are complications and issues that arise too. For one, a lot of information is stored in patient files, including age, sex, race, medical issues, and more and there is a big risk in data leaking because of accidental disclosures or hackers. The same goes for banking and finance industry, a lot of private information including social security or bank account/credit card information can be found or stolen. Ensuring the right user gets access is another ethical issue, who gets the right to enter the files and information and view it. Copyright infringement is another issues that arises with information technology, the law can be manipulated and information can be amended or revised and taken from one another. People will aim to steal your ideas and work and legally copyright and claim it as theirs, thus inhibiting you from getting any attachments to your line of business. Trade secrets is also a significant ethical issues in information technology as they usually secure something of high value or usefulness, once disclosed the secret is lost and can only be protected by the law in regards to use. If leaked, it can provide a significant head start in the advancement of software or hardware.

Cyber security risk is different in all aspects in the world, and each country has something that they need to work on. The US alone has now dropped from fifth to 17th as the most cyber-secure country. Out of 76 countries being observed, findings have found that Denmark is the most cyber-secure country in the world and Algeria is ranked as the worst cyber-secure country, this being due to lack of legislations concerning privacy. Other countries came in with high scores such as China with the most telnet attacks and Belarus with the most financial malware attacks.