Risks in the use of information technology within organizations

Information systems researchers and practitioners alike have always felt the need to minimize systemic risks arising out of the use of information technology. Research has identified the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information as vital concepts. However, in developing counter-measures to threats in these three areas the focus has been on questions such as computer viruses, hacking, system failures and access control. Thus the primary concern has been for the technical installations and their functionality. In contrast this research sees information technology usage in terms of the integrity and the wholeness of systems, social as well as technical. It argues that by maintaining the integrity of information systems, the risks associated with information technology usage can be minimized.