Abstract
This chapter examines the problems of e-governance data/information security. In order to adequately achieve this objective, the chapter after the introduction, deals with the information and communication technology (ICT) security network, followed by effects of the changing nature of security threats in e-governance. The use of ICT internet security balancing requirements for achieving effective e-governance security network is considered. The chapter observes that strong security for internet transactions (information communication) is one of the last technical hurdles to be overcome in achieving true e-governance, enabling the broadest range of online government services while streamlining bureaucracy and providing efficient alternatives to in-person contact between government agencies and their constituents. The chapter argues that the problems of information security threats, if not tackled effectively, can hinder e-governance implementation success. The use of ICT internet security balancing requirements for achieving effective e-governance security network is recommended.
TopBackground
The transforming power of information and communication technologies (ICTs), particularly the internet, continues to permeate and remake various sectors of the society. The field of government is not exempted from the wave of change. This has given rise to innovation like e-governance or e-government. Both terms are used interchangeably in this chapter. E-government has the capacity to improve the performance of public institutions and make them more transparent and responsive; facilitate strategic connections in government by creating joined-up administrations in which users can access information and services via portals or on-stop-shops, and empower civil society organizations (CSOs) and citizens by making knowledge and other resources more directly accessible (Coleman, 2005).
Bank and Back (2001) opined that of e-government and e-governance, e-government is the narrower term, referring to a transformation of the business of government (processes, operations, and transactions) driven primarily by ICT. Transformation is both external (through simplified, enhanced government–client interactions via only services, no longer limited by traditional confines of fixed office hours and physical office space) and internal (through streamlined government administration processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness). On the other hand,, is a broader term that includes transformation e-governance on at least four levels. Firstly, it involves the transformation of the business of government. Secondly, it involves a transformation in the operational definitions of the principles upon which governance is founded, shifting towards increased participation, openers, transparency, and communication. (Schiavo-Ocampo & Sundaram, 2001). Thirdly, it involves a transformation in the interactions between government and its (internal and external) clients classified as government-to-citizen, government-to-business, government to its internal employee clients, government to other government institutional clients, and citizen-to-citizen (Stigilitz, J., Orszag, P., and Orszag, J. (2002); Cseteny, (2000); Heeks, (2001)). Fourthly, e-governance involves a transformation of society itself, through the emergence of so-called “e-societies”, made up of networks of relationships like citizens-to-citizens connection, as well as relations among non-government organizations (NGO’s), built and sustained using electronic means (International American Development Bank; 2001).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Security Network: Use of ICT to protect and detect unauthorized users of having access to or tampering with the resources in the network.
Security Threats: Software or programs that tend to hinder proper information dissemination in e-governance environment.
E-Government Government or E-Governance: Short for electronic government or governance, or digital government, online government or transformational government. It is a diffused neologism used to refer to the use of information and communication technology to provide and improve government services, transactions and governance.
Server: A computing system designed to house the resources to be shared or disseminated in an ICT environment.
ICT Contemporaries: These has to do with the makeup of the security network environment i.e. the human and infrastructure.
Intranet: System to system communication within a given organization using the transmission control protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) to enable the sharing of resources.
Internet: Network of networks of computers.