I've started to think lately that we have fundamentally designed our operating systems incorrectly. We've always assumed that we need some type of administrator that has control over everything in the system, and can access each file. Some systems are slowly building in controls to limit, or at least audit, administrative changes, but still it seems that we fundamentally always have the idea of some "super user" that controls everything.

When I see stories like this, where 74% of IT professionals admit to data snooping, I'm even more sure we shouldn't have overriding, super-user level permissions. Whether it would actually reduce the level of snooping is debatable, but it does seem that if there is enough temptation, some percentage of people won't be able to help themselves.

As data professionals we can access lots of information, most of which isn't interesting. For the most part, I would like to assume most of us are busy with our jobs, we're professionals, and we don't need to go digging through the payroll system to see who makes how much. I'm sure, however, that when bonuses aren't paid out, or a raise isn't received, there's a little more temptation to check and see if you are being treated as fairly as everyone else.

Most data snooping is probably harmless. Someone is bored, or curious, and goes looking around without any ulterior or malicious intent. It's still not right, and if you get caught, you can, and probably should, lose your job.

Being a professional means doing your job, appropriately, each and every day. Temptation will be there, but learn to ignore it and stick to a strong moral code about how you handle yourself. If you ever wouldn't want to explain your actions to your Mom or your kids, maybe you shouldn't be acting in that way.

Steve Jones

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