Storing electronic information about individuals presents several important ethical concerns that should be taken into consideration such as privacy, data protection, and professional responsibility. Additionally, both the United States and Ireland face cybersecurity risks that impact the foundation of their digital worlds. In this paper we will address both these ethical issues, and compare the cybersecurity risks in both countries.

In most cases it can be said that the information stored on your personal devices are far more valuable than the devices themselves and for this reason its extremely important to protect personal data. When discussing computer ethics we are referring to the concept of preexisting principals or morals to base decisions on which guide a person on what actions are right or wrong when it comes to this data. Taking that into consideration, as we discuss storing others electronic information there are a few ethical issues to note. As privacy and data protection are essential, it’s important to make sure others personal data are stored securely to prevent unauthorized access, or misuse of this information. Cybersecurity plays an tremendous role in protecting this information from cyber threats like hackers and unauthorized access such as insider leaks.

When personal data is stored by others, they are under the impression it is being used for the purpose they agreed upon when providing the data. People should have a clear understanding of how their data is being collected, stored and used. Being transparent and getting informed consent on the data an organization is maintaining is their professional responsibility to provide. Professional responsibility can be broken into many groups: employer-employee, client-professional, professional-professional and so on. In these scenarios it’s important to ensure you are handling the data of these counterparts as you would want your data handled.

Moving to cybersecurity risks, the U.S. and Ireland both have similarities and differences. Since the U.S. is a much larger country, the U.S. is a much greater target for cyber attacks. On the other hand, Irelands still encounters cybersecurity risks that can disrupt operations and cause harm. The United States primarily sees cyber attacks against major financial institutions but in Ireland, cyber criminals focus on disrupting large enterprises.

To respond to these current threats both the United States and Ireland have implemented policies and regulations. The U.S. implemented the Privacy Act of 1974, HIPPA, and CCPA to protect personal information. Ireland on the other hand works in partnership with EU legislation around maintaining data privacy through the GDPR and NIS.

In summary, storing electronic information about individuals raises ethical concerns that require an appropriate response. Whether implementing the right security measure, offering transparency in data usage, or respecting your professional responsibility towards another, it’s essential to address the possible actions, but more importantly, the correct ones. When we prioritize cybersecurity while making sure ethical standards are met, we can ensure a safer and more secure digital world.


Works Cited:
International Trade Administration – Ireland Country Commercial Guide
https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/ireland-cybersecurity#:~:text=Cybercrime%20remains%20the%20most%20prevalent,Irish%20businesses%20suffering%20a%20cyberattack

Fundamentals of Information Systems and Security
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Fundamentals_of_Information_Systems_Security/Information_Security_and_Risk_Management