Cybersecurity Ethics
This course examines ethical issues relevant to ethics for cybersecurity professionals, including privacy, professional code of conduct, practical conflicts between engineering ethics and business practices, individual and corporate social responsibility, ethical hacking, information warfare, and cyberwarfare. Students will gain a broad understanding of central issues in cyberethics and the ways that fundamental ethical theories relate to these core issues.
Course Material
(A)Reflective Essay
Reflecting on the connection between cybersecurity and ethics, I’ve received insightful perspectives on three major topics: the ethical implications of Google Street View, the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the Equifax data leak. These observations, which are founded in my academic journey as a senior cybersecurity major, have not only expanded my understanding but also provided guiding principles for my future cybersecurity profession.
My initial impression of Google Street View was that it was a harmless, useful tool. But reading Siva Vaidhyanathan’s “The Googlization of Everything” caused an attitude shift. I learned to comprehend the ethical complexity of technology that affects privacy. Vaidhyanathan’s critique of Google’s approach, particularly its invasive nature of capturing images without explicit consent, resonated deeply. It emphasized the need for ethical issues in technological advancement, particularly in the field of privacy. The need to strike a balance between innovation and ethical concerns cannot be overstated. Technologies should be created with a strong emphasis on privacy and individual rights, ensuring a healthy balance of utility and ethical responsibility.
Exploring Danny Palmer’s GDPR research represented a fundamental shift in my thinking. Initially viewed as a regulatory burden, I came to recognize its important role in protecting individual rights in the digital age. The GDPR’s emphasis on user consent and data openness provided a reference point for my understanding of ethical data handling, highlighting the importance of combining operational efficiency with privacy and ethical responsibility. Advocacy and strict adherence to data protection policies are critical. Adopting frameworks that prioritize individual privacy and data protection, such as GDPR, is critical for creating trust and ethical integrity in cybersecurity procedures.
The Equifax data hack was an important event in my view of corporate data security duty. Initially dismissed as ordinary technological errors, these occurrences were revealed to be grave ethical transgressions via the perspective of Kantian deontology. Equifax’s failure to preserve sensitive data violated individual autonomy and dignity, underscoring the importance of ethical responsibility in personal data processing. Maintaining ethical norms in cybersecurity is unavoidable. Personal data protection should be considered as a moral commitment, with operational aims aligned with ethical responsibilities to ensure individual privacy and dignity.
These themes have had a significant impact on my approach to cybersecurity. As I begin my career, I am determined to carry these lessons forward, ensuring that they inform all areas of my job. The concepts of ethical integrity, individual rights preservation, and societal welfare will serve as the foundation for my professional identity. The necessity of establishing a balance between innovative technology solutions and ethical considerations cannot be stressed in these topics. My ambition is to be at the forefront of developing and implementing cybersecurity policies that not only defend digital assets but also respect and protect individuals’ privacy and rights. In addition, I intend to engage in continual learning and professional development to stay current on industry trends and ethical discussions. Maintaining a current and informed perspective will require networking with colleagues, attending industry conferences, and engaging in professional forums. These lessons and pledges will form the foundation of my professional ethics as a cybersecurity analyst. I am excited to contribute to the area not only as a technical expert but also as an advocate for ethical behaviors that improve our well-being.
(B) Two Case Analyses