Cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary study of the social sciences as it relates to technology uses and practices. Robert Bierstedt’s argument that social sciences adhere to the same principles as the natural sciences, makes the principles of science also relate to cybersecurity through the Social Science perspective. The principles of science are Relativism, Objectivity, Parsimony, Skepticism, Ethical Neutrality, and Determinism.
Relativism is the belief that all things are related to each other and that modifying one thing will lead to the modification of something else. In cybersecurity, this is related because changes in technology are constantly occurring as other factors like people, society, and needs change. We are not using the same technology that was available 10 years ago and if technology and how it is defended against does not improve alongside outside factors, you will leave yourself open to vulnerabilities.
Objectivity is the approach by which scientists study and conduct research in a value-free manner. In cybersecurity, the ability to remain objective while conducting research and gathering information is important to maintaining integrity. You must be able to be impartial even if you have a strong opinion about something and it goes again your views.
Parsimony is keeping explanations as simple as possible. Because cybersecurity involves human interaction with technology and everyone is different, it can be difficult to place things into categories and provide simple explanations for human reasoning because they differ, but the goal is to try.
Skepticism is the belief that the information obtained for research should have a level of doubt until properly verified and can be backed up by proven experts. This ensures that the information published is indisputable.
Empiricism in social science is defined as studying behavior that is real to the senses, which means empirical research must be conducted and cannot rely on opinions or unsubstantiated information for clarity.
Ethical neutrality is adhering to ethical standards when research is conducted. Researchers must be able to perform research that is non-bias, has integrity, and is willing to empirically and objectively study topics while protecting the rights of those being studied. Determinism is the belief that behavior is caused, determined, or influenced by preceding events. In the case of cybersecurity and dealing with human behavior, it is not easy to prove that because someone studied cybercrime it has been pre-determined that they will eventually commit cybercrime. They could easily study it to learn how to prevent others from partaking in it or knowing signs of potential cybercrime. Everyone has a choice in the decisions they make. This principle is highly debated because of its absolution ideal and should recognize a level of free will in human behavior does exist.