Cybersecurity, Technology, and Society

1. I am interested in cybersecurity technology because it is challenging and dynamic in nature. I have always had the want to learn about new things. The field of cybersecurity fuels my curiosity as technology is always advancing. There is always something new to learn and that is really exciting to me. Cybersecurity is also an in-demand field. No matter what industry, there will always be sensitive information stored and transmitted over networks. That means that there will always be someone trying to steal this information as it makes its way to its destination. Hence, there will always be a need for an information security program in any organization. The Cybersecurity field is also very rewarding. Knowing that Iplay an important part in helping keep an organization afloat would bring me much satisfaction. 

There are a few majors at ODU that are closely related to Cybersecurity. Computer Science provides a strong foundation in programming, algorithms, data structures, and computer architecture. These skills are essential for understanding the technical aspects of cybersecurity, such as writing secure code, designing secure systems, and analyzing malware. The Information Technology major focuses on the management and administration of technology systems. It covers topics like network administration, database management, and system analysis. These skills are valuable for individuals interested in securing networks, managing security infrastructure, and implementing security policies. Data Science involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting large volumes of data to extract insights and make informed decisions. In the context of cybersecurity, data science can be used for anomaly detection, behavior analysis, and predictive modeling to identify potential threats and develop effective security measures. A major in Criminal Justice can be valuable for individuals interested in the legal and policy aspects of cybersecurity. It covers topics like digital forensics, cybercrime investigation, and cybersecurity laws and regulations. Understanding the legal framework and investigative techniques is crucial for combating cyber threats effectively. 

2. There are ethical issues that arise when storing electronic information about individuals. The first being privacy. Storing electronic information raises concerns about the privacy of individuals. Organizations must handle personal data in a responsible and secure manner, ensuring that it is not accessed or used without proper consent. It involves issues such as data collection, storage, sharing, and the potential for unauthorized access or data breaches. The second issue is data security. Safeguarding electronic information from unauthorized access, breaches, or cyberattacks is a critical ethical issue. Organizations have a responsibility to implement appropriate security measures, such as encryption, access controls, and regular security assessments, to protect sensitive data from being compromised. The third issue is data retention. Determining how long to retain electronic information can be ethically challenging. On one hand, retaining data for an extended period may be necessary for legal compliance or historical purposes. On the other hand, excessive data retention can increase the risk of data breaches and privacy violations. Organizations must strike a balance between retaining data and minimizing potential harm to individuals. The fourth issue is data integrity. Ensuring the accuracy and integrity of stored electronic information is another ethical concern. Inaccurate or misleading data can have significant consequences for individuals, such as denial of services or employment opportunities. Organizations should implement data validation processes and mechanisms to prevent errors, corruption, or intentional manipulation of data.

Different countries have varying laws and regulations related to cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy. The U.S. has laws such as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to address cybercrime and protect personal information. Comparing legal frameworks helps understand how countries address cybersecurity risks and protect individuals’ rights. Each country has its critical infrastructure, such as power grids, transportation systems, and financial networks, which are potential targets for cyberattacks. The level of investment in securing critical infrastructure, implementing protective measures, and responding to incidents varies among countries.

3. Cyber technology has indeed created opportunities for workplace deviance, allowing individuals to engage in various unethical or illegal behaviors within the work environment. Here are some ways in which cyber technology has contributed to such opportunities:

1. Unauthorized Access and Data Theft: The ease of accessing and transferring digital information has facilitated unauthorized access to sensitive company data. Employees with malicious intent can exploit their knowledge of computer systems to steal confidential information, intellectual property, or trade secrets, causing financial and reputational damage to the organization.
2. Insider Threats: Cyber technology has made it easier for employees to engage in insider threats, which involve individuals within an organization misusing their access privileges to commit fraudulent activities or harm the organization. This can include activities such as embezzlement, data manipulation, or leaking confidential information.
3. Cyberbullying and Harassment: The proliferation of communication technologies, including email, instant messaging, and social media, has given rise to workplace cyberbullying and harassment. Employees may use these channels to spread rumors, engage in online harassment, or engage in discriminatory behavior, causing emotional distress and negatively impacting the work environment.
4. Misuse of Company Resources: Cyber technology has created opportunities for employees to misuse company resources for personal gain. This can involve activities like excessive personal internet usage, unauthorized software installation, or using work devices for personal purposes, leading to productivity loss and potential security risks.
5. Social Engineering Attacks: Cyber technology has enabled sophisticated social engineering attacks, where individuals manipulate others to gain access to sensitive information or perform unauthorized actions. This can include techniques such as phishing emails, pretexting, or impersonation, targeting unsuspecting employees and compromising the organization’s security.

To mitigate these risks, organizations need to establish strong cybersecurity policies, educate employees about the potential consequences of workplace deviance, implement access controls and monitoring mechanisms, and create a culture of ethics and accountability.

4. Developing cybersecurity programs in business comes with both costs and benefits.

Costs:

First, implementing a cybersecurity program requires a financial investment. Organizations need to allocate resources for hiring skilled cybersecurity professionals, acquiring and maintaining security tools and technologies, conducting security assessments, and implementing security measures. The costs can include salaries, training, software licenses, hardware upgrades, and ongoing maintenance. Next, Developing and maintaining a cybersecurity program demands time and effort from various stakeholders within the organization. This includes conducting risk assessments, establishing security policies and procedures, monitoring and responding to security incidents, and regularly updating and testing security controls. It may require dedicated staff or the allocation of existing resources to cybersecurity-related tasks. The implementation of cybersecurity measures can also sometimes disrupt the normal workflow within an organization. This can occur during security audits, software patching, or the enforcement of new security policies. Employees may need to undergo cybersecurity training or adapt to new procedures, which can temporarily impact productivity until they become accustomed to the changes.

Benefits:

A well-developed cybersecurity program helps protect businesses against various cyber threats, including data breaches, ransomware attacks, intellectual property theft, and online fraud. By implementing robust security measures, organizations can mitigate risks, prevent financial losses, and safeguard their reputation. Many industries have specific cybersecurity regulations and standards that businesses must adhere to. Developing a cybersecurity program helps organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements, avoiding penalties, legal liabilities, and damage to their brand reputation. A strong cybersecurity program demonstrates a commitment to protecting customer data and sensitive information. This builds trust and confidence among customers, clients, and partners. By establishing a reputation for reliable security practices, businesses can gain a competitive edge and attract more customers who prioritize data protection. While the costs of developing a cybersecurity program should be considered, the benefits of protecting against cyber threats, regulatory compliance, customer trust outweigh the costs of developing a robust security program.

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6. Engineers play a crucial role in making cyber networks safer. Engineers design and implement network architectures that incorporate security principles. This includes designing secure network segments, implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls to protect against unauthorized access and potential attacks. First, engineers also employ encryption techniques to secure data transmissions and communications within the network. This includes implementing protocols such as Transport Layer Security (TLS) or Secure Shell (SSH) for secure remote access, virtual private networks (VPNs) for encrypted connections, and secure email protocols. Next, engineers conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify weaknesses in the network infrastructure and systems. They apply security patches and updates promptly to mitigate known vulnerabilities and ensure that network components are up to date with the latest security measures. Engineers contribute to enhancing security awareness among employees by providing training and educational programs. They educate users about best practices, such as strong password management, safe browsing habits, and social engineering awareness, to minimize the risk of human error and improve overall network security. Engineers deploy intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) to monitor network traffic, detect suspicious activities or potential intrusions, and respond to security incidents. They design incident response plans, conduct forensic investigations, and develop strategies to mitigate the impact of security breaches.

The overlap between criminal justice and cybercrime lies in addressing and combating illegal activities that occur online. Criminal justice professionals investigate and gather evidence related to cybercrimes such as hacking, data breaches, identity theft, online fraud, and other computer-related offenses. They work closely with digital forensics experts to collect and analyze electronic evidence, often involving collaboration with law enforcement agencies and cybercrime units. It is important for criminal justice professionals to work in collaboration with cybersecurity experts, technology professionals, and other stakeholders to effectively investigate, prosecute, and prevent cybercrimes.