Cybersecurity Ethics
I want to share how my perspective about ethics have changed in the cybersecurity space.
My thoughts, on privacy have definitely evolved as I’ve gained an understanding of how companies and other entities gather utilize and at times misuse personal data. Initially I didn’t pay attention to sharing information viewing it as a fair exchange for free services. However I now grasp the risks and drawbacks of having our personal information easily accessible for analysis and potential misuse. The incident with Cambridge Analytica shed light on how harmless Facebook quiz data could be weaponized for purposes.
I’ve also realized how our digital traces can be used to create profiles about us without our awareness or consent. While acknowledging the advantages of data collection for services and scientific/medical research my stance has become nuanced. Advocating for stronger data protection laws and user empowerment while supporting the responsible use of data, with appropriate safeguards and transparency. It’s crucial to safeguard my information while staying informed about both the dangers and potential advantages of data collection in order to make informed decisions. From now on, I will be sure to be cautious when safeguarding my details, on the internet while also staying updated on the dangers and advantages of data gathering to enable me to make informed decisions.
Another thing that really changed was my position on user data and consent. It’s really shifted from seeing it as primarily a legal and/or regulatory issue, to mainly seeing it as a fundamental ethical concern. I used to think that as long as companies included data collection details in their terms of service, they were in the clear ethically because the person is taking responsibility by signing off on it. But I’ve come to believe that true informed consent requires much more than dense legalese that users are most likely never going to fully read or understand. I now see how power imbalances and information asymmetry between companies and users make meaningful consent challenging. Dark patterns and manipulative design can erode user autonomy. I understand the challenges, in creating consent systems that’re thorough yet user friendly.
My perspective has become more nuanced realizing that professional consent is not simply a yes or no. It exists on a spectrum. Different types of data and uses require varying levels of consent. I view consent as a process, not a one time event. My thoughts on ethics in the tech field have evolved from considering ethics as a matter to acknowledging the crucial role of organizational culture and industry standards. The story about the developer who designed a pharmaceutical quiz highlighted how easy it is to justify actions, especially when young and following orders. I now I see how external pressures, conflicting incentives, and limited perspectives can lead well meaning individuals into harmful endeavors. I now recognize the importance of frameworks, training and support, at both company and industry levels.
I’ve realized that making decisions, in the tech industry can be quite challenging as there are conflicting values and tough choices to make. I now understand that it’s not always straightforward. That doesn’t mean we can ignore the considerations of our actions.