In the Fall of 2021, I completed IT/CYSE 200T, a course that explored the intersection of technology and cybersecurity from a broad, interdisciplinary perspective. Throughout the semester, I examined how cybersecurity connects to cultural, political, legal, ethical, and business domains, gaining a deeper understanding of its role in shaping modern society. I learned how cyber technology creates opportunities for criminal behavior, how cultural beliefs influence cybersecurity strategies, and how the components and mechanisms of cyber systems generate security concerns. The course also challenged me to think critically about the ethical dilemmas cybersecurity efforts can create for individuals, nations, and the environment, as well as the costs and benefits of developing secure technologies.
My coursework included writing a reflection essay, maintaining a weekly technology and cybersecurity journal, and completing quizzes and exams. These assignments helped me engage with the course’s key concepts and connect them to real-world scenarios. For instance, the reflection essay allowed me to analyze the global and ethical implications of cybersecurity efforts, while the journals provided space to explore how technology impacts individual and societal experiences with cybercrime. Overall, this course deepened my understanding of the complex and interconnected nature of cybersecurity and its far-reaching effects on our increasingly digital world.