Explain how the principles of science relate to cybersecurity
It was argued by Robert Bierstedt in 1970 that social sciences follow the same principles as natural sciences. In other words, social science is just as scientific as natural science. Overall, the principles can be applied to cybersecurity through social science. Some of the principles to note are relativism, objectivity, parsimony, ethical neutrality, and determinism.
Relativism means that all things are related. From a systems point-of-view, one change in a system can lead to changes in other systems. More specifically in cybersecurity, one example of relativism is the technological system leading to the development of cyberspace. This in turn led to cybercrime which then necessitates cybersecurity. It’s also beneficial to note that the principle of relativism recognizes changes in societal systems such as the health care system, the educational system, or the political system leading to changes in cybersecurity.
Objectivity is the way scientists study topics in a value-free manner. This principle doesn’t exist to promote an opinion and only exists to objectively advance knowledge. When studying cybersecurity, it’s important to be objective in any social science research. It’s also crucial to be objective when it comes to topics such as punishment for cybercriminals.
Parsimony means that scientists should keep explanations simple. Although, it’s easier to do in natural sciences than in social sciences. With parsimony comes the self-control theory. The self-control theory says that people commit crimes because they have low self-control. The self-control theory has been shown to have a connection with cybercrime, as an offender’s reasoning could be low self-control and victimization.
Ethical neutrality refers to scientists having to adhere to ethical standards when conducting research. When studying cybersecurity and cybercrime, ethical issues are due to arise. One question one might ask in a search for ethical neutrality in cybersecurity is “What do companies do with all the gathered data they get from individuals?”
The scientific principle of determinism states that behavior is caused, determined, or influenced by preceding events. Like parsimony, this is much easier to establish in natural science rather than social science. Through the lens of social science and studying cybersecurity, instead of debating on whether cybercrime is committed with free will or determinism, we recognize the middle ground. Questioning things such as why individuals commit cybercrime, why individuals choose to share passwords, or why anyone does anything online are examples of determinism in relation to cybersecurity.
Overall all of these scientific principles of science share a relationship with cybersecurity. In other words, questions related to cybersecurity and cybercrime can be made for any scientific principle.