The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) really stood out to me as a practical and adaptable tool for managing cybersecurity risks. From my reading of pages 1–21, I was struck by how universal it is—any organization, no matter its size or industry, can use it to improve its security posture. I liked how it breaks cybersecurity into five clear functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. This structure feels intuitive and gives organizations a step-by-step way to not only protect against threats but also recover quickly if something goes wrong. For me, what really resonated was how the framework bridges the gap between technical teams and leadership. The way it uses a common language to describe risks and actions makes it easier to have meaningful conversations about cybersecurity, even with people who might not have a technical background. If I were to use this in my future workplace, I’d start by assessing where the organization currently stands with cybersecurity and then use the framework to prioritize what needs attention most. It also seems like a great way to align security efforts with business goals and show stakeholders that the organization is serious about protecting its systems and data. I can see myself using the CSF as a foundation for building stronger defenses and fostering collaboration across teams. It’s a resource I’m definitely going to keep in mind as I move into my career.

As the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of a publicly traded company, ensuring the availability of our systems is a top priority. First, I would implement a comprehensive business continuity plan and disaster recovery strategy to minimize downtime in the event of system failures, cyberattacks, or natural disasters. This would include off-site backups and cloud-based solutions, ensuring that data is replicated and accessible even if the primary systems are compromised. Additionally, I would establish redundant systems to provide failover support, ensuring that if one system or server goes down, another can take over without disrupting business operations. To address potential threats from cyberattacks, implementing Distributed Denial of Service protection would be essential to mitigate any attempts to overwhelm our servers with excessive traffic. Moreover, regular patching and updates to all critical systems would be scheduled to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited by attackers. To monitor system health and performance, I would deploy real-time monitoring tools to detect and respond to incidents quickly, minimizing the impact on operations. Finally, establishing a robust incident response plan (IRP) is crucial, enabling the team to efficiently handle and recover from security breaches while maintaining transparency with stakeholders, particularly given the company’s publicly traded status. These measures would collectively ensure the continuity of business operations, safeguarding the company’s reputation and financial stability.

A major ethical concern with digitizing DNA is the risk of personal genetic information being misused. Unlike other data like credit card numbers, DNA is permanent, and if it’s stolen, it can’t be changed. This makes it especially vulnerable to hackers, potentially leading to identity theft or other harmful actions. Another issue is whether employers should have access to DNA data to make hiring or health decisions. This could lead to privacy violations or discrimination. While DNA digitization has benefits for research, it’s important to protect this sensitive data with strong security measures to avoid misuse or unauthorized access. Proper safeguards are necessary to ensure privacy and prevent harmful consequences.

Cyber technology has significantly expanded opportunities for workplace deviance by making unethical behavior easier to commit and harder to detect. With access to digital tools and networks, employees can engage in activities such as data theft, unauthorized file sharing, or leaking confidential information with just a few clicks. The internet also enables “cyberloafing,” where employees spend work hours browsing social media, shopping online, or streaming content, which reduces overall productivity. The rise of remote work has further complicated oversight, making it easier for individuals to misrepresent their hours or misuse company resources without supervision. Additionally, tech-savvy employees may bypass security controls or monitoring systems to access restricted content or conceal their actions. Cyber technology can also facilitate digital harassment, such as sending inappropriate messages through email or workplace chat systems. Altogether, while cyber tools enhance efficiency and communication, they also open the door to a range of deviant behaviors that can harm organizations.