I completed my leadership credit through the course, Cybersecurity Ethics.

You go beyond the “how” of technology in PHIL 355E: Cybersecurity Ethics and begin concentrating on the “should.” This course at ODU makes it clear to you as a student that being a cybersecurity professional involves more than just technical expertise; it also entails the heavy responsibility that comes with having access to sensitive data and vital infrastructure.

The course deconstructs the intricate moral terrain of the digital realm. We examine everything from the ethical conundrums of internet content control to the thin line between personal privacy and government surveillance. We are applying traditional ethical theories to contemporary issues like cybercrimes, social engineering, and the long-term effects of automation and digital technology on our society rather than merely memorizing regulations.

The connection between this and leaders
The Learning through Active Discovery, Engagement, Reflection, and Showcase (LeADERS) program would benefit greatly from this course since it offers the moral compass required for professional “Leadership” and “Reflection.”

Thoughts on Professional Responsibility: Leadership is all about knowing your professional identity. You are required to consider your future role as an IT professional in PHIL 355E. It shifts you from a “zero failure” technical mindset to an ethical one by making you consider your responsibilities to your clients and the public that go beyond simply maintaining the network.

Active Social Impact Discovery: A fundamental tenet of LeADERS is “Discovery.” This course pushes you to learn how actual people are impacted by cybersecurity decisions. Studying the social impact of computers involves more than just looking at code; it also involves examining how that code can alter people’s lives, defend rights, or unintentionally cause harm.

The “Showcase” of a Well-Rounded Professional: Taking an ethics-focused course like this shows employers that you have a “big picture” viewpoint when it comes time to construct your ePortfolio. It demonstrates that you are a responsible professional who is aware of the NIST framework and the ethical responsibilities associated with safeguarding biological or genomic data, rather than just a “script kiddie” or a technician.