Joseph Flores
01/24/2024
Explain how the principles of science relate to cybersecurity.
The more I learn about cybersecurity, the more I discover how this field really touches upon multiple sciences. Sure, you have the technical side of cybersecurity, but it really covers multiple principles, especially in the social sciences. As I was learning about the principles of science, I start seeing how they relate to cybersecurity in the sense that cybersecurity really is an interdisciplinary field. The principles of science are Relativism, Objectivity, Parsimony, Empiricism, Determinism, and Ethical Neutrality.
Relativism in cybersecurity is about understanding how our social systems and technology are connected to each other. Technology can influence how society work and vice versa because of this cybersecurity professionals must change their approaches to threats based on the specific context. For example, a bank may have different hacking risks compared to a hospital.
Objectivity means staying neutral and unbiased regardless of outside influence. A good example of this is when cybersecurity professionals need to evaluate a new technology and let’s say they are the person that developed the tool, being able to recognize that even though they developed the tool there is still risks and weaknesses, instead of believing that their tool is perfect and full proof.
Parsimony is all about keeping things simple. This principle is used to avoid unnecessary complexity that can lead to vulnerabilities. For instance, a straightforward access control policy reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Simplicity improves the manageability and effectiveness of security measures.
Empiricism in cybersecurity focuses attention on the importance of relying on hardcore data and observation instead of one’s opinion or belief. This makes sure that cybersecurity research is based on actual evidence, which improves the reliability and validity of research findings.
Determinism is pretty similar to the principle of relativism. Determinism in cybersecurity recognizes that prior actions effect the following outcomes.By using this principle, we can learn from prior mistakes to prevent future security breaches.
Ethical neutrality is a cornerstone in cybersecurity research ethics. Researchers must adhere to ethical standards in their treatment of subjects, ensuring respect for privacy, confidentiality, and the well-being of individuals affected by cybersecurity. Upholding ethical principles is crucial for maintaining trust in the research community.