Introduction

The Data Breach Response Policy will continue to have more influence throughout all types of business due to the constant use of technology. This policy will provide a business or organization with the right strategy to protect against cyber threats and cyber-attacks and show a way to mitigate the effects of an ongoing attack. Businesses that are in constant proximity with technology need the constant influence of this policy because it allows the business to protect itself as well as the data it handles. If the business misuses this policy or completely neglects the strategy it provides this could cause ethical problems for the business. This paper will show an analysis of the ethical problems that arise from the Data Breach Response Policy and the costs and benefits of this specific policy. This paper will also examine the rights that are protected or limited by this policy as well as whether this policy addresses specific individuals’ rights.

Ethical Implications of the Data Breach Response Policy

With many businesses needing to implement the Data Breach Response Policy this brings rise to ethical implications that could affect the business and its consumers in many ways. Ethical implications arise within aspects of integrity, security, and responsibility. While businesses use this policy to prevent the occurrence of cyber threats and attacks there is still the chance one might happen. In the event that a cyber-attack breaches the data of the business, it is the business’s job to maintain integrity with its consumers. The consumers are what drive the business so if the data of the consumers is affected by a cyberattack the business should properly notify everyone. This allows the business to be open with its consumers and relay to them information about the cyberattack and the issues it has caused. If a business does not uphold this integrity it could lead to the consumers being stripped of the opportunity to take premature action. This could lead to the possibility that the consumer would be unable to mitigate the potential damage that occurred to their personal data. Businesses are bound by laws and regulations that must be followed when assessing a cyber-attack, but they also have a responsibility they must uphold with their consumers. This responsibility is attached to the business’s ability to take the blame for the consequences that occur during a cyberattack. A cyberattack could affect the data of the business as well as the consumers’ data that is attached to the business. Taking responsibility for the consequences that may arise from this cyberattack allows the business to provide support to its consumers who were affected by this attack. On top of upholding integrity and responsibility, a business must also maintain proper security. By implementing a proper security plan, a business can plan out all the necessary measures to combat a cyber-attack.  Businesses are entrusted with the job of creating security that protects the data attached to the business. By taking the necessary measures when creating a security plan, the business can secure each system that was impacted by the attack as well as prevent these attacks in the future.  If a business is unable to create a security plan that protects the data attached to the business, it could harm consumers as well as harm the integrity of the business. 

Protected and Limited Rights of the Data Breach Response Policy

There are many rights that are protected by the Data Breach Response Policy, which affects the consumers as well as the business. Since the Data Breach Response Policy is a framework that is attached to the aspects of law it must follow the specific requirements issued by each state. This allows for consumers’ data as well as the data of the business to be protected by the law that is mandated by each state. While the Data Breach Response Policy is protected by law it also protects specific rights of the consumers. These rights of the consumers include taking accountability for the consumer’s safety and privacy as well as the consumer’s confidentiality. With businesses taking accountability this allows for the insurance that their products are safe and secure for the consumers to use. Businesses also must be clear about the collection, storage, and use of the consumer’s data. These protected rights of the Data Breach Response Policy only become limited when they are disregarded by the business. In the instance that the business disregards these protected rights, it could lead the business to experience legal and financial consequences as well as reputational issues amongst its consumers. 

The influence of the Data Breach Response Policy allows the business to experience benefits as well as reduce costs in response to a cyber-attack. The primary benefit of the Data Breach Response Policy is that it allows the business to analyze the cause of the cyberattack, which can help a business prevent this incident from happening again. The Data Breach Response Policy also creates benefits for a business within the areas of financial costs, reducing the disruption of services, and protecting the integrity of the business’ reputation. Reduction of costs may vary depending on the cyber-attack, so it is important that a business implements this policy in a robust way.

Conclusion

When a business implements the Data Breach Response Policy it creates areas of success as well as instances of ethical implications. The ethical implications that follow this policy are located within aspects of integrity, security, and responsibility. While these ethical implications may arise from this policy, it is a business’s job to properly maintain them to protect the integrity of the business as well as the consumer. Proper maintenance of these ethical implications will allow businesses to protect the rights attached to the consumers and create benefits that will better the businesses’ protection of personal data.

Works Cited

Hamburg, I., & Grosch, K. R. (2017). Ethical aspects in cyber security. Archives of Business Research, 5(10).

Karyda, M., & Mitrou, L. (2016). Data breach notification: issues and challenges for security
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Kenneally, E., Bailey, M., & Maughan, D. (2010, January). A framework for understanding and applying ethical principles in network and security research. Schwartz, P. M., & Janger, E. J. (2006). Notification of data security breaches. Mich. L. Rev., 105, 913.