Introduction to PHIL 355E: Cyber Ethics

My PHIL 355E coursework explored the ethical dimensions of cybersecurity, addressing critical questions about privacy, accountability, and moral responsibility in a digitally interconnected world. This course equipped me to navigate complex ethical dilemmas—from data privacy debates to the societal impacts of artificial intelligence—while ensuring my technical decisions align with principles of justice, transparency, and human dignity. Through philosophical frameworks, case studies, and policy debates, I developed the ability to critically assess the ethical implications of cybersecurity practices and advocate for solutions that balance security with individual rights.

Key Coursework Highlights:

• Ethical Frameworks: Applied utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics to cybersecurity scenarios (e.g., ethical hacking, vulnerability disclosure, surveillance).
• Privacy & Data Ethics: Analyzed tensions between national security and privacy rights, including debates on encryption backdoors and mass data collection.
• AI & Algorithmic Bias: Evaluated ethical risks in AI-driven security tools, such as discriminatory algorithms or autonomous cyberweapons.
• Professional Responsibility: Examined codes of conduct for cybersecurity professionals, including obligations to report vulnerabilities responsibly.
• Case Studies: Investigated ethical failures (e.g., Cambridge Analytica, Stuxnet) to understand the societal consequences of unethical tech practices.

Integration with Professional Experience:
This course deepened my approach to roles like risk management at EVMS and phishing mitigation at ODU Help Desk. For instance, my ethical training informed how I balanced user privacy with security measures during network troubleshooting and data handling. Additionally, my CompTIA Security+ certification’s emphasis on ethical practices synergized with this coursework, particularly in adhering to compliance frameworks like HIPAA and GDPR while safeguarding sensitive information.