Overview
The Interdisciplinary Perspective highlights how cybersecurity extends beyond technical systems into areas such as ethics, public policy, emerging technologies, and societal impact. These journal entries demonstrate that securing information systems requires collaboration across multiple disciplines, including law, science, and governance.
Journal Entry 1: What to Do with Cybersecurity?
Overview:
This entry explored the broader purpose and application of cybersecurity in modern society. It examined how cybersecurity supports not only organizational security but also national security, economic stability, and individual privacy.
Key Takeaways:
- Cybersecurity is critical infrastructure, not just an IT function
- It plays a direct role in national defense and global stability
- There is a growing demand for skilled professionals across sectors
- Cybersecurity decisions often involve trade-offs between security, cost, and usability
Journal Entry 2: SCADA Systems
Overview:
This journal entry examined Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and their role in managing critical infrastructure such as power grids, water systems, and industrial operations.
Key Takeaways:
- SCADA systems connect cybersecurity with physical infrastructure systems
- Vulnerabilities in these systems can have real-world consequences beyond data loss
- Many legacy systems were not designed with modern security in mind
- Protecting critical infrastructure requires coordination between cybersecurity, engineering, and government entities
Journal Entry 3: Ethical Considerations of CRISPR Gene Editing
Overview:
This discussion explored the ethical implications of CRISPR gene editing and its intersection with cybersecurity and data protection. The focus was on how emerging technologies introduce new risks related to sensitive data and system integrity.
Key Takeaways:
- Biotechnology introduces new cybersecurity concerns, particularly around data integrity
- Genetic data is highly sensitive and requires strong protection mechanisms
- Ethical decision-making is critical when technology impacts human life
- Interdisciplinary collaboration is necessary to manage risks in emerging fields
Reflection
This section reinforced that cybersecurity is not limited to protecting systems, but also involves understanding its impact across multiple disciplines. I learned that cybersecurity decisions are influenced by legal frameworks, ethical considerations, and technological advancements outside traditional IT environments.
The comparison of NIST CSF versions demonstrated how cybersecurity frameworks evolve alongside organizational and societal needs. Additionally, examining CRISPR highlighted how cybersecurity must adapt to protect entirely new categories of sensitive data.
Overall, this perspective strengthened my understanding that effective cybersecurity requires collaboration between technical experts, policymakers, and ethical decision-makers. This interdisciplinary approach is essential for addressing the complex challenges of modern cybersecurity.