Cybersecurity is interdisciplinary, and at ODU there are several degrees that contribute to organizational cybersecurity. The less compartmentalized we keep cybersecurity the more comprehensive the product will be. Cybersecurity is impacted by the non-cyber components of the system such as human and physical attack surfaces. Simultaneously and continuously cybersecurity is also impacted by hardware, software, network, and data design, implementation, and sustainment. To explore the relationship between cybersecurity and other fields we can look at computer engineering, information science, criminology, and philosophy as examples.

Computer Engineering:

Computer Engineering provides a foundation in both hardware and software aspects of computing systems, making it highly relevant to cybersecurity. Understanding system architecture, network security, secure software development, embedded systems security, hardware security, and threat modeling is crucial. Computer engineers are equipped to address the attack surface of computer systems by designing and implementing secure hardware and software solutions, analyzing vulnerabilities, and prioritizing security measures effectively.

Information Science:

Information Science focuses on managing, organizing, and analyzing information, with a significant emphasis on data management. BIS graduates understand data privacy, analysis, and forensics, as well as secure data transmission, data loss prevention, and big data security. They play a role in safeguarding sensitive information, developing compliance measures, and addressing the challenges of securing large volumes of data against cyber threats.

Criminology:

Criminology contributes to cybersecurity by providing insights into understanding attacker behavior and profiling. It examines motivations, behavioral analysis, psychological profiling, victimology, geographical patterns, and signature analysis. By understanding these aspects, cybersecurity professionals can develop profiles that assist in identifying and understanding potential attackers, anticipating their tactics, and implementing effective defense measures.

Philosophy:

Philosophy shapes the ideals and distant goals of cybersecurity by exploring ethical considerations, human rights, technological ethics and morals, justice, and fairness. It informs discussions on privacy, data ownership, surveillance, ethical frameworks, governance, accountability, and truth.

The interdisciplinary nature of cybersecurity draws from many complimentary fields to address the complexities of securing digital systems, protecting data, understanding attacker behavior, and promoting ethical principles and societal values in cyberspace. Cybersecurity is best applied when considering multiple disciplines and perspectives. Cybersecurity professionals and policymakers have a growing responsibility, and challenge, securing our digital landscapes from accidental and malicious compromise. An integrated and interdisciplinary approach is critical to the efficacy and implementation of cybersecurity.