{"id":314,"date":"2026-02-09T22:08:47","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T22:08:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/zakiyyahdunston\/?page_id=314"},"modified":"2026-10-13T01:28:40","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T01:28:40","slug":"article-reviews","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/zakiyyahdunston\/article-reviews\/","title":{"rendered":"Article Reviews"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><strong>Article Review #1<\/strong> <strong>\u201cCyberbullying on Social Media\u201d: Definitions, Prevalence, and Impact Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The article \u201cCyberbullying on Social Media: Definitions, Prevalence, and Impact Challenges\u201d by Geraldine Ray, Christopher D McDermott, and Mathew Nicho specifically focuses on cyberbullying on social media and how prevalently it has spread among the world of the internet, and factors that can potentially lead to cyber-threats. These statistical analyses that it entails highlights the impact it has on individuals and their overall behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Relation\/Connection to Social Science Principles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The article in review strategically relates to and enhances a few of the 7 core principles of cybersecurity\/social sciences at the same time, aligned with key elements that are found in human behavior. \u201cConsequently, cyberbullying on social media has emerged as a growing widespread problem due to increased likelihood of encountering strangers online [3\u20136] with hidden ulterior motives or tormenting behaviors that lead to bullying, harassing, or intimidation against an individual or group [ 7\u201310]\u201d (Ray, McDermott, &amp; Nicho, 2024). This is specifically related to the principle of determinism in human behavior and how it affects an individual throughout their life. Another core principle that can directly relate to the article, is relativism. The aspect of relativism states that an individual may perceive as unjustifiable behavior they deem themselves as innocent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Research Question \/Hypothesis\/ Independent Variable\/Dependent Variable<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main question the article addresses is what the explanation behind cyberbullying is and how it shapes and molds an individual&#8217;s character and what could be done to resolve this growing problem. There is no scientific research data that directly states the solution to the underlying problem that is more prevalent now, in the cyber world, rather than the real world.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAdditionally, [9] finds past research on cyberbullying was inconsistent, and suggests future research should focus on enhancing the definition using factor analysis, cyberbullying instruments clarity, validity, and reliability testing\u201d(Ray, McDermott, &amp; Nicho, 2024). There are a variety between independent and dependent variables throughout the article. It specifically highlights cyberbullying and mental health issues; cyberbullying and online harassment are the independent variables whilst the dependent variable in the article is mental health issues and depression, to name a few.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Types of Research Methods Used<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The types of research methods that were utilized by Geraldine Ray, Christopher D McDermott, Mathew Nicho research is the \u201cPRISMA\u201d search strategy. They conducted a mixed-methods approach with interviews of several demographic individuals and their search methods consisted and ranged from systematic research, to surveys. \u201cAdditional methodologies, including Positional, Interview, Critical Review, Meta-Analysis, Policy, Simulation, and Statistical are also present but with lesser frequency\u201d(Ray, McDermott, &amp; Nicho, 2024).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Connections to other Course Concepts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After reading the article in its entirety, it does reinforce the concepts described in our course, because there are key points that were addressed such as data collections from human needs perspective, social, and psychological factors not to mention the psychological results of interacting with online users..<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Connections to the Concerns or Contributions of Marginalized Groups<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The study in review did not specifically zero in on marginalized groups such as minorities. Instead, they focused their attention on children, adolescence, young adults, adults, and unspecified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Overall societal contributions of the study\/Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In conclusion, the overall societal contributions of this particular article in review can be summarized by merely stating there is a better understanding of cyberbullying, and that it has become prevalent in our global society, and its effects on individuals. Further actions should take place to ensure the safety of the people not just in the cyber world, but globally as well. \u201cAdditionally, future research could explore the implications of these definition inconsistencies on policy-making and intervention strategies, ensuring that measures against cyberbullying are effective and inclusive\u201d(Ray, McDermott, &amp; Nicho, 2024).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reference:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ray, G., McDermott, C. D., &amp; Nicho, M. (2024). Cyberbullying on Social Media: Definitions, Prevalence, and Impact Challenges. <em>Journal of Cybersecurity<\/em>, <em>10<\/em>(1).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/cybersecurity\/article\/10\/1\/tyae026\/7928395?searchresult=1#498540988\">https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/cybersecurity\/article\/10\/1\/tyae026\/7928395?searchresult=1#498540988<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Article Review #2: \u201cPerceived Security Risk and Cybersecurity Compliance Attitude\u201d: Role of Personality Traits and Cybersecurity Behavior<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Big Five personality traits (OCEAN) Openness refers to the individual differences in the tendency to be open to new aesthetic, cultural, or intellectual experiences. Conscientiousness is the tendency to be organized, responsible, and hardworking. Extraversion is characterized by an orientation of one&#8217; s interests and energies toward the outer world of subjective experiences. Agreeableness measures kindness, trust, and compassion. Neuroticism is characterized by a chronic level of emotional instability and proneness to psychological distress. All of these relate to and enhance the core principles of cybersecurity behavior. This article, \u201cPerceived Security Risk and Cybersecurity Compliance Attitude\u201d: Role of Personality Traits and Cybersecurity Behavior\u201d by Mohanad Mohammed Sufyan Ghaleb examines these 5 traits in employees and how their personality may affect their online work environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Relation\/Connection to Social Science Principles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The article in review connects to Social Science Principles by highlighting four of the 7 core principles of cybersecurity. The focus is to determine what could be done to mitigate this growing trend of cyber attacks in the world, particularly the impact it makes from human behavior\/errors and in the work industries. The Big Five personality theory, agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, and openness has been widely applied in many areas of behavioral research, including workplace ethics, technology acceptance, and health behavior (Tran&nbsp; et&nbsp; al.,&nbsp; 2025). However, its application to cybersecurity domains, particularly in areas of behavior and compliance attitude is developing (Sufyan Ghaleb, 2025).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Research Question \/Hypothesis\/ Independent Variable\/Dependent Variable<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The article aims to investigate why human behavior, and their psychological traits lead to cyberthreats and human error. Cybersecurity is seen as a technical issue when in fact many researchers have suggested it to be linked to human errors. With employees not having the sufficient background training, this can lead to unsafe practices in organizations worldwide. Studying the independent and dependent variables of these traits, can give a better overview to help prevent problematic issues within the cybersecurity frame. As an example, conscientiousness, associated with responsibility and self-discipline, has been shown to favorably predict secure online behavior, such as the use of strong passwords and updates to software (Przymus et al., 2024). Individuals with greater levels of agreeableness, due to their cooperative personalities and desire to comply, have been more likely to follow cybersecurity recommendations (Sufyan Ghaleb, 2025).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Types of Research Methods Used<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Researchers used various methods of research in their study to analyze how the big five personality traits played a role in cybersecurity behavior. The type of study that was conducted was quantitative research using 259 workers and their data was collected using standardized scales. For analysis of data, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was performed employing STATA software because it has excellent capabilities for dealing with intricate model structures, multiple paths of mediation and moderation, and latent constructs (Sufyan Ghaleb, 2025).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Connections to other Course Concepts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The connection to the course concepts highlights the psychological aspects of human behavior in cybersecurity and how it has become a growing issue that needs to be addressed, white focusing on the behavioral traits such as openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness to name a few. Humans are seen as the weaker link in security, and the article demonstrates the vulnerabilities they have that can ultimately lead to unsafe online behavior versus awareness. Their studies suggest that, \u201cthe findings present empirical evidence for all hypotheses that have been proposed, hence providing an enhanced comprehension regarding how personality-based behavior and risk awareness interact to guide cybersecurity compliance\u201d (Sufyan Ghaleb, 2025).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Connections to the Concerns or Contributions of Marginalized Groups<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The article connects to the concerns or its contributions of marginalized groups by showing the quality of their individual behavior whether they are educated in the field of cybersecurity or not, which may cause risky behavior in the work environment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Overall societal contributions of the study\/Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In conclusion, this article covers the areas of personality traits that govern an individual&#8217;s behavior. It highlights their nature given the fact they may or may not be educated in the field of cybersecurity awareness. It is imperative to understand that not all employees should be treated the same because they have different levels of understanding. The study is structured to enhance the knowledge of cybersecurity threats within a framework so that extreme measures can be taken into consideration. Organizations that want to promote a culture of security compliance must take employees&#8217; personality profiles and perceived risk awareness into account as key elements of their security framework (Sufyan Ghaleb, 2025).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reference<\/strong>:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sufyan Ghaleb, M. M. (2025, January 1). Perceived Security Risks and Cybersecurity Compliance Attitude: Role of Personality Traits and Cybersecurity Behavior. International Journal of Cyber Criminology. <a href=\"https:\/\/cybercrimejournal.com\/menuscript\/index.php\/cybercrimejournal\/article\/view\/438\/124\">https:\/\/cybercrimejournal.com\/menuscript\/index.php\/cybercrimejournal\/article\/view\/438\/124<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Article Review #3: Write Up &#8211; The Human Factor in Cybersecurity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/strong>Cybersecurity is often mistakenly viewed as a technical issue that involves multifactor authentication (MFA), passwords, hardware, software, and other security concerns. In reality, it is primarily a huge human-related issue. We interact with technology with our day-to-day routines, through texting, web-surfing, and banking. However, human error creates worldwide vulnerabilities. Whether we do things knowingly or unknowingly, intentionally or unintentionally, employees regularly give access to sensitive information to cybercriminals. Employees send emails and interact with websites making security decisions and awareness of cybersecurity risk. Therefore, being educated in human behavior is a key component in cybersecurity strategies to help minimize and mitigate cyberattacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Human Factor in Cybersecurity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We do not realize how significant an impact humans can have on our digital environment in both positive and negative ways. With technology at our fingertips, humans play a significant role in cybersecurity. Employees often cause vulnerabilities by opening suspicious emails that potentially look like they are from their boss, reusing passwords, and\/or clicking on malicious links without even realizing it. Oftentimes, humans cause cyberattacks when they leave the company they worked for by intentionally exposing sensitive data. \u201cInsider threats arise from individuals within an organization who misuse their access to systems and data, either maliciously or through negligence.\u201d (Moore, 2024) Deepfake attacks are when criminals can impersonate individuals such as family members using sophisticated technology to gain access to personal data. \u201cDeepfake technology uses artificial intelligence to create realistic fake videos, images or audio that mimic real people, often making it difficult to tell them apart from genuine content. It is quickly becoming a powerful tool for cybercriminals, with almost two-thirds of organizations experiencing a deepfake attack within a 12-year period.\u201d (Moore, 2024) Cyberattacks come in many forms. It is of utmost importance to stay aware and educated to help limit these malicious attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cybersecurity Awareness and Training<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Since humans play a significant role in cyberattacks, organizations need to establish proper planning and awareness programs for individuals and employees to help mitigate future threats. Balancing current risks and anticipating future vulnerabilities is a major component of cybersecurity. \u201cOne of the most effective methods for preventing and mitigating threats in cybersecurity and attacks is through proper cybersecurity education. Many companies and organizations are using webinars and training tools to keep employees informed of best practices and updated protocols.\u201d (Moore, 2024)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Psychological, Social, and Organizational factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Psychological factors include stress, high workloads, hasty or distracted behavior, which often cause cyber risks. For example, opening malicious content or clicking on suspicious links out of curiosity are common human related errors. Social factors include behaviors such as using weak passwords or ignoring security warnings, because they typically would see someone else do the same. Often a company\u2019s policy or training could affect human behavior in cybersecurity. Finally, organizational factors include procedures that regularly train employees so that they are aware of security risks and can report suspicious activity, instead of prioritizing hasty decisions that lead to vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/strong>Ultimately, human behavior plays a significant role in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue; it is human related. Psychological, social, and organizational factors determine how securely people use technology. Understanding these key components keeps us aware and can help minimize and prevent future attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reference:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moore, M. (2024). Top cybersecurity threats to watch in 2025. Retrieved September 21, 2026, from University of San Diego website: <a href=\"https:\/\/onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu\/top-cyber-security-threats\/\">https:\/\/onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu\/top-cyber-security-threats\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Article Review #4: Write-Up: The CIA Triad<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CIA Triad &#8211; Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability \u2013 is all in one fundamental framework. This paper is to highlight the key components, definitions, and the technical aspects of this triad model. It will also explore a comprehensive information security strategy to help minimize ongoing threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CIA Triad was developed as an effective way in providing individuals, businesses, and organizations with a framework so they can have a better understanding of why cybersecurity was designed and for it to allow protection. This way, information is kept private, accurate, and accessible. Technology is evolving daily and is becoming so connected with our everyday lives, so, it is of utmost importance in making sure our personal information is secure and made readily accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Confidentiality<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Confidentiality is the first component of the CIA Triad. It focuses on specifically making sure personal information is secure and allows individuals to have full access to it. Cybercriminals oftentimes threaten or attack you through weak passwords, accessing medical records, financial records, and social security numbers just to name a few. The CIA Triad components of cybersecurity ensure your information is protected. An example could be for a health care provider accidentally or intentionally leaking a patient\u2019s information to a third party. This would be considered a data breach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Integrity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Integrity is the second component of the CIA Triad. Itmeans that sensitive information is not altered in any way and that it remains the same throughout systems. This includes making sure that all information is intact and nothing is deleted or changed unless authorized by the trustee. A real-world scenario of a breach of integrity happens when sensitive information or an individual or company has been intentionally tampered with or manipulated in any way by an unauthorized representative. \u201cApplying the Cybersecurity Framework to data integrity, this practice guide informs organizations of how to quickly detect and respond to data integrity attacks by implementing appropriate activities that immediately inform about the data integrity events\u201d. Cawthra et al. (2020)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Availability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Availability is the third component of the CIA Triad, which ensures authorized users have reliable, smooth access to a network, applications, and data wherever and whenever it is needed whether its personal or for industrial use. An example of a breach of availability transpires when an authorized person or persons is completely unable to access their personal data or goods that they solely rely on such as the case of \u201cThe Colonial Pipeline Attack\u201d that occurred on May 7, 2021, where Americans were unable to access fuel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To implement the CIA Triad successfully within an organization, teams of professionals need to strategize and find specific dynamics to help balance layers of defensive solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Work Cited:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cawthra, J., Ekstrom, M., Lusty, L., Sexton, J., Sweetnam, J., &amp; Townsend, A. (2020, December). Data integrity: Detecting and responding to ransomware and other destructive events. Retrieved September 3, 2026, from www.nccoe.nist.gov website: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nccoe.nist.gov\/publication\/1800-26\/VolA\/index.html\"><strong>https:\/\/www.nccoe.nist.gov\/publication\/1800-26\/VolA\/index.html<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Article Review #5: Write-Up &#8211; SCADA Systems<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SCADA, which stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, is a control and monitoring system for critical infrastructure in the cybersecurity world. Traditional information technology focuses on maintaining and protecting data &#8211; such as personal information, emails, credit card numbers, and passwords. However, the main job of SCADA in cybersecurity, is to protect real-world matters such as physical safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is SCADA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSupervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) consists of the software and hardware that organizations use to control and monitor their industrial processes.\u201d Darrington (2025) The role of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition in managing critical infrastructure and industrial operations is to ensure the efficiency, reliability, and safety of operations within industries that supply it and protect the water treatment, wastewater treatment, gas pipelines, wind farms, oil, transportation, manufactures, and healthcare systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An attack that took place in the US that crippled Americans for a period prohibiting them from being able to gain access to gas is one major reason SCADA is in place in cybersecurity. \u201cOn May 7, 2021, a ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline captured headlines around the world with pictures of snaking lines of cars at gas stations across the eastern seaboard and panicked Americans filling bags with fuel, fearful of not being able to get to work or get their kids to school. This was the moment when the vulnerability of our highly connected society became a nationwide reality and a kitchen table issue.\u201d Easterly and Fanning (2023)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SCADA systems are crucial for protecting everyday infrastructures \u2013 such as water, electricity, traffic lights, and gas pipelines &#8211; from severe disruption. Two cybersecurity vulnerabilities or risks connected with SCADA systems are unauthorized access and network exploits. For instance, humans tend to unintentionally disrupt software, which can cause viruses. Additionally, cybercriminals can send malicious data packets to SCADA due to lack of security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Disruption to a SCADA system can be extremely damaging to infrastructure, organizations, and society. Financial losses are always going to be a major concern, as well as safety risks, information and data loss. Compromises of water supplies or treatment processes can have a negative impact on human populations because we rely heavily on clean water. Failure to protect these systems can cause widespread catastrophic failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some common strategies and solutions for mitigating these cybersecurity risks would be to apply regular software updates to SCADA systems. This will help with fixing security gaps that may have occurred over time. Having multifactor authentication will ensure only authorized personnel can access systems and reduce threats. Additionally, making sure individuals are aware and educated will help limit or prevent future attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Work Cited:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Darrington, J. (2025, March 20). <em>Understanding Cybersecurity for SCADA<\/em>. Graylog. <a href=\"https:\/\/graylog.org\/post\/understanding-cybersecurity-for-scada\/\">https:\/\/graylog.org\/post\/understanding-cybersecurity-for-scada\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Easterly, J., &amp; Fanning, T. (2023, May 7). <em>The attack on colonial pipeline: What we\u2019ve learned &amp; what we\u2019ve done over the past two years<\/em>. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cisa.gov\/news-events\/news\/attack-colonial-pipeline-what-weve-learned-what-weve-done-over-past-two-years\">https:\/\/www.cisa.gov\/news-events\/news\/attack-colonial-pipeline-what-weve-learned-what-weve-done-over-past-two-years<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Article Review #6: Write-Up &#8211; The \u201cHuman vs. Technical\u201d Dynamics of Cybersecurity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>As we continue to dig deeper into the fundamentals of cybersecurity, computer science has evolved significantly around us. Human behavior is a central component connecting technology and vulnerabilities. Effective cyber defenses depend on more than just technology. Human behavior and decision-making are equally important, while organizational practices also play an important role in preventing and responding to cyber risks.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cybersecurity is a vast field composed of numerous interconnected components; truly mastering its fundamentals is an ongoing journey. This comprehensive overview has provided me with a strong foundation of long-term awareness that I hope to continue to implement in my daily life and, more importantly, pass on this knowledge to others. As the semester progressed, my understanding led me to realize that cybersecurity is not just about defending networks; it is about the advancements of biocybersecurity. Safeguarding the interconnection of CIA Triad, computer science, and biocybersecurity is our absolute moral responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Biocybersecurity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My first topic I chose to analyze is biocybersecurity. Biocybersecurity, commonly known as cyberbiosecurity, in definition, is the protection of biological data, DNA, and systems from unauthorized access, cyberattacks, and theft. \u201cInitially, we define this term as understanding the vulnerabilities to unwanted surveillance, intrusions, and malicious and harmful activities which can occur within or at the interfaces of comingled life and medical sciences, cyber, cyber-physical, supply chain and infrastructure systems, and developing and instituting measures to prevent, protect against, mitigate, investigate and attribute such threats as it pertains to security, competitiveness and resilience.\u201d Murch et al. (2018)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is critical to understand that cyberattacks could affect your personal health information, biological research, laboratory operations, and medical systems. This is because modern laboratories heavily depend on technology. It functions to protect a highly sophisticated and interconnected ecosystem, ultimately bridging modern-day cybersecurity with physical and traditional biosecurity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This figure explains the possibility of DNA synthesis being misused to create malicious biological materials. This danger is the very reason why lab technicians must be highly educated on these concepts, recognizing that mitigating human error is a critical, growing trend in cyberbiosecurity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"547\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/cf9d90f8-dcfd-41da-b6e5-0ef8a5878b25\">&nbsp;(Aldbaugh)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some examples of mitigation techniques to minimize these threats include storing lab computers away in a secure, isolated area from networks, keeping software updated, and specially making sure employees are trained to recognize malicious activity within the work environment. \u201cTo enhance security, these applications should be executed within isolated environments, such as containers or virtual machines, to minimize potential damage from exploitation. Furthermore, since many of these applications function as publicly accessible cloud services, ensuring their isolation should be a top security priority. (Aldbaugh)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Computer Science\u2019s Role in Cybersecurity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/strong>Computer science is the core and foundation of cybersecurity. It is the engine that powers the systems that keep the networks functioning. Computer science, cybersecurity, and IT are interconnected very closely; however, they differ slightly. As noted by Feder, \u201cComputer science combines multiple disciplines, such as the study of algorithms, data structures, web development, computational thinking, abstraction of information and the design of computers. It\u2019s the study of information transfer and transformation\u201d (feder).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To my understanding, computer science helps us solve problems. Without understanding the fundamentals of computer science, modern society would struggle to function. Computer science solves complex problems that humans alone cannot manage, especially when looking at interconnected systems. Cyber defense and computer infrastructure cannot exist without one another. Along with computer science\u2019s role in cybersecurity, SCADA systems &#8211; which stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition \u2013 play a crucial role in cybersecurity providing large-scale processes. <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"584\" height=\"233\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/4cce70df-cd61-4bc1-be1e-86e4c2ee9667\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This too is an internal monitoring and analyzing system. Real world examples of SCADA systems at work are water and wastewater systems. These sensors monitor water levels such as reservoir locations making sure water pressure does not drop below a critical level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"537\" height=\"288\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/zakiyyahdunston\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40625\/2026\/10\/image-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-401\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The SCADA system will reboot if a threat to the infrastructure is detected. If these systems are breached, critical mitigation techniques involve deploying a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) which disconnects the portal to the water systems so that hackers cannot infiltrate or cripple the core infrastructure. Computer science works hand-and-hand with cybersecurity in this scenario \u2013 computer science creates the tools, secures the code, and engineers the core defenses, while cybersecurity protects and monitors these tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>CIA Triad<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CIA Triad is a foundational security model that stands for Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. This is a security system framework designed to shape an organization\u2019s policies. Its fundamental purpose is to ensure individuals\u2019 private information remains fully confidential. As stated by Chai, \u201cconsidering these three principles together within the framework of the &#8220;triad&#8221; can help guide the development of security policies for organizations. When evaluating needs and use cases for potential new products and technologies, the triad organizations ask focused questions about how value is being provided in those three key areas\u201d (Chai).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"532\" height=\"246\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/zakiyyahdunston\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40625\/2026\/10\/image.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-400\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Under Confidentiality, this ensures your privacy data is kept private and only authorized personnel have access to their personal information. The goal is protection from leaks. Examples are strong passwords, using multi-factor authentication (MFA), and data encryption. If there is a breach in confidentiality, a few mitigation techniques would be making sure individuals or employees are highly trained to recognize threats. As noted by Chai, \u201cSometimes safeguarding data confidentiality involves special training for those privy to sensitive documents. Training can help familiarize authorized people with risk factors and how to guard against them. Further aspects of training may include strong passwords and password-related best practices and information about social engineering methods to prevent users from bending data-handling rules with good intentions and potentially disastrous results\u201d (Chai).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Integrity is the second foundational model of the CIA Triad. In cybersecurity, it ensures data remains unaltered, keeping your information confident, accurate, and reliable. For example, during transfer of personal information, data integrity of the CIA Triad ensures there is no modification or malicious activity that could corrupt user information. Possible mitigation techniques that could protect user data are digital signatures. Chai states, \u201censure employees are knowledgeable about compliance and regulatory requirements to minimize human error. Use backup and recovery software. To ensure integrity, use version control, access control, security control, data logs and checksums\u201d (Chai).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Availability is the third component of the CIA Triad, and it allows authorized users to access their personal data reliably whenever it is needed and should be able to without failure. An example of a failed system is a breach of security where an attacker maliciously infects a hospital\u2019s network with malware, causing a patient\u2019s personal information to be unavailable. To mitigate these threats and \u201cto prevent data loss from such occurrences, a backup copy may be stored in a geographically isolated location, perhaps even in a fireproof, waterproof safe. Extra security equipment or software such as firewalls and proxy servers can guard against downtime and unreachable data blocked by malicious denial-of-service (DoS) attacks and network intrusions\u201d (Chai).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the beginning of this semester, I imagined and understood that cybersecurity was purely a technical aspect of a digital world. I believe computer science simply involves policies and information designed to protect personal data. However, moving forward as we dug deeper into the semester, I quickly realized there is far more to cybersecurity than just passwords, codes, and numbers. It is a vast field with interconnecting fundamentals from biocybersecurity to the CIA Triad. The relationship between biology and computer science intersects directly making it a life-sustaining medical device. My understanding of the CIA Triad developed significantly because, in the beginning, I was not fully aware of what it consisted of; now, I have a better understanding of its core components because a breach in the domain can influence individuals if integrity, confidentiality, and availability are corrupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This semester highlighted the profound ethical stakes of cyberthreats. I previously believed cybersecurity threats impacted technology alone; however, as the semester progressed, my understanding evolved to realize that when computer science intersects with human biology, a failure in the CIA Triad is not just a digital error \u2013 it is a direct threat to human life and dignity. Related incidents are the lack of knowledge and experience that play a huge role in cyber breaches. To move forward and mitigate cyberattacks, I realize we must first understand human behavior. From an ethical standpoint, computer scientists uphold a strict responsibility to engineer secure-by-design systems that actively protect against these human-related vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My belief in the beginning of the semester was that cybersecurity was a tactical solution to a failing technical system, however, I have come to the realization that it is more than that. Human errors and lack of awareness are the core principles of cyber threats within organizational infrastructure. We possess a moral obligation to reject the idea that technical defense is our top priority in mitigating human behavioral vulnerabilities to ultimately protect human life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In conclusion, computer science, biocybersecurity, and the CIA Triad intersect when viewed through the lens of human behavior. As the semester progressed, I have come to understand that it is our fundamental duty not only to fix technology but also to ensure human mistakes are not overlooked. It is imperative to safeguard computer systems. To do that, we must educate employees and individuals, because digital threats are a massive part of cybersecurity and are significantly driven by human-related errors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Appendix A.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I began my assignment reviewing my notes, and lecture slides, and research from cited outside sources. To structure my paper, I utilized AI to help me generate ideas and organize my paper. I also used AI to help me correct my grammar usage, spelling, refine mechanics, and rearranged my wording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>References:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Murch, R. S., So, W. K., Buchholz, W. G., Raman, S., &amp; Peccoud, J. (2018). Cyberbiosecurity: An emerging new discipline to help safeguard the bioeconomy. <em>Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology<\/em>, <em>6<\/em>, 39. &nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fbioe.2018.00039\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fbioe.2018.00039<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Photo from: Aldbaugh, H. (2026). Chapters 4 and 5 lecture materials [Lecture notes]. Perusall. <em>perusall.com<\/em>. &nbsp;Accessed 5 Oct. 2026. (Old Dominion University, ODU)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Feder, M. (2021, May 25). <em>Comparing Computer Science, Cybersecurity and IT.<\/em> <em>University of Phoenix<\/em>. Phoenix.edu. &nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.phoenix.edu\/articles\/it\/comparing-computer-science-cybersecurity-and-it.html.%20Accessed%205%20Oct.%202026\">www.phoenix.edu\/articles\/it\/comparing-computer-science-cybersecurity-and-it.html. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chai, W. (n.d.) What Is the CIA Triad? Definition, explanation, examples. TechTarget.Pdf. <em>Google Docs<\/em>, drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1898r4pGpKHN6bmKcwlxPdVZpCC6Moy8l\/view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Accessed 6 Oct. 2026. (Old Dominion University, ODU Wesley Chai Article).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Article Review #1 \u201cCyberbullying on Social Media\u201d: Definitions, Prevalence, and Impact Challenges Introduction The article \u201cCyberbullying on Social Media: Definitions, Prevalence, and Impact Challenges\u201d by Geraldine Ray, Christopher D McDermott, and Mathew Nicho specifically focuses on cyberbullying on social media and how prevalently it has spread among the world of the internet, and factors that&#8230; <\/p>\n<div class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/zakiyyahdunston\/article-reviews\/\">Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":31893,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/zakiyyahdunston\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/314"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/zakiyyahdunston\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/zakiyyahdunston\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/zakiyyahdunston\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/31893"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/zakiyyahdunston\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=314"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/zakiyyahdunston\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/314\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":402,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/zakiyyahdunston\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/314\/revisions\/402"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/zakiyyahdunston\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=314"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}