Category: Uncategorized

Data inaccuracies, security breaches, system implementation, and privacy and confidentiality are all ethical concerns for organizations that retain electronic information about individuals. Consumers may withhold information if they are not confident in an organization’s system security. Organizations must instill security policies and procedures to ensure the privacy of their consumer’s information. Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is data that can be used to verify an individual’s identity. Examples of PII are social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, names, phone numbers, and addresses. Organizations in charge of maintaining data pertaining to personal information must make sure that data is entered accurately. Inputting data inaccurately raises the risk of liability for an organization. Managing PII for consumers may generate concerns for organizations if proper security policies are not applied. Preserving confidentiality by allowing only authorized individuals to be able to access the information is pertinent to PII security. Organizations must implement privacy and confidentiality principles when dealing with PII, as this can increase the security of an individual’s information. A “security breach” is an incident that results in unauthorized access to computer data. During a security breach, personal information can be compromised. Due to the potential for security breaches, organizations must implement security measures to protect data integrity. Examples of security measures are firewalls and virtual private networks (VPNs). System implementation raises the liability of an organization if proper system utilization is not conducted. Organizations must ensure that periodic maintenance and sufficient training are carried out while adopting systems to maintain their success. This will increase the confidence of employees using these systems to ensure proper data processing. The security of consumers’ personal information is guaranteed by successful organizations. Conducting cybersecurity risk assessments assists organizations in managing and mitigating various sorts of cybersecurity threats. Administering cybersecurity principles is key to an organization’s success because it gives its consumers the comfort of providing their personal information to them.

Among over 120 undergraduate degrees offered at Old Dominion University, four stood out to me as being relevant to cybersecurity. The programs in Computer Science, Information Systems and Technology, Computer Engineering, and Cybercrime have a direct connection to Cybersecurity as they all require protection from cyber attacks. In a generation that solely relies on technology, graduates from each program enter career fields that promote constant growth and development. Utilizing the concepts of cybersecurity have a major impact on reducing cyber attacks in each career field. Computer science is the study of computers and involves the theory, design, development, and application of software systems and databases. Cybersecurity comes into play with computer scientists, by ensuring systems and software are protected from data breaches. Securing networks and setting up firewalls are just two examples of how cybersecurity is applied in the computer science field. Information system and technology technicians (IT’s) sole responsibility is to support hardware, software, and telecommunications to manage the data and information of an organization. Cybersecurity focuses on ensuring that data and information are protected from unauthorized access. Computer Engineering is having the knowledge of computer science and fusing that with electrical engineering. A student in the Computer Engineering program will eventually build, learn, design, and test various systems and components. In the career field, a computer engineer must have common cybersecurity knowledge when developing computer systems. Assessing potential cybersecurity risks can ensure specific cyber defenses are implemented into systems to mitigate the detrimental impact on users or an organization. Cybercrime involves the illegal usage of computer systems and networks to negatively impact an individual or organization. Cybercrime is conducted by an individual or an organization for their own gain. Implementing cybersecurity principles, ensures pertinent data and information are secure. In any computer-based field, practicing cybersecurity reduces the risk of cyber-attacks and preserves crucial data and information being accessed.

Growing up, I have always had an interest in technology, whether it was surfing the internet on a computer or using social media on your smartphone. It is amazing to witness the growth of technology throughout the years as well as how consumers influence the growth of technology. As technology continues to expand, cybersecurity threats increase as well. Cybersecurity practices should be followed whether it is pertaining to their social media, networking, or emails because anyone is susceptible to a cyberattack. Personally, I have had family and friends have their credit card numbers stolen and even social media accounts compromised due to lack of following cybersecurity practices. While being an Information Systems Technician (IT) in the Navy, it has expanded the importance of cybersecurity to me. As an IT, I am responsible for implementing cybersecurity practices into my everyday work life, as well as increasing awareness to others. Whether it be ensuring hardware or software is up to date, or protecting sensitive data, practicing safe measures in cybersecurity are key to personal safety. To reduce the risk of a cybersecurity attack, I always choose the “two-factor authentication” when offered to further secure my accounts. Considering I have chosen the cybersecurity field after joining the Navy, I believe there is unlimited growth potential towards enforcing safe countermeasures against cyber attacks in this career. Choosing a career in the technological field can suit a hands-on learner, like myself, as I have experienced the majority of my skills from my job. I like to go through repetitions of each new skill I learn until I can perfect it. There are various opportunities for growth as there are various types of technology and situations that a security professional goes through. A cybersecurity professional can work with multiple organizations serving millions of people or simply work on the latest technology and systems on the market. After having a wide range of experience in different aspects of cybersecurity, I feel that it will result in being a better security professional. I am deeply interested in cybersecurity because not only does it just impact the digital world, but the physical world as well.