Ethical Analysis of Cybercrime: Applying Classical Theories - CSU

This essay examines the ethical dimensions of cybercrime by applying four classical ethical theories: utilitarianism, deontology, contract theory, and virtue ethics. It analyzes a chosen media article or case study related to cybercrime, evaluating the issue from each theoretical perspective and presenting well-reasoned arguments and recommendations. The essay argues that while punishment may seem like a solution under utilitarianism, it may not be effective in preventing future cybercrimes. Deontology emphasizes the importance of upholding rights and responsibilities in cyberspace, suggesting that a focus on penalties rather than punishment might yield better outcomes. Virtue theory highlights the importance of character and ethical behavior in managing cyber risks, while contract theory stresses the need for actions that benefit society as a whole. The essay concludes by advocating for preventive measures, such as updating data backups, enforcing password changes, and educating employees about cyber threats, to mitigate the ethical considerations of cybercrime.