Ethical Considerations for Cybersecurity Professionals in Networking

This essay delves into the ethical issues faced by cybersecurity professionals, particularly within the context of networking and information technology. It highlights two primary ethical concerns: social values and the hope for technology. The essay examines how the rising costs of resolving security threats, especially for smaller companies, and the potential for intentional security flaws impact the ethical landscape. It also discusses the absence of comprehensive pricing regulations and the importance of professional codes such as effectiveness and reliability. The paper evaluates the ethical implications of high pricing by security professionals and the potential for compromised security measures, ultimately arguing that the ethical conduct of security professionals is crucial for maintaining trust and ensuring the security of networks and IT systems. The essay references several academic sources to support its arguments.

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Masters of Networking
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Introduction
With the rise of new technologies and professions, companies are at the risk of network
attached and threats. There are so many interesting opportunities for security experts.
Unfortunately, security professions use this chance to make more money. They begin with
huge quotes that leave companies at a very difficult position. Meanwhile, a lot of questions
on the ethics of these employees have risen.
Ethical Issues
Two common ethical issues faced by these security professionals are:
 Social values
 Hope for technology
Social values
The cost to resolve various security threats has increased by twofold in the past few years
(Durkheim, 2011). This leaves small companies with low budgets at risk. Many small
companies find it difficult to hire trained security personnel. They compromise on security
due to monetary reasons. On the other hand, it is difficult for big companies to finalize on a
fixed price for security. This increases the scope for cybercriminals and hackers (Postema,
1980).
Hope for technology
Security professionals compromise on their technological offerings for better paychecks. This
questions on the hope for a safer and reliable future. Many security bugs are intentional ones.
They are placed by trained security professions who have mastered the art of networks and
information technology (Goldman, 1981). With more network attacks and security threats, it

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can be very difficult for technology companies to focus on new developments. There are
plenty of debates on where and how companies should use their money.
Professional codes
There are many codes to control security professionals. Unfortunately, there are no codes to
govern their pricing policies (Weiss, 2017). This leaves them and companies in a tricky
situation. Two important codes to help security professionals are:
 Effectiveness – At times of need the security professionals should engage in effective
work. They must help the concerned people with appropriate solutions. The solutions
should not increase the firms vulnerable nature.
 Reliability – At all times the security profession should be reliable and accurate. They
must present solutions that wouldn’t cascade into bigger problems. In the long run,
the solutions must be stable and worthy.
Evaluation of ethical issues
However, most security professional are left in a tricky situation. They are forced to quotes
high figures from companies. A lot of security professionals offer highly effective solutions
at high rates and, minimal assistance when the payments are low. This definitely questions
the ethical nature of security professionals. On the other hand, some security experts leave
gaps that can make a company's network vulnerable. This questions the reliable nature of the
professionals (CFA Institute, 2014).
Indeed, the security professionals are at an edge. Their moves can seem totally unethical
when it comes to money.
Conclusion

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On the whole, security professionals are at the risk of compromising network and IT security
at different levels ("Code of ethics for professional accountants", 2005). They have the
opportunity to ask for millions of dollars especially when companies are infected with
malware. It is the security professional’s decision to help or raise their quotes. And, there are
several ways to decide if a professional’s moves are ethical or not. According to social
norms, gouging at the time of need is unethical.

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References
Durkheim, E. (2011). Professional Ethics and Civic Morals. South Carolina, U.S.A: Nabu
Press
CFA Institute (2014). Code of ethics and standards of professional conduct. Retrieved from
https://www.cfainstitute.org/Translations%20of%20Code%20of%20Ethics%20and
%20Standards%20of%20Pr/english_code.pdf
Goldman, A.H. (1981). The moral foundations of professional ethics. Ethics, 92(1)
Postema, G. (1980). Moral responsibility in professional ethics. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264839520_Moral_Responsibility_in_Profe
ssional_Ethics
Weiss, S. (2017). The ethics of price gouging. Retrieved from
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jore.12171/full
Code of ethics for professional accountants (2005, June). Retrieved from
https://www.ifac.org/system/files/publications/files/ifac-code-of-ethics-for.pdf
Zwolinksi, M. (2008). The ethics of price gouging. Retrieved from
http://facpub.stjohns.edu/~flanagap/3305/readings/Zwolinski_Price_Gouging.pdf
Snyder, J. (2009). Efficiency, equity, and price gouging: A response to Zwolinski. Retrieved
from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277909223_Efficiency_Equity_and_Price_
Gouging_A_Response_to_Zwolinski