I need help with my research paper rough-draft. Below are the requirements for the rough draft along with what I have so far. I feel like there is a lot of repetition.

Abstract

Introduction

Introduction goes after the Abstract. Be sure the students include all of the following using level 2 heading:

The background of the topic Statement of the Problem Statement of the Purpose Research Questions Significance of the Study

For each major section of the paper, you need to customize the sub-headings. You may add additional sub-headings, as needed, but each section must have a minimum of three sub-headings, except for the Recommended Improvement section, which must have a minimum of five sub-headings. Be sure to be descriptive in your sub-heading names, so that I know what content you intend to cover in each sub-heading.

6. Add your references.

This is what I have so far:

IT Security and Ethics

Abstract

This paper looks at the intersection of Information Technology (IT) Security and Ethics, emphasizing the ethical considerations that shape IT security policies and procedures. As organizations increasingly depend on IT for their operations, the need for robust security measures is also greatly increased, which presents a wide range of ethical challenges. IT security professionals, who often have access to sensitive data, face ethical dilemmas concerning privacy, data protection, and the responsible use of technology. Addressing these dilemmas is essential for developing a professional code of ethics and guiding principles for IT security practices.

The goal of this research is to identify common ethical issues IT professionals are faced with and analyze their impact on decision-making processes. It explores how privacy and data protection concerns influence the ethical responsibilities of IT security professionals and examines the repercussions of neglecting these ethical concerns. Another thing that this study looks at is how ethical guidelines can be effectively integrated into organizational IT security policies. It also considers the effects of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain, on IT security and ethical policies.

The findings of this paper will be valuable to IT professionals, policymakers, and researchers, highlighting the importance of integrating ethics into IT security practices. By doing so, organizations can enhance their overall security posture and navigate the complex ethical landscape of modern technology. This research can help create more robust and ethical security measures, ensuring that IT security practices are both effective and in line with ethical standards. Additionally, insights into the ethical implications of emerging technologies will offer a clear understanding of the evolving landscape in IT security.

Introduction

In today's digital age, the reliance on Information Technology (IT) for organizational operations has become indispensable. This dependence necessitates robust IT security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure the integrity of technological systems. However, with the increasing complexity and integration of IT in business processes, ethical challenges have emerged as a critical concern. IT security professionals are often at the forefront of these challenges, tasked with safeguarding data while navigating ethical dilemmas related to privacy, data protection, and the responsible use of technology.

The ethical landscape of IT security is multifaceted, encompassing a range of issues that can significantly impact decision-making processes. Privacy concerns, for instance, require IT professionals to balance the need for security with the rights of individuals to control their personal information. Data protection mandates the implementation of measures to prevent unauthorized access and breaches, raising questions about the extent and methods of surveillance. The responsible use of technology involves ensuring that IT systems are not exploited for malicious purposes, which can be particularly challenging in the face of rapidly evolving technologies.

This paper seeks to address these ethical considerations by exploring the common ethical issues faced by IT professionals and their implications for IT security practices. By examining the influence of privacy and data protection concerns on ethical responsibilities, the study aims to highlight the importance of integrating ethical principles into IT security policies. Additionally, the research will investigate the effective implementation of ethical guidelines within organizations and assess the impact of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain, on IT security and ethical standards.

The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights for IT professionals, policymakers, and researchers. By understanding and addressing the ethical challenges in IT security, organizations can develop more robust and ethically sound security measures. This will not only enhance their security posture but also ensure that their practices align with ethical standards, fostering trust and integrity in the digital landscape.

Background

Statement of the Purpose

The purpose of this research paper is to discuss the significant intersection between Information Technology (IT) Security and Ethics. The primary focus of this paper is to explore the ethical considerations that influence IT security policies and procedures. As organizations become more dependent on Information Technology, security becomes increasingly crucial. IT security professionals often have access to sensitive data and information, which can raise ethical questions. Key concerns include privacy, data protection, and the responsible use of technology. By addressing these ethical dilemmas, IT professionals and organizations can implement a professional code of ethics and ethical principles to guide their actions and decisions in IT security.

Statement of the Problem

As organizations increasingly rely on Information Technology (IT) for their operations, the importance of strong IT security measures has become vital. At the same time, the growing dependence on IT also significantly increases ethical challenges. IT security professionals, who often have access to sensitive data and information, face ethical dilemmas that can impact their decision-making processes. Key concerns include ensuring privacy, protecting data, and responsibly using technology (Kozhuharova et al., 1970). Despite the importance of these issues, the lack of understanding and consistent application of ethical principles in IT security practices can be problematic. This gap can lead to breaches of trust, legal repercussions, and damage to an organization's reputation. This is why it is important to explore and address these ethical considerations to develop effective IT security policies and procedures. By implementing a professional code of ethics and integrating ethical principles into IT security practices, organizations can effectively navigate these challenges and enhance their overall security posture.

Research Questions

Below are some of the questions that will be addressed in this research paper.

1. What are the most common ethical issues encountered by IT professionals and how do they impact their decision-making processes?
2. How do privacy and data protection concerns influence the ethical responsibilities of IT security professionals?
3. What are the consequences of failing to address ethical concerns in IT Security for companies?
4. How can ethical guidelines be implemented in organization's IT security policies?
5. How do new and developing technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain impact IT Security and Ethical policies?

Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it addresses the intersection between Information Technology (IT) Security and Ethics, a topic that is increasingly relevant in today's digital environment. As organizations become more reliant on IT for their operations, the ethical considerations surrounding IT security practices have become much more important. By exploring the ethical dilemmas faced by IT security professionals and organizations, this research attempts to provide a clear understanding of how ethical principles can be integrated into IT security policies and procedures.

The findings of this study will be valuable for IT professionals, policymakers, and researchers by highlighting the ethical challenges in IT security and proposing strategies for addressing these challenges effectively. This study will also highlight the importance of ethical guidelines and standards in IT security practices which will contribute to the development of stronger and more ethical security measures. The impacts of new and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, on IT security and ethics will also be discussed which can provide a clear perspective on the ethical landscape of IT security. This research will be helpful to organizations as they navigate the complex ethical terrain and enhance their overall security posture.

References

Alagar, N. (2023, October 18). Ethical considerations in Data Science: Privacy, bias, and fairness. SKILLFLOOR. https://skillfloor.com/blog/ethical-considerations-in-data-science-privacy-bias-and-fairness#:~:text=Ethical%20data%20practices%20safeguard%20individual%20privacy%2C%20prevent%20discrimination,consequences%2C%20such%20as%20privacy%20breaches%20and%20algorithmic%20discrimination.

Blackman, R. (2024, July 2). Why Blockchain's ethical stakes are so high. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2022/05/why-blockchains-ethical-stakes-are-so-high

Chang, H., Zankl, W., & Lee, W. W. (2016, December 24). An ethical approach to data privacy protection. ISACA. https://www.isaca.org/resources/isaca-journal/issues/2016/volume-6/an-ethical-approach-to-data-privacy-protection

Green, B. P. (2020, August 18). Artificial Intelligence and ethics: Sixteen challenges and opportunities. Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. https://www.scu.edu/ethics/all-about-ethics/artificial-intelligence-and-ethics-sixteen-challenges-and-opportunities/

Hodge, S. (2023, September 27). The role of Ethics and integrity in cybersecurity excellence. CyberRiskInsight.com. https://www.cyberriskinsight.com/operations/role-ethics-integrity-cybersecurity-excellence/#:~:text=To%20achieve%20cybersecurity%20excellence%2C%20organizations%20must%20embed%20ethics,continuous%20training%20and%20development%20in%20ethical%20cybersecurity%20practices.

Kozhuharova, D., Kirov, A., & Al-Shargabi, Z. (1970, January 1). Ethics in cybersecurity. what are the challenges we need to be aware of and how to handle them?. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-04036-8_9

Matlali, L. (2023, June 5). Cybersecurity and ai: The challenges and opportunities. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/06/cybersecurity-and-ai-challenges-opportunities/

Shartsis, A. (2019, June 5). Council post: Five ways to create and implement more ethical AI. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2019/06/05/five-ways-to-create-and-implement-more-ethical-ai/

Watters, A. (2024, February 2). 5 ethical issues in technology to watch for in 2024. Default. https://connect.comptia.org/blog/ethical-issues-in-technology#:~:text=Most%20Important%20Ethical%20Issues%20in%20Technology%201%20Misuse,Use%20of%20AI%20...%205%20Autonomous%20Technology%20

Woo, M. (2017, March 27). Ethics and the IT professional. EDUCAUSE Review. https://er.educause.edu/articles/2017/3/ethics-and-the-it-professional