Ethical theory is important in all industries, however, it is especially important that our Baxter employees and leaders exhibit ethical behaviors every day. Some important ethical theories that relate to modern technology, according to Koroma (2024), are listed below.

Deontology:

Deontology is an ethical theory that evaluates the morality of actions based on adherence to a set of rules or principles, regardless of the outcomes. According to deontological ethics, certain actions are intrinsically right or wrong, and ethical behavior involves following these rules strictly.

In the context of technology, particularly cybersecurity, deontology emphasizes the importance of unwavering adherence to privacy laws and regulations. This means treating the protection of personal data as an absolute rule that cannot be compromised. For example, even if bypassing privacy regulations could lead to greater efficiency or profitability, deontological ethics would insist on strictly following privacy laws and safeguarding personal information as a fundamental duty.

Utilitarianism:

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that assesses the morality of actions based on their outcomes, aiming to achieve the greatest benefit for the greatest number of people. According to utilitarianism, an action is considered right if it maximizes overall happiness or minimizes harm.

In the realm of technology, particularly cybersecurity, utilitarianism supports practices like monitoring and data collection if these actions lead to significant benefits, such as preventing cyberattacks or enhancing national security. For instance, utilitarian ethics might justify extensive data gathering or surveillance if it results in a greater overall good by protecting society from threats, even if it involves some trade-offs with individual privacy. The focus is on the positive outcomes and overall societal benefits rather than the adherence to specific rules or principles.

Virtue Ethics:

Virtue ethics emphasizes the character and moral qualities of the individual making decisions, rather than just focusing on the rules or outcomes. This approach encourages people to cultivate virtues such as honesty, integrity, and bravery.

In the context of technology, particularly cybersecurity, virtue ethics suggests that professionals should develop their moral character and ethical judgment. Instead of solely following regulations or evaluating the consequences of their actions, cybersecurity experts are encouraged to make decisions based on their inner virtues. For instance, they should act with honesty and integrity in protecting data and ensuring security, and demonstrate bravery in confronting ethical challenges. This approach promotes making ethical choices that reflect a strong moral character, rather than just adhering to rules or aiming for beneficial outcomes.