As society is digitalizing and we depend more on technology, securing IT systems and preventing the abuse thereof is increasingly becoming more important. To protect these systems, there is a need for cybersecurity professionals and ethical hackers that build in security and test the safety of systems. However, learning how systems can be protected oftentimes involves learning how they can be broken or hacked. Additionally, cybersecurity professionals may encounter several other situations in which they need to act ethically. For example, when they are processing the data of others, or when they are developing systems that need to be secure by design. To prevent any abuse or harm, it is therefore of crucial importance that young people with an interest in IT and hacking are not only taught technical skills, but are also stimulated to think about the ethical implications of their work.
In this panel discussion, we discuss IT ethics in educational settings with professionals from both within and outside academia. We will reflect on current practices and formulate potential improvements. Specifically, we aim to address the question: When, where, and how should we teach ethics to young people with an interest in IT and hacking? Our goal is to enhance knowledge and spark ideas to improve practices, ensuring more young people are motivated to contribute positively to cybersecurity. This will be accomplished by examining and reflecting on various statements, that are partly the result of a research project on the ethics in IT education at universities. While this project focused on universities, the goal of this panel is much broader and will discuss the potential of ethics education at all levels and ages.
