1. How do engineers make cyber networks safer?

Engineers play a crucial role in enhancing the safety of cyber networks through a multifaceted approach:

a. Encryption and Secure Protocols: Engineers employ advanced encryption algorithms and implement secure communication protocols to protect data from unauthorized access. This ensures that sensitive information remains confidential and intact during transmission.

b. Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems: Engineers design and deploy robust firewalls as barriers between internal networks and external threats. Intrusion detection systems, developed by engineers, continuously monitor network activities, identifying and responding to potential security breaches in real time.

c. Regular System Updates and Patch Management: Engineers are responsible for developing and implementing software updates and patches to address vulnerabilities. Regular updates ensure the system remains resilient to emerging threats, enhancing overall network security.

d. Network Segmentation: Engineers use network segmentation strategies to compartmentalize network segments. This limits the lateral movement of attackers within the network, minimizing the potential impact of a security breach.

2. What is the overlap between criminal justice and cybercrime? How does this overlap relate to the other disciplines discussed in this class?

The overlap between criminal justice and cybercrime lies in addressing illegal activities that occur in cyberspace. Cybercrime encompasses a range of offenses, including hacking, identity theft, online fraud, and the dissemination of malicious software. Criminal justice professionals investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate these cybercrimes, applying traditional legal frameworks to the digital realm.

This overlap is intricately connected to other disciplines discussed in this class, creating a multidisciplinary approach to addressing cyber threats:

a. Computer Science: Computer scientists contribute by developing tools for digital forensics, creating secure coding practices, and advancing encryption technologies.

b. Information Systems and Technology: Professionals in this field focus on implementing and managing secure information systems, incorporating cybersecurity measures into the design and operation of digital infrastructures.

c. Engineering: Engineers design and optimize security solutions, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure communication protocols, to fortify cyber networks against potential threats.

d. Ethics and Sociology: The ethical considerations of cybercrime and the societal impact of digital offenses are explored, emphasizing the importance of ethical frameworks and social awareness in addressing cyber threats.

The integration of these disciplines underscores the complexity of addressing cybercrime. A holistic understanding of technological, legal, ethical, and social dimensions is essential for developing effective strategies to combat cyber threats and maintain the integrity of digital ecosystems.