The ISC2 Code of Ethics outlines four core principles for ethical decision-making in cybersecurity, emphasizing the protection of society, operating with integrity, delivering quality service, and advancing the profession. It provides guidelines and real-life examples to illustrate unethical behavior such as data exploitation, dishonesty, unprofessional promise-making, and actions that undermine the industry's integrity. Adhering to these principles promotes trust, professionalism, and excellence in the cybersecurity field.

1. The ISC2 Code of Ethics
Four Core Canons
A Guide to Ethical Decision-Making
for Cybersecurity Professionals

2. Protect Society, the Common Good, Necessary
Public Trust, and the Infrastructure
Principle: Prioritize societal well-being and public trust.
Guidelines:
Ensure actions strengthen
critical infrastructure.
Avoid unethical activities like
hacking or data exploitation.
Real-Life Example: Discovering a software
vulnerability? Report it responsibly
instead of exploiting it for personal gain.

3. Act Honorably, Honestly, Justly, Responsibly, and Legally
Principle: Operate with integrity and within legal bounds.
Guidelines:
Avoid lying, law-breaking, or
covering up mistakes.
Own up to errors and act
transparently.
Real-Life Example: Made a mistake leading
to a data breach? Report it honestly
instead of concealing it.

4. Principle: Deliver high-quality, reliable service to employers or clients.
Guidelines:
Stay adequately trained and
informed.
Avoid overpromising results or
neglecting responsibilities.
Real-Life Example: Promising
unachievable outcomes to win a contract?
That’s unethical.
Provide Diligent and Competent Service to Principals

5. Advance and Protect the Profession
Principle: Safeguard the credibility and integrity of the field.
Guidelines:
Avoid actions that harm the
industry’s reputation.
Uphold professional standards
at all times.
Real-Life Example: Helping someone cheat
on a certification exam? This harms the
profession’s integrity.
Uphold the ISC2 Code of Ethics in every action to promote trust,
professionalism, and excellence in cybersecurity.