OFFSTONE JAN EDITION 2023

28 “O you who believe! Guard your own souls: If you follow (right) guidance, no hurt can come to you from those who err.” (5:105). This verse highlights the importance of protecting oneself from the harms of others. In the hadith, it is also said that “he who has knowledge is more responsible than he who does not have” (Tirmizi). Emphasis on self-protection in Islam encompasses overall well-being, including the digital aspect of life and the responsible use of technology, being aware of the associated risks. How can Islamic Ethics be Incorporated into Cybersecurity to Enhance Communication? Islamic teachings provide a valuable framework for understanding and addressing the challenges of cybersecurity in communication. The Quran, emphasizes the importance of ethical behaviour and decision-making in all areas of life, including in the realm of technology and cybersecurity. By adhering to the principles of Islamic ethics, individuals and organizations can better protect themselves and their users from cyber threats, while also upholding their ethical responsibilities in communication. One of the key principles in Islamic ethics is integrity. This means that data and information should be kept accurate and unmodified. Any attempt to alter or corrupt data is considered a violation of this principle. This is particularly important in the realm of computer security, where malicious actors may attempt to manipulate or corrupt data for their own gain, disrupting the flow of communication. Another important principle in Islamic ethics is availability. This principle states that information and technology should be accessible to those who need it, without interruption or failure. The failure of availability can lead to a loss of efficiency in communication, which can have serious consequences in many industries. Ensuring the availability of data and technology is therefore a crucial aspect of information security. Authoritative is another crucial aspect of Islamic ethics. This principle states that those in positions of authority should use their power responsibly and ethically. In the realm of computer security, this means that those with administrative access should use their power to protect the data and systems they are responsible for, rather than abusing it for their own gain, which can interrupt communication. Confidentiality is the last but not least important aspect of Islamic ethics. This principle states that information should be kept private and secure and should only be shared with those who have a legitimate need to know. This is particularly important in the realm of computer security, where sensitive information can be vulnerable to hacking and other forms of cyber- attack, unruly the flow of communication.