Final answer:
Copying customer data onto a flash drive by a marketing employee is a cybersecurity issue because it can lead to a data breach. Cybersecurity seeks to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or attacks. Real-world data breaches and the importance of maintaining online privacy and security underline this point.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scenario presented involves a marketing employee contemplating copying customer data onto a flash drive. This action falls under cybersecurity issues because it touches upon the subject of data security and potential data breaches. Cybersecurity is focused on protecting computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks. It encompasses everything from securing sensitive information to protecting intellectual property and personal data.
In the context of a company, ensuring that customer data is secure is paramount. Unauthorized copying of data onto removable devices can lead to a data breach if the device is lost, stolen, or accessed by unauthorized users. Examples of real-world problems such as the data breaches at retailers like Target, financial institutions like JP Morgan, and cell phone providers such as Verizon, have shown the catastrophic consequences when organizational cybersecurity is compromised. The marketing employee's consideration to copy sensitive data without proper authorization or security measures directly poses a risk of unauthorized disclosure and misuse of that data.
The topic of cybersecurity is especially relevant as it has been extensively covered both in educational settings and news media. With the increase in cyber-attacks and data breaches globally, organizations are focusing more on online privacy and security to protect themselves and their customers from such threats. Hence, this issue must be addressed within organizational policies and by educating employees on the risks and proper handling of sensitive information.