The ethics of security and privacy of cyber-physical systems: Emerging trends, technology, and applications

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are becoming indispensable across industries such as healthcare and energy, but their security and privacy vulnerabilities pose critical ethical issues. This study investigates these concerns, identifying three main types of security threats: hardware, software, and network attacks. Hardware attacks target physical components like sensors, compromising data integrity through direct or remote manipulation. Network threats, such as man-in-the-middle and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, disrupt data transmission and critical system operations. Software vulnerabilities often arise from malicious code injections in CPS devices, particularly affecting machine learning (ML) algorithms used for data processing. Privacy is equally crucial, especially in CPS applications that generate sensitive data, such as healthcare information. This research emphasizes the need for robust data ownership, consent protocols, and legal frameworks to safeguard user privacy and ensure responsible data sharing. Advanced technologies like ML and blockchain show potential for mitigating these issues. ML algorithms require regular updates with new data to prevent manipulation, while blockchain technology offers a secure, decentralized structure to enhance data transparency and security. This study highlights the necessity for an integrated, end-to-end security and privacy approach for CPS, which is foundational for their reliable use and widespread adoption in critical sectors.