Did you know that the holiday season is a great time to refresh your understanding of how ethics and compliance can relate to your everyday role?
As we exchange holiday greetings, share gifts of appreciation, and engage in acts of kindness with other professionals, it's important to recognize that these gestures, even when well-intentioned, can carry specific ethical and compliance implications. As cybersecurity professionals, we interact with a wide variety of people and organizations where gifting and the exchange of tokens of appreciation make take place. Colleagues, contractors, customers and the vendors that supply hardware, software and services to the organization are just some of the groups where the exchange of gifts, tokens or hospitality may occur.
Anti-bribery and corruption (ABC) regulations are international laws designed to promote fair business practices and foster integrity and transparency. These regulations prohibit using items of value or influence, such as gifts or entertainment, to gain an unfair advantage. By outlining unacceptable behaviors and their consequences, these regulations create a framework for ethical decision-making, helping us confidently navigate business challenges.
Click each box below for tips regarding gifts and entertainment this holiday season:
- Cybersecurity professionals are responsible for securing and handling sensitive data, often involving critical decisions and business transactions. When engaging with third parties and stakeholders, be mindful of actions that could result in prohibited practices under ABC regulations and create potential conflicts of interest, even when gifts are given with good intentions.
- Many companies have specific guidelines on gifts and entertainment, so revisiting your organization's code of conduct is a great idea. Be sure to contact your compliance team for guidance if anything is unclear. By understanding these policies ahead of time, you can confidently navigate gift-giving and receiving, staying within the right boundaries during the holiday season.
- Gifts and entertainment should be modest, reasonable, and context-appropriate. For example, a small box of holiday treats is usually acceptable, while a lavish dinner may not be. If unsure about appropriateness, consider how the public would view it.
- Contact your compliance team if you receive or are offered a gift that exceeds policy limits or falls into a gray area. Disclose the situation and seek their guidance on any necessary steps. Transparency demonstrates integrity and ensures that you are adhering to your organization’s established procedures.
- Declining an invitation or gift doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Express your gratitude to the giver and explain that your professional obligations prevent you from accepting the offer. This shows your commitment to ethical standards, sets the right example, and ultimately protects everyone involved.
It’s important to recognize that perception plays a significant role in how our decisions are viewed. By prioritizing integrity, we show that our decisions are transparent and in the best interest of everyone involved. By staying mindful and emphasizing transparency, we can enjoy the season while remaining committed to our ethical standards and fostering trust within our industry and among those we serve.
Always Learning
Self-improvement through learning and education on topics like ethics, conduct, and compliance is essential for professional growth. Did you know that ISC2 offers courses on a variety of related subjects to help you in your ongoing development? Click here to view our catalog.
Get involved in Ethics and Compliance
Be on the lookout for opportunities to volunteer in 2025 and join our initiative to set the standard for ethics and compliance in the cybersecurity profession. Have an ethics or compliance question? Click here to connect.