Which canon of the (ISC)² Code of Ethics focuses on protecting society and the commonwealth?

The first canon of the (ISC)² Code of Ethics emphasizes the responsibility of information security professionals to act in a manner that protects society and the commonwealth. This principle is grounded in the notion that those in the field of cybersecurity have a duty to uphold societal values, protect the public, and contribute positively to the well-being of the community. By prioritizing the safety and security of the public, professionals ensure that their actions support the overall integrity and stability of the information systems that society relies on.

In contrast, the other canons focus on different aspects of ethical conduct. For example, the second canon deals with the duty to provide services with competence, the third canon involves acting honorably, honestly, and in good faith, while the fourth canon addresses the impact of personal interests on professional duties. Each canon plays a critical role in guiding the behavior of security professionals, but the first canon is specifically tied to the overarching goal of safeguarding society and the commonwealth.