𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐍𝐞𝐭.𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡, a cybersecurity company, was contracted by 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 to conduct a comprehensive security audit. While SecureNet.Tech successfully addressed several vulnerabilities, but speculations arose that they deliberately omitted to report a lesser-known vulnerability. The motive behind this omission was believed to be the desire to secure future engagements.

The situation took an interesting twist with the involvement of an employee named 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱 𝐎𝐧𝐰𝐮 from SecureNet.Tech. Alex played a pivotal role in conducting the security audit for Progeny Consult Corporation. However, unknown to Progeny Consult's management, Alex concealed a critical vulnerability. Why? For the most part, reasons best known to him.

As organizational dynamics shifted, a change in leadership prompted the manager in charge of outsourcing to engage another cybersecurity company, 𝐢𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞. The objective was to enhance the company's security posture. During iSecure's assessment, a hidden vulnerability came to light – a vulnerability that SecureNet.Tech had deliberately hidden.

Now, iSecure is faced with an ethical decision: to report the situation to its contractor or alert the previously contracted organization with a heads-up.

As an ethical cybersecurity professional – what should iSecure do?
The most compelling course of action is for iSecure to uphold the principles of transparency and responsible behavior. That's exactly what was adopted.
Given that the concealed vulnerability posed a potential threat, iSecure's foremost responsibility was to address the immediate security concern. This entailed informing its current contractor, Progeny Consult Corporation, about the vulnerability that SecureNet.Tech had chosen to hide.

By promptly notifying the client, iSecure ensured that the client can take the necessary steps to mitigate the security risk. This approach is aligned with the ethical obligation to prioritize the well-being of the organization and its data.

While it is also understandable to consider loyalty to the cybersecurity community, loyalty should not come at the expense of security and transparency. Reaching out to SecureNet.Tech – the previously contracted organization – could be contemplated later as a means to address the situation collectively. However, the initial focus must remain on immediate transparency with the current client.

Are there other ways you think iSecure should adopt to handle the situation? Feel free to state your opinion in the comment section.