Internalisation of Islamic Ethics in Cybersecurity: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The contemporary digital environment is increasingly challenged by complex cybersecurity issues that extend beyond technical threats to include concerns related to users’ moral integrity. This study examines the application of Islamic ethics (akhlak) in cybersecurity and identifies factors influencing its internalisation through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 framework, analysing 15 selected journal articles retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and Google Scholar. Articles published between 2021 and 2025 were considered, although eligible studies were identified from 2022 onwards. Thematic analysis revealed three key domains: the application of Islamic ethics in cyberspace, extrinsic factors such as education and social interventions, and intrinsic factors related to psychospiritual strength and religious commitment. The findings indicate that effective cybersecurity practices require the integration of ethical values with technical measures. This study contributes to the development of value-based cybersecurity approaches and highlights the importance of strengthening internal ethical awareness. It further suggests the development of Islamic ethics-based educational modules to enhance digital resilience in addressing contemporary cyber challenges.