HARNESSING SECURITY APPROACH AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE(AI) AS TOOLS TO COMBAT CORRUPT/UNETHICAL PRACTICES IN SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION: A PARADIGM SHIFT

Abstract

The increasing complexity of educational environments, driven by digital transformation, has exposed social work education to a range of corrupt and unethical practices, including academic dishonesty, data manipulation, favoritism, and breaches of professional integrity. This paper explores how the integration of security approaches and artificial intelligence (AI) can serve as transformative tools to combat these challenges, marking a paradigm shift in the governance and ethical accountability of social work education.Security strategiessuch as data encryption, access controls, audit trails, and cybersecurity protocolsoffer mechanisms to protect sensitive information, enforce compliance, and detect misconduct in real-time. Concurrently, AI technologies such as machine learning, predictive analytics, and automated monitoring systems provide new capabilities for identifying patterns of unethical behavior, ensuring fair assessment practices, and promoting data transparency.By leveraging these tools, institutions can shift from reactive responses to proactive, systems-based approaches that reinforce ethical standards and professional values. This paradigm shift not only strengthens institutional integrity but also better prepares future social workers to navigate and challenge unethical practices in their professional lives. The paper concludes that embracing AI and security frameworks is not only a technical necessity but a moral imperative in preserving the credibility and mission of social work education.