Cybersecurity in Context
We will explore the elements that shape the playing field on which cybersecurity problems emerge and are managed, emphasizing how ethical, legal, and economic frameworks enable and constrain security technologies and policies. We will look at macro-elements (national security considerations and interests of nation-states) and micro-elements (behavioral economic insights into how people understand and interact with security features). Topics include policymaking (on the national, international, and organizational level), business models, legal frameworks (duties of security, privacy issues, law enforcement access issues, computer hacking, and economic/military espionage), standards making, and the roles of users, government, and industry.
Topics
- Knowledge and understanding of substantive and procedural law (as covered by the class) Analysis and reasoning, research, problem-solving, and written and oral communication Understanding professional and ethical responsibilities Understand the legal, social, and political frameworks that affect cybersecurity Identify and explain social, legal, political, and economic impediments to cybersecurity Identify main tradeoffs between different cybersecurity-related interests (e.g., between eco- nomics and security levels; between law enforcement and civil liberties; between private interests and public interests) Learn the basics of computer network exploitation and attack
Official catalogue course objectives and student learning outcomes
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027