Cyber Crime: Law, Policy, and Investigations

3 credits

Our increasingly digital world has led to a wealth of opportunities for cybercriminals and other bad actors. This class, taught by a current and former federal prosecutor, will provide an in-depth examination of cybercrime, including the federal statutes implicated in computer hacking and other computer-based crimes, such as network attacks, identity and data theft, and cyberstalking. Through illustrative case studies, students will learn how federal law enforcement investigates and prosecutes cybercrime, starting with the collection of digital evidence and proceeding through trial and sentencing. The course will highlight the investigative tools law enforcement uses as well as the current challenges law enforcement faces in prosecuting cybercriminals. We will examine legal, procedural, and policy issues surrounding the search and seizure of digital evidence. The class will incorporate guest speakers from government organizations and other stakeholders in the cybersecurity arena.