Cyber law and ethics

Module title:

Cyber law and ethics

Module overview:

The aim of this course is to empower students with a detailed understanding of how international law impacts cyber operations, focusing on legal and ethical dilemmas in cybersecurity. The course aims to develop students´ ability to analyze the legal aspects of cyber conflicts, including understanding the rules of engagement and regulations that govern state cyber operations. Students will explore how human rights and ethical standards are applied in the context of cyberspace, particularly in relation to privacy and freedom of expression. The course strives to encourage critical thinking and evaluation of both national and international legal frameworks, with the goal of aligning with international standards in cybersecurity. Through the study and analysis of real cases, students will be able to formulate recommendations for improving legal and ethical frameworks to effectively respond to new challenges in cyberspace. This course is designed to provide students not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical skills necessary for understanding and addressing complex legal and ethical issues in the world of cybersecurity.
In this module students will learn:
analyze the legal aspects of international law in the context of cyber operations, particularly those relating to sovereignty and state responsibility.
critically evaluate the rules of engagement and regulations governing state cyber operations, with a special emphasis on cyber conflicts and warfare.
identify and understand the role of human rights and ethical standards in cyberspace, including issues of privacy and freedom of expression.
apply legal principles in analyzing real cases of cyber incidents and conflicts, developing the ability for critical thinking about complex legal challenges.
evaluate and compare international and national legal frameworks for cybersecurity, integrating ethical considerations into legal systems.
formulate recommendations for improving legal and ethical frameworks in response to new challenges in cyberspace, focusing on threats to sovereignty and human rights.

Literature:

Required readings:
1. Schmitt MN. In (2017) Tallinn Manual 2.0 on the International Law Applicable to Cyber Operations. Cambridge University Press

Supplementary readings:
1. The Budapest Convention [Online]. Available at: https://www.coe.int/en/web/cybercrime/the-budapest-convention (Accessed: 1 Jan 2024)