Studyinfo subject ACIT4055 2023 HØST
ACIT4055 Security politics, cyberwar, and ethics Course description
- Course name in Norwegian
- Security politics, cyberwar, and ethics
- Study programme
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Master's Programme in Applied Computer and Information Technology
- Weight
- 10.0 ECTS
- Year of study
- 2023/2024
- Curriculum
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SPRING
2024
- Schedule
- Programme description
- Course history
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Introduction
In this course, you will learn the technical, political, legal and ethical views on cyber warfare.
States and societies have grown highly dependent on the functioning of IT infrastructures. This has created new vulnerabilities. In cyberspace, only limited resources are often needed to cause significant harm; this poses security threats for States and societies. For instance, harmful cross-border cyber operations, both by State and non-State actors, can jeopardize international stability. Cyber activities have become an integral part of international relations, and cyber security is a very discussed topic in international law today and very pertinent to international security and geopolitical discussions.
At the same time, attacks against information technology and consequently against people and physical processes connected to them have become a means of war. Information warfare, targeted hacking, weaponization of stolen information and the digitally induced disruption of infrastructure are new methods in conflict. Their use in concealed hybrid warfare poses challenges in both critical infrastructure protection, as well as in law enforcement and international politics. The solution to those challenges are an emerging field in all related disciplines.
Recommended preliminary courses
Students should be proficient in using literature reference mangers (e.g. Zotero, EndNote, Refworks, Mendeley) in both literature search and referencing in written work. OsloMet’s library offers introduction courses to literature search and to reference manag
Required preliminary courses
No formal requirements over and above the admission requirements.
Learning outcomes
A student who has completed this course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
On successful completion of this course the student has:
advanced knowledge of how international law applies to hostile cyber activities by States and non-State actors during both peacetime and armed conflict
an understanding of the context in which cybercrime is affecting the security of States and society
an understanding of the threat landscape
and understanding of advanced persistent threats (APTs) and how they operate
an understanding of how technological developments interact with broader geopolitical dynamics that call for different national and international political responses
an understanding of how state actors create advanced, persistent threats, and knows where to find up-to-date information about such threats
an understanding of nations states or Advanced persistent threats (APTs) and how to mitigate APTs
an understanding of the impact of security attack on critical infrastructure
a holistic understanding of legal, political and military aspects of cyber security issues
a solid understanding of the elements of national security policy in the digital domain and its consequences for governance, trust in society, public safety, national sovereignty and a functioning economy.
Skills:
On successful completion of this course the student can:
critically assess and discuss cyber security challenges and extant regulatory frameworks
argue for and against security policies and practices using new technologies
identify national security implications of cybersecurity and the current challenges that senior lawyers, policymakers, and the private sector face in addressing those issues
identify and address related ethical concerns; and to anticipate myriad, related issues and interests so that they can more effectively represent their clients in the future
explain how governments attempt to develop policies and frameworks to deal with emerging cyber threats, specifically at societal scale, e.g. against critical infrastructures
hunt and analyze Advanced Persistent threats (APT)
explore various legal and policy issues related to enabling a safe and secure Internet and protecting government and private sector networks
appreciate how cyber capabilities have transformed the use of information by States, and the increased threats to national security posed by these activities
General competence
On successful completion of this course the student can:
critically address complex legal and policy issues that senior national security decision-makers must address and to provide insight into the practical challenges they present
understand the ethical responsibilities of cybersecurity profession and be able to treat ethical, moral and privacy issues responsibly
appreciate the need to protect critical infrastructure
has the intellectual flexibility required to understand and respond to the challenges posed by new and emerging technologies and their consequences
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures
Reading assignments
Case studies, including field work on the internet and policy development
Writing assignments
Group discussions or group presentations
Group work and peer review of classmates’ work
Challenges / competitions based on scenarios
Course requirements
The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:
Individual: a written case report, policy, strategy document or essay (1500 - 2000 words)
Participation in three in-course group activities such as case analysis, presentation, role play
Group-based: give one presentation on given topics in groups up to three students, and participate as a discussant in one group presentation
Assessment
The final assessment is an individual written policy, strategy document or essay (1500 - 2000 words) The exam can be appealed.
New/postponed exam:
In case of failed exam or legal absence, the student may apply for a new or postponed exam. New or postponed exams are offered within a reasonable time span following the regular exam. The student is responsible for registering for a new/postponed exam within the time limits set by OsloMet. The Regulations for new or postponed examinations are available in Regulations relating to studies and examinations at OsloMet.
Permitted exam materials and equipment
All aids are permitted, provided the rules for plagiarism and source referencing are complied with.
Grading scale
A-F
Examiners
Two internal examiners. External examiner is used periodically.
Course contact person
Lothar Fritsch, Nuno Marques