Cybercrime and Behaviour

This subject is available under ICMS undergraduate degrees, please click the button below to find an undergraduate course for you.

Subject Code:

CYB102A

Subject Type:

Specialisation 

Credit Points:

3 credit points 

Pre-requisite/Co-requisite: 

None 

Subject Level:

100 

Subject Rationale:

The rapid and constant technological advancements in the digital economy, particularly the exponential growth of the Internet interconnections and convergence in digital systems, have radically influenced the adoption of information systems. Individuals and organisations, increasingly depend on digitally accessible information and services across the globe. This dependence has resulted in a boom in malicious cyber activity, leaving virtually no digital economy sector immune from the impacts of cybercrime. Consequentially, understanding the principles of cybercrime, including the human element of cybersecurity, has become essential to ensure cyber safety and avoid malicious intents in cyberspace. 

This subject provides students with an introduction to cybersecurity and its key concepts with an emphasis on human behaviours that underpin cyber criminality. It introduces the broad discipline of cyberpsychology, equipping students with the fundamental understanding of an attacker mindset, which scaffolds the anatomy of cyberattacks.   

 Students will study the genesis of cybercrime and the motivations of cyber-deviancy from many lenses such as cyber-surveillance, cyberethics, cyber-vigilantism, and cyberterrorism, along with their societal, ethical, and legal considerations. Modern cybersecurity technologies, platforms, and associated cyber-threats and offences will also be explored, including cyber hygiene principles and the Darknet. 

Learning Outcomes:

a) Describe criminological theories and apply them to cybercrime, demonstrating an understanding of the underpinning drivers of cybercriminal behaviour.

b) Interpret various methods cybercriminals use to conduct cybercrime and infer their potential impact on individuals, organisations, and governments.

c) Discuss different types of cybercrime with their societal, ethical, and legal considerations.

d) Explain a range of cybersecurity issues and identify appropriate countermeasures against cybercrime.

e) Apply research evidence in the analysis of cybercrime matters and communicate findings clearly and effectively.

Student Assessment:

Broad Topics to be Covered:

Please note that these topics are often refined and subject to change so for up to date weekly topics and suggested reading resources, please refer to the Moodle subject page.