Course Information
More than ever cybercrime and cybersecurity are high on the agenda of the public and private sector. Because of society’s increased dependence on ICTs, both in critical infrastructures and more in general, cybersecurity, cybercrime and cyberthreats of various kinds are at the forefront of academic and policy debate. This course will focus on these developments in light of the rule of law and addresses fundamental issues of legitimacy and transparency that are at stake when it comes to protecting cybersecurity and combating cybercrime. Furthermore, the course analyses the consequences of these developments for citizens, in terms of fundamental rights and civil liberties. Amongst others, the trade-off between privacy and security will be discussed.
The course will cover the following topics:
Cybercrime ecosystems and infrastructures
Cybercrime methods (hacking, ddos)
Substantive criminal law on cybercrime (hacking, ddos, malware distribution etc.)
Law of criminal procedure (special investigative methods e.g. offensive hacking)
Legal aspects of digital forensics
Special attention will be devoted to those issues that complicate the investigation of cybercrime (jurisdiction, anonymisation and encryption).
Course objectives
The objective of the course is to give students a thorough understanding of the political, economic and legal aspects of cybercrime.
Achievement levels
Knowledge and comprehension: The student will learn what cybersecurity is, which
types of behaviour are considered criminal acts and how law enforcement can
investigate cybercrimes.
Application: At the end of the course the student is able to match online behaviour to a crime description and assess the legitimacy of the application of special investigative powers by law enforcement.
Analysis: At the end of the course students will be able to balance different interests such as cybersecurity and the combating of cybercrime on the one hand, and human rights protection (privacy, fair trial).
Presentation: While not specifically evaluated in this course, at the end of this course, the students will be able to make oral presentations and write papers on the issues covered
Mode of instruction
The main teaching methods for this course are lectures and interactive working group sessions. In all sessions, students will be challenged to actively participate in the class. Students will experiment with cybercrime technologies in a controlled environment. The course will make extensive use of experts from the field.
Course Requirement
Master Degree
Timetable
The timetable of this course will be available for students in MyTimetable
Brightspace
More information on this course is offered in Brightspace
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory as specified in Article 5.1 of the Course and Examination Regulations of the Master of Laws Advanced Studies Programmes
Examination Method
Exam / Take home exam 100%
Required reading list
See Brightspace
Contact information
Programme Coordinator
Ms Patricia Garcia Fernandez
Telephone number: 0031- 71 527 4228
E-mail: lawanddigitaltechnologies@law.leidenuniv.nl
Course Coordinator
“Disclaimer:
Should there be any future extenuating circumstances which may impinge our teaching and assessment, these could necessitate modification of the course descriptions after 1 September. This will only happen in the event of strict necessity and the interests of the students will be taken into account. Should there be a need for any change during the course, this will be informed to all students on a timely basis. Modifications after 1 September 2024 may only be done with the approval and consent of the Faculty Board and Programme Director.