CYSE 406

CYSE 406: Cyber Law

Course Description

CYSE 406 provides a comprehensive overview of U.S. cyber law, covering constitutional rights, digital privacy, cybercrime, government regulations, and international cybersecurity laws. Students examine how laws apply to cybersecurity operations, digital investigations, and national security efforts. The course also explores legal frameworks for cybercrime prosecution, surveillance, and government access to data.

Key Learning Objectives

✅ Understand the U.S. Legal System & Cyber Laws – Gain knowledge of Article I, II, III of the U.S. Constitution, the court system, and the role of FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) and FISA courts.
✅ Analyze Freedom of Expression & Internet Regulations – Examine legal challenges surrounding free speech, content moderation, and online censorship.
✅ Evaluate Government Surveillance & Digital Privacy – Study the balance between law enforcement, national security, and personal privacy, including key laws such as:

  • Fourth & Fourteenth Amendments (Search, Seizure & Due Process)
  • Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA)
  • Stored Communications Act (SCA)
  • Pen Register/Trap and Trace Act
  • Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA)
  • National Security Letters & Court Orders
    ✅ Examine Intellectual Property Laws – Study copyright, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets in the digital world.
    ✅ Understand Cybercrime & Federal Laws – Explore major U.S. federal laws related to cybersecurity, including:
  • Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)
  • Economic Espionage Act
  • National Security Crimes (Title 18 USC)
    ✅ Investigate the Role of Federal & Military Agencies in Cybersecurity – Study executive orders, directives, and the Domestic Incident Response National Response Framework.
    ✅ Explore International Cyber Law & Cyber Warfare – Examine international treaties, the Tallinn Manual, cyber attacks, and cyber operations.
    ✅ National Cybersecurity Efforts – Learn about initiatives like Einstein 2.0 and later versions, designed to protect government networks.

Topics & Case Studies Covered

📌 U.S. Constitution & Cyber Law – Analyzed how constitutional amendments impact digital privacy and security.
📌 Government Access & Digital Privacy – Studied case law on law enforcement surveillance, metadata collection, and encryption policies.
📌 Cybercrime Investigations & Prosecution – Examined real-world cases involving hacking, fraud, cyber espionage, and national security threats.
📌 International Law & Cyber Warfare – Explored jus ad bellum, jus in bello, UN Charter, Hague & Geneva Conventions in cyber conflicts.
📌 The Tallinn Manual & Cyber Warfare Rules – Studied legal interpretations of cyber attacks and state-sponsored cyber operations.
📌 National Cybersecurity Frameworks – Evaluated the role of the U.S. government in defending networks and critical infrastructure.

Skills Acquired

🔹 Legal Analysis in Cybersecurity – Understanding how laws regulate cyber operations, privacy, and national security.
🔹 Interpretation of Federal Cybercrime Laws – Evaluating the impact of CFAA, ECPA, and intellectual property laws.
🔹 Cybercrime Investigation Frameworks – Learning about search and seizure laws, court orders, and evidence collection.
🔹 International Cyber Law Knowledge – Analyzing global treaties, cyber conflict resolutions, and digital sovereignty.

Personal Reflection

This course provided a deeper understanding of cybersecurity law, privacy rights, and digital regulations. By studying federal cybercrime laws, international legal frameworks, and cyber warfare regulations, I have gained valuable insights into the legal challenges faced in cybersecurity operations and digital investigations. These skills are crucial for ensuring compliance, risk management, and ethical cybersecurity practices in my future career.