Cyber Crimes and Information Systems Security

Course Description

This course provides and overview of the nature of criminal activity that is facilitated through or that targets information systems. The course also reviews security measures that are designed to protect the software, hardware and data associated with information systems.

Topics and Objectives

Overview of Information Systems and Technology

• Identify the various components of information systems and their functionality
• Describe the global interconnectivity of information systems and assess the depth and breadth of the effect of a failure of a major component of a complex system
• Discuss the reasons for the protection of information systems and assess the consequences of inadequate security

Criminal Activities and Information Technology

• Analyze the criminal intent and methodologies involved in the utilization of information systems to perpetrate specific types of crimes
• Evaluate the motives and methods of individuals or organizations who target various information systems for infiltration or destruction
• Critique the laws and enforcement mechanisms designed to discourage crimes against information systems

Information Technology Risk Factors

• Describe the principles of risk management as they pertain to information systems and technology
• Explore the vulnerabilities of information systems
• Analyze the nature of potential internal and external threats, as well as natural or unintended events that can jeopardize information systems

Governmental Issues and Internal Policies

• Analyze the nature of government regulations imposed upon administrators of information systems and their impact on the distribution of information and related security issues
• Evaluate the need for various internal and external policies and procedures designed to promote protection of both the hardware, software, and data related to information systems
• Identify and critique the policies that govern the levels of access security
• Determine organizational structures, necessary authority and assignment of responsibilities and accountabilities to insure optimal security of information systems

Protection and Recovery of Information

• Compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of contemporary methodologies and technologies designed to protect information systems and data
• Create strategies for restoration of information system operations in the event of an attack or failure and for the recovery of data that may be stolen, altered or destroyed

Institutions and Information Technology

• Assess the nature and extent of the reliance of various social institutions on information systems and technology
• Identify and analyze the various issues associated with the failure of information systems at the local, state, and national levels of society
• Evaluate the scope of the economic impact of information systems' failures upon government, business, religious, and academic institutions