Espionage, Terrorism and International Security in the Cyber Age

Course Title: Espionage, Terrorism and International Security in the Cyber Age

Type of Course: Adult Education

Credit: Not credit bearing

Taught Hours: 20

Session Titles

1. Security in the Digital Age

2. Cyber Security

3. Hackers

4. Anatomy of Hacking

5. Cyber Crime

6. Cyber Espionage

7. Cyber Warfare

8. Cyber Terrorism

9. Lethal Cyber Terrorism

10. Cyber Surveillance: The Crypto Wars

Course Overview

Increasingly the news contains reports on digital espionage, terrorism and warfare, suggesting a battle is taking place for control of the cyber-sphere. But what do the terms digital espionage, cyber terrorism and cyber warfare mean and how can we counter the threats they pose?

During this course we will explore the evolution of espionage, terrorism and international security in the digital age.

We will discover how the internet and hacking evolved in tandem, and their impact on espionage, surveillance and terrorism, and of course warfare. As we shall see, cyber security is in a constantly mutating technical and political environment, and has to adapt repeatedly to a changing social, cultural and technological landscape.

Drawing extensively on historic and contemporary case studies, we will chart how international security is evolving in the digital era, noting how the rise of AI is opening new technological possibilities.

Required Previous Experience (if any)

None required.

Required Reading Material or Special Equipment Needed (if any)

None required.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course you will be better prepared to:

• Define and distinguish between digital espionage, cyber terrorism and cyber warfare, and understand their historical development and relevance to contemporary international security.

Teaching and Learning Approach

The teaching and learning approach for this course combines tutor-led instruction, group activities, and independent study supported by individual guidance from the tutor. Classes are conducted face-to-face in a classroom setting and utilise diverse teaching methods, including presentations, multimedia resources, class discussions, and interactive activities.

These methods are selected to engage students, accommodate varied learning styles, and support effective understanding of the subject matter. The approach is also designed to recognise and be responsive to the diverse experiences, backgrounds, identities, and cultural perspectives represented within the student cohort, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Additional Information

This course descriptor may be subject to change during the delivery of the course, depending on the specific direction and nature of the learner cohort, and is intended to be responsive to the group dynamics as they emerge during the delivery of the course.