Cyber law is a relatively new legal area that encompasses a broad range of topics with an emphasis on cybersecurity and data privacy. Our increasingly digitally connected world–and the challenges associated with it–have prompted new laws and regulations to govern online conduct and protect consumers and organizations from online threats.
Cyberlaw is any law, statute, or regulation that pertains to internet usage. The laws extend to the devices used to access the internet, including computers, cell phones, email, websites, data storage devices, software, and hardware. Thus, cyber laws regulate the communications, privacy, freedom of expression, and intellectual property of internet users.
These laws protect individuals and businesses who use the internet and establish penalties for people and groups that commit cybercrime.
Cybercrimes are carried out against individuals, property (businesses, servers, intellectual property), and government agencies. Specific industries such as financial and health are especially vulnerable due to the amount of personal data they work with and store. Hence, these industries have specific regulations and requirements for data protection generally and to prevent cyber attacks. The U.S. also has federal and state laws that specifically target cybercrimes. The most prominent of these is the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
How a Masters of Legal Studies Can Help Your Cybersecurity and Privacy Career
Some laws did not start as cyber laws but now pertain to online security and privacy. In addition, many laws have developed alongside the internet as cyber crimes have increased. The courses in CSU College of Law’s Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Cybersecurity and Data Privacy program provide students with the legal knowledge of civil and criminal cybersecurity and data privacy laws as well as a strong technical understanding of how these laws work in real-life situations. Our courses cover a broad range of issues that fit under the general rubric of cyber law as well as technical courses that cover the most prominent cyber threats and cyber attacks that confront organizations and how to develop compliance and privacy programs to comply with these cyber laws and protect personal data. This specialized education puts students in a unique position to succeed in addressing the legal and operational risks across industries.
