GPM510 Terrorism in Cyberspace (8)

This subject explores the reasons why terrorists utilise the online environment along with an analysis of the costs and benefits they accrue in doing so. It develops a holistic, critical, and wide-ranging understanding of current and future implications related to the use of cyberspace by terrorists. The counter terrorism measures deployed against such use of cyberspace will also be covered. Students will critically engage with both primary (through secure subscription services) and secondary resources related to terrorist use of cyberspace, and analyse and critique counter efforts undertaken by both government and the private sector in combatting such use of cyberspace.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Manly Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: GPM510. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of terrorists' use of cyberspace and related counter terrorism contexts, including understanding of historical, contemporary, and ongoing developments in terrorist use of cyberspace
  • be able to demonstrate a knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to terrorism and cyberspace
  • be able to demonstrate the application of these research principles and methods to the intersection of terrorism and cyberspace issues at an operational, strategic, and policy level
  • be able to reflect critically on theory, professional practice and scholarship in relation to terrorism and cyberspace
  • be able to analyse and evaluate critically complex ideas and concepts related to terrorist use of cyberspace, and apply those ideas and concepts in diverse contexts
  • be to demonstrate technical research and communication skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Terrorism as Communication
  • Wars of Ideas: Information Operations, Psychological Operations
  • Propaganda, Recruitment, Facilitation
  • Critical Infrastructure and 'Cyber Terrorism'
  • The Evolution of Terrorism in Cyberspace
  • Social Media and Terrorism
  • Case Study: ISIS and Social Media
  • 'Going Dark' - Terrorism and Encrypted Platform
  • Counter Measures: Intelligence, Law Enforcement
  • Counter Measures: Private Sector
  • Over the Digital Horizon: The Future of Terrorism in Cyberspace

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of GPM510 in Session 3 2019. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Assignment 1: propaganda analysis
30
2
Assignment 2: essay
60
3
Assignment 3: key insights and takeaways
10

Special Resources

Internet connection

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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