Text – Richard Alexander
This course has deepened my understanding of technological and geopolitical risks, policy challenges, and key actors in cyberspace. I was intrigued with the UN Framework for Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace which highlighted its benefits in promoting international law, international cooperation, confidence-building measures, and capacity-building initiatives. I was also impressed by the lecturers’ rich experience, the engaging learning platform, and the unique teaching method that encouraged participants to freely express their opinions.
– Mr Richard Alexander, Squadron Leader (Ret.), Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force
The course describes several ambiguities in the international interpretation of cyberspace regulation and cooperation, and highlights the need for greater understanding and collaboration (international and public–private partnership) for establishing the rule of law in cyberspace, norms of addressing common types of infringement (e.g. cybercrime), and progressive de-escalation of conflicts. The course has been a useful primer in understanding tensions at the international, national, organisation (business), and personal levels in the face of irresponsible (deliberate or unintentional) behaviour in cyberspace.
Having a technical security (network and information security) background, I was a little sceptical about the value this course could to offer. The course content and discussions came as a pleasant surprise, as they offered insights into cybersecurity not only from a technical perspective, but included the social, legal, and economic aspects of security. These facets are usually missing in other widely available cybersecurity courses, but are becoming increasingly important in solving the complex challenges that cybersecurity has set for humankind.
A relevant and applicable look at cybersecurity that takes into account the different aspects of the subject matter. The intuitive e-learning environment allows for informative discussions and interactions between participants and instructors alike. Also, the global composition of both the participants and instructors allows one to gain useful insight into diverse experiences and views on cybersecurity.
The course was a very good opportunity to meet colleagues from different countries and learn about their different approaches and objectives in regard to cybersecurity. The integration of knowledge was successfully accomplished by the systematic learning methodology. The course helped me integrate my previous knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of this subject.
Prior to taking the course, I was oblivious to the global impact and the geostrategic challenges posed by cybersecurity dynamics. Thanks to this mind-blowing course, I feel more elevated and empowered in understanding the subject and its technical, legal, social, and geopolitical elements. I was also intrigued by the rich international experiences of the course lecturers and the uniqueness of the learning method where every participant is allowed to freely express his/her own opinion.
The course’s approach to cybersecurity issues, such as cybercrime, online violence and child protection, critical infrastructure, cyber warfare, and the study of cybersecurity policy frameworks, was presented by the lecturers in a wise, precise, and knowledgeable manner. In addition, guest experts and course participants provided productive and exciting interactions.
This course has been invaluable for my work in digital inclusion, and I feel much better informed around the aspects of cybersecurity which I will use to assist the communities that I am working with, particularly in the Pacific region.
Having a technical and technological background, I found this course very informative, as it was an opportunity to understand cybersecurity at a higher level, including its state and diplomatic aspects. In addition to the content and the teaching methodology, exchanges between participants were really enriching.
