Running Head: IT 659 1
IT-659 – CyberLaw & Ethics
Module one- Introduction
Carlos Delapaz
SNHU
October 15, 2018
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Introduction
In the technology-driven times, the role and relevance of the cyber laws have
intensified due to the rise in the number of criminal activities that are taking place in the
cyberspace. Every year, cyber attackers and cyber hackers are using innovative approaches in
order to take advantage of the vulnerabilities and weaknesses of individuals and business
organizations and are thus compromising the confidential information that is saved on the
cyber platform.
In the present times, the cyber laws have become an integral part of the Information
Technology environment and their impact can be felt on the business activities, e-commerce
businesses, or the e-communication industries (Kamble, 2013, p 1). The cyber law principles
and concepts are applicable in almost every aspect that is conducted on the virtual platform
and involves the use of the internet.
The e-commerce activities involve the transactions relating to money and thus there
are high instances of the criminal activities and illegal practices that take place relating to
these online business activities (Kumawat, 2016). The threat associated with the cybercrime
is increasing the vulnerability of the online business activities and keeping the e-retailers on
their toes so that they can safeguard themselves, their customers and other stakeholders from
the attacks of the cyber criminals. A number of cyber laws have come into existence so that
the power in the hands of the hackers can be restricted and the online participants can feel
empowered by working in a safe online setting (Kumawat, 2016).
A number of cyber laws and regulations have been introduced so that the reliance and
authenticity of the electronic activities and online transactions can be enhanced in the process
(Unctad.org, 2018, p 7). Some of the vital cyber laws that have been introduced relate to the
implementation of the compatible e-signatures and e-contract laws, protecting the online
customers in the dynamic online setting, addressing the core issues relating to data protection
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and the privacy of the online users and giving a tough fight to the cybercrime activities that
are taking place in the present times. Such principles have been introduced so that the
instances of online criminal practices can be effectively managed and mitigated in the process
(Unctad.org, 2018, p 8). These principles have a major implication on the online activities
that are carried out. The application of the cyber laws principles has become a fundamental
necessity so as to safeguard the online users (Unctad.org, 2018,p 10).
The reputed shipping business named Maersk was a victim of a cyberattack that
adversely affected its brand reputation and also led to financial losses. The NotPetya attacked
the IT system of the business undertaking and crippled its entire Information technology
infrastructure. Its APM terminals had been impacted for a few weeks and the business
activities came to a major standstill due to the online threat that was encountered by the
shipping business concern (Ship-technology.com, 2018, para. 3).
The magnitude of the cyber-attack revealed that the shipping industry is not entirely
prepared to give a tough fight to the online attackers that exploit the vulnerability of the
industry participants and negatively affect the day-to-day business activities and operations
(Maersk.com, 2018, p 7). The application of the cyber laws can act as a protective shield for
the shipping businesses.
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References
Kamble, R. (2013). Cyber Law And Information Technology. Journal Of Scientific &
Engineering Research, 4(5).
Kumawat, M. (2016). E-commerce, Cyber Crime and Indian cyber Law.8International
Journal Of Law,82(1), 45-58. doi: doi.org/10.22271/law
Maersk.com (2018). A.P. MØLLER - MÆRSK A/S BOND INVESTOR PRESENTATION
FEBRUARY 2018. Retrieved from http://investor.maersk.com/static-files/83bb9cd4-
ee4b-4fbc-9d84-da2447c7214a
Ship-technology.com (2018). Did the Maersk cyber attack reveal an industry dangerously
unprepared? - Ship Technology. Retrieved from
https://www.ship-technology.com/features/maersk-cyber-attack-reveal-industry-
dangerously-unprepared/
Unctad.org (2018). Cyberlaws and regulations for enhancing e-commerce: Case studies and
lessons learned. Retrieved from
https://unctad.org/meetings/en/SessionalDocuments/ciiem5d2_en.pdf
