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IT-659 – CyberLaw & Ethics
Module one- Introduction
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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
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data protection 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. g
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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. International
Journal Of Law, 2(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
