There is no overstating the importance of cybersecurity these days—especially in an ever-expanding digital landscape where security threats seem to lurk around nearly every corner. In recent years, many laws and regulations related to cybersecurity and privacy have been passed to optimize security and safeguard data.
So, what exactly are some of the key legal factors in cybersecurity, and how can you do your part to maximize your knowledge by pursuing a Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.)?
Exploring the Landscape of Cybersecurity Laws
Although general cybersecurity laws have existed for many years, they have hardly remained static. In fact, numerous cybersecurity and privacy laws have evolved with the changing digital landscape. Today’s cybersecurity professionals have an essential obligation to stay on top of these laws, to know how they have changed, and to understand the legal implications of cybersecurity.
The Evolution of Cybersecurity Law and Regulations
A decade ago, some of today’s most common cybersecurity threats were new or completely unheard of. Now, we face growing cybersecurity threats in the form of ransomware attacks, distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, nation-state threat actors, and much more. As a result of growing and changing threats, cybersecurity laws and regulations have had to evolve.
Nowadays, for example, cybersecurity laws and regulations are changing to cover relevant topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, supply chain, and ransomware.
Distinguishing Between Privacy Law and Cyber Law
Additionally, modern cybersecurity experts must be well-versed in their understanding of privacy law and cyber law, including the ways in which they are similar and different.
For instance, while both cyber law and privacy law are concerned with how information is shared online, these are actually two distinct branches of legal studies. More specifically, cyber law tends to be more concerned with broader rules and regulations related to the use of web-enabled devices. Privacy law, on the other hand, is more focused on a person's rights regarding the collection, storing, and sharing of their information.
What Are the Four Legal Aspects of Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity and law are closely related in a number of ways. By better understanding the core legal aspects of cybersecurity, professionals in this field can more confidently tackle their jobs and keep information secure.
Privacy Law
This refers to the various laws in place to protect the privacy of a person's information, including how data is stored and shared. Some key examples of privacy law in the United States include:
- The Privacy Act of 1974
- The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
Data Breach Regulations
In the U.S., there are also a range of laws and regulations in place related to data breaches and how to handle the fallout from a data breach. For example, according to the FCC, businesses and organizations are required by law to notify users who may have been affected by a data breach within seven business days if the potential number of users impacted reaches 500 or more.
Compliance Requirements
Different businesses and industries may have to follow certain compliance requirements and regulations. In the healthcare field, for instance, cybersecurity professionals must follow HIPAA and other industry-specific regulations related to the secure storing and sharing of health records and other potentially sensitive information. Failing to follow these compliance requirements could lead to hefty fines and other penalties.
Cyber Law
In addition to cyber laws at the federal level, it is also worth noting that 47 states have passed their own specific cybersecurity laws—with topics ranging from data privacy to breach notification and more. In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws related to cybersecurity.
How an M.L.S. Advances Your Understanding of the Legal Aspects of Cybersecurity
If you're already working in cybersecurity, advancing your education with a Master of Legal Studies degree program can help provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of the various legal aspects of cybersecurity. This, in turn, can help you feel more prepared in your current or future career in a variety of ways.
In-Depth Exploration of Privacy Laws
Having a thorough understanding of privacy laws and their potential implications is crucial when you work in cybersecurity. A quality M.L.S. program will cover the intricacies of privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), along with their relevance to cybersecurity, so you can better inform your own practices.
Analysis of Data Breach Regulations
Cybersecurity professionals are tasked with understanding the legal requirements and ramifications surrounding data breaches, including notification protocols and liability considerations. An M.L.S. program will provide students with an in-depth analysis of the most up-to-date regulations so they can stay informed and aware.
Mastery of Compliance Standards
Cybersecurity professionals in an M.L.S. program can also gain valuable expertise when it comes to navigating industry-specific compliance regulations, from HIPAA to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). This can subsequently help ensure that your organization adheres to any relevant legal frameworks and operates confidently within compliance standards.
Understanding the Nuances of Cyber Law
These days, there are countless levels of cyber law to understand—plus potential legal implications from each. An M.L.S. program will include topics in international cyber laws, jurisdictional challenges, and legal precedents shaping the digital landscape so you can apply them to your own best practices in the workplace.
Implications of Emerging Technologies
Evolving technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain all intersect with cybersecurity law in different ways. The right M.L.S. program will cover these essential topics, addressing legal complexities and potential regulatory gaps that may need to be considered.
Career Pathways Enhanced by an M.L.S. Degree with a Cybersecurity Track
A wide range of different careers can benefit from the specialized knowledge an M.L.S. degree program offers, particularly when that program includes a dedicated cybersecurity track.
Cybersecurity Analyst
The role of a cybersecurity analyst involves applying comprehensive legal knowledge to assess risks and develop security strategies. The thorough and specialized knowledge provided by an M.L.S. program can help cybersecurity analysts enhance their skills, optimize security measures, and advance their careers.
Compliance Officer
The job of a compliance officer integrates legal insights into regulatory compliance frameworks and audits, both of which require a strong understanding of the most pressing legal aspects of cybersecurity and how they relate to regulatory compliance standards. All these topics (and more) are covered extensively in an M.L.S. program.
Policy Advisor
Policy advisors are responsible for sharing cybersecurity policies and regulations at governmental or organizational levels, drawing on knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and the changing legal landscape to make informed decisions. The in-depth education an M.L.S. program provides can help policy advisors do their jobs more effectively while enhancing regulations for all.
Advantages of Pursuing an M.L.S. Degree with a Cybersecurity Track
There are many potential advantages to pursuing an M.L.S. degree, especially one with a dedicated cybersecurity track.
Accelerated Career Progression
An M.L.S. degree program with a cybersecurity track can provide the specialized legal knowledge you need to fast-track your career advancement and explore new opportunities. Earning an M.L.S. may even allow you to qualify for promotions or other more advanced roles for which you would otherwise not be considered without an advanced degree in the field.
Versatility Across Industries
Possessing solid knowledge and understanding of the legal factors in cybersecurity and best practices is versatile across numerous industries and sectors. As a result, you can take what you learn in your M.L.S. program and seamlessly apply it in your future endeavors.
Meeting Evolving Industry Demands
The cybersecurity industry is constantly changing, so there is a growing demand for professionals with the interdisciplinary skills that you can obtain from an M.L.S.. By completing an M.L.S. program, not only will you have another formal degree under your belt, but you will also have the interdisciplinary experience that enables you to adapt your skills to meet the ever-evolving demands of the industry.
Practical Application and Skill Enhancement
The skills and best practices learned in an M.L.S. program with a cybersecurity track can be readily applied to your everyday work in the field. You can use your newfound knowledge of cyber threats, incident response practices, data protection, risk management, and other security measures to enhance security at your own workplace. One of the best parts of being involved in an M.L.S. program is that you can actually take what you learn in class one day and apply it to your work in the cybersecurity field the very next day.
Access to Industry Resources and Networks
Last but certainly not least, students in an M.L.S. program have the unique opportunity to leverage their connections for potential internships, mentorships, and other prospects that can help them take their careers to new levels of success. As part of your program, you'll forge professional relationships with other industry professionals that can pay off many times over down the road. In some cases, students may even have the opportunity to be involved in special research programs or internships where they can gain practical, valuable, and hands-on experience to aid in their future work.
Explore Cybersecurity Law in Depth While Completing Your M.L.S. Online Degree
A Master of Legal Studies degree can provide the comprehensive and foundational knowledge that today's cybersecurity experts need to understand the legal aspects of the field. Of course, not all M.L.S. programs are created equal.
At the University of Miami School of Law, our online Master of Legal Studies program is offered with a Law and Technology track that covers all the nuances of information privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity law, along with their implications within your work. Get in touch to learn more about our online M.L.S. curriculum or get started with your application today.
Sources
https://admissions.law.miami.edu/academics/mls/
https://admissions.law.miami.edu/academics/mls/curriculum/
https://www.insideprivacy.com/technology/the-fcc-expands-scope-of-data-breach-notification-rules/
