It is estimated that about 3 billion people across the planet are connected to the internet, while mobile-cellular subscriptions have reached almost 7 billion in 2014. If nobody can deny that progress in information technologies is creating new opportunities, advanced services and potential global benefits, it is also true that modern society’s dependence on digital infrastructures has generated the new threats of the hyper-connected world.
Cyber warfare, cyber espionage, terrorist use of the internet, online crimes against property and persons embody growing transnational menaces. Conversely, governments’ responses to counter cyber threats and to safeguard national security through the internet are triggering an ethical debate: are security measures putting freedom of expression in danger?
Media is a key component in promoting awareness with regards to potential gains and risks of the digital era. Within this constantly evolving cyber landscape, knowledgeable and accurate journalism, and responsible public information are needed more than ever to frame ethical debates surrounding new digital trends and complex security issues
To deepen the understanding of these emerging challenges, the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) organizes a specialized course on cyber security from 20 to 22 July 2015. The course is tailored to journalists and chief information officers, as well as those who want to specialize in this area. It aims at increasing knowledge, accuracy and accountability with regards to reporting on new threats as well as fostering constructive connections, dialogue and exchange of experiences between different sectors in this area.
The new edition of the Cyber Threats Masterclass will be led by renowned international experts in the field of cyber crime, internet governance and the role of media. The lecturers of previous editions were experienced international journalists and leading cyber security experts such as Marcel Rosenbach (Der Spiegel), Christian Payne (The Guardian), Erik Barnett (ICE Homeland Security Investigations), Jacob Appelbaum (Tor Project), Victor Francisco Fonte (University of Minho) and Marco Gercke, (Cybercrime Research Institute GmbH).
The course will be held at the United Nations Campus in Turin (Italy). The Masterclass is organized within the framework of the UNICRI Journalism and Public Information Programme focusing on new threats to states and citizens, in particular those associated with the onset of globalization and technological advances.
Deadline for applications: 22 June 2015 (23:00 CET)
Within the same framework, a specialized course on crimes against the environment and climate justice will take place from 15 to 16 October 2015.
For more information please contact: publicinfounicri.it Tel.: (+39) 011 6537144