Human-Centric Cybersecurity: Policy, Legal, and Behavioral Issues
Ref. FAS-CYBERCH-EN
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Effort: 15 hours
- Pace: Self paced
Explore cybersecurity beyond technology: uncover how policies, risk governance, and human behavior shape digital security. Learn from world-leading experts through interactive content, real-world case studies, and engaging activities
FAS-CYBERCH-EN+2T2025
- Enrollment
- From Sept. 25, 2025 to April 30, 2026
- Course
- From Sept. 25, 2025 to April 30, 2026
- Languages
- English
Description
Cybersecurity is more than just a technical issue, it is deeply shaped by policy decisions, regulatory frameworks, and user behavior. This course takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining political science, law, psychology and more, to examine:
- Cyber risk governance: How governments, industries, and institutions regulate digital threats.
- Regulatory frameworks and compliance: Understanding evolving cybersecurity laws and norms.
- Human behavior and cybersecurity: How individuals make security decisions online and the psychology behind cyber risk.
This MOOC, developed with the Human-Centric Cybersecurity Partnership and the Canada Research Chair in Cyber-Resilience, brings together experts from academia, government, and industry. You will gain critical insights through:
- Six structured modules, covering key policy, risk, and behavioral dimensions of cybersecurity.
- Expert-led video lessons, with guest speakers and case studies.
- Interactive activities to reinforce learning, including real-world cybersecurity scenarios.
The course is accessible in both French and English and includes adaptations for hearing- and visually-impaired learners. Whether you are a policymaker, researcher, student, or cybersecurity professional, this course provides the knowledge needed to navigate today's digital security landscape.
Objectives of the course
Define the role played by the human factor in cybersecurity, both in terms of exposure to risks and the prevention and intervention strategies to be implemented to reduce this exposure.
Analyze the main regulatory frameworks and public policies enabling governments to minimize the collective and individual impacts of digital risks.
Identify the contributions of different disciplines in the social sciences (criminology, political science, law, psychology) and IT (software engineering, information systems management, standardization) to a more nuanced and diversified understanding of cybersecurity issues.
Identify the diversity of non-technical skills required for the main cybersecurity professions.
Prerequisites
No prior technical knowledge required. Open to learners interested in cybersecurity
Syllabus
Module Introduction
Module 1 | Enhancing the Cyber-Resilience of Organizations
Module 2 | Defending Democracy and Adapting Democratic Institutions
Module 3 | Protecting Privacy
Module 4 | Standardizing Cybersecurity
Module 5 | Disrupting Cybercrime Networks
Module 6 | Enabling User Behaviour Change and Designing more Usable Machines and Interfaces
Module Conclusion
Other course runs
No other course runs
Course team
Dupont, Benoît
Categories
Full Professor, School of Criminology, Université de Montréal
Canada Research Chair in Cyber-Resilience
Scientific Director, Human-Centric Cybersecurity Partnership (HC2P)
Leuprecht, Christian
Categories
Full Professor, Royal Military College of Canada and Queen’s University
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need technical knowledge to take this course?
- No, this course focuses on the governance, legal and behavioral aspects of cybersecurity.
Will I receive a certificate for taking the course?
- Yes, a verified certificate will be available if you choose the paid option.
Is the course self-paced or instructor-led?
- At your own pace.
In what languages is the course available?
- The course is offered in French and English. Search for the following title on edX to choose the course in French : La cybersécurité centrée sur humain : Enjeux politiques, juridiques et comportementaux.
Are there any interactive activities or assessments?
- The course includes quizzes and discussion forums throughout each module. Assessments are available for Verified learners at the end of each module.