Introduction to Cyberwarfare

Overview

Cyberwarfare is no longer confined to government networks — state-directed and organizationally-sponsored cyber activity increasingly disrupts private-sector operations, supply chains, and client relationships. This course introduces the foundational concepts professionals need to engage meaningfully with the topic: common attack types, ransomware dynamics, and the role of digital forensics in understanding what happened and why. Beyond the technical landscape, the course addresses the practical dimensions that matter most to legal, insurance, and security advisors — including how cyber insurance policies interact with conflict-related exclusions, what legal and regulatory response obligations apply when an organization is targeted, and the ethical duties that arise in the aftermath of an incident. Participants will leave with a shared vocabulary and a clearer framework for advising clients and organizations on preparedness and response.

What you’ll learn

• ✓Explain how state-level and organizationally-directed cyber activity differs from conventional cybercrime and why that distinction matters for response planning
• ✓Identify the most common attack types associated with cyberwarfare and describe how ransomware fits within that broader threat landscape
• ✓Describe the role digital forensics plays in establishing what occurred during a cyber incident and how that evidence supports legal and insurance processes
• ✓Assess how cyber insurance policy terms — including war and hostile-act exclusions — may apply when an organization is caught in state-sponsored activity
• ✓Outline the legal and regulatory obligations organizations face following a cyberwarfare-related incident, including notification and disclosure duties
• ✓Recognize the ethical responsibilities that legal, insurance, and security professionals carry when advising organizations targeted by sophisticated cyber activity

Curriculum

1. 1. Introduction to Ransomware and Forensics

   In this lesson, our experts will discuss strategies on how to build up your defenses using law and technology. Ransomware is defined as a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid. A simple ransomware attack may lock a system without damaging organizations files, while a more complex malware uses cryptoviral extortion. Speakers will provide an understanding of what makes up a ransomware attack, how they can occur, discuss the new OFAC framework and OFAC priorities. Additionally, the panel will also discuss screening, monitoring, and receiving payments, as well as offer best practices for ensuring effective sanctions compliance. Topics discussed in this lesson: Overview of Ransomware​ OFAC Ransomware Advisory​ Ransomware Concerns D

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2. 2. Understanding Cyber Insurance: Act of War Questions in a Cyber Attack Case

   In this lesson experts discuss how the recent years have shown us that cyber-attacks steadily grow in sophistication and impact. Most businesses, including law firms, are increasingly left exposed to the potential losses of critical information. Businesses may incur direct financial costs along with reputational damages, which may cause loss of clients, sales, and even legal consequences such as regulatory sanctions for having compromised personal information. Attorneys must provide their clients with exemplary services and the confidence that their data is safely secured. In the event of an incident, businesses need to show that they have taken all the necessary steps to safe keep and protect this information. It is essential that businesses and law firms alike implement a cybersecurity

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3. 3. Cyber Attacks and Ethical Obligations of Counsel

   Technology has helped lawyers serve clients more effectively in innumerable ways. However, while technology has many positive outcomes, it has also enabled cybercriminals to poach personal and confidential information that lawyers have committed to protecting. The practice of law has become a combination of serving clients, keeping ahead of the rising cyberattacks and cybercriminals, and ensuring that professional ethical obligations are met. It is increasingly important that lawyers understand their ethical duty, potential law firm vulnerabilities, and best cybersecurity practices. In this lesson, experts will discuss the ethical law obligations that attorneys must meet and the relevant statutory framework. Further discussing the duty of competence, attorney’s obligations to monitor for