Program Overview

Introduction to ACCG8086 – Cyber Security, Governance Frameworks and Ethics

Unit Overview

ACCG8086 – Cyber Security, Governance Frameworks and Ethics is a unit offered by Macquarie University, designed to provide students with an understanding of cyber security governance frameworks and ethical issues related to the complex issues of cyber security.

General Information

• Unit Convenor: Ali Amrollahi
• Moderator: Mauricio Marrone
• Credit Points: 10
• Prerequisites: Admission to MActPrac or MInfoTechCyberSec, or Admission to MCom and BUSA6004, or ACCG8048
• Corequisites: None
• Co-badged Status: None
• Unit Description: This unit is designed for students to gain an understanding of cyber security governance frameworks and ethical issues relating to the complex issues of cyber security. The primary objectives of the unit are for students to be able to evaluate cyber security trade-offs, use relevant governance frameworks to develop a cyber security road map, and to be able to examine and provide recommendations for cyber security ethical dilemmas.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• Evaluate the trade-offs between cyber security, cost/resources, and business opportunities/competitive advantage.
• Develop a cyber security road map for a specific organisation.
• Explain the governance principles and frameworks relevant to cyber security.
• Examine and provide recommendations for potential ethical dilemmas of the work of cyber security experts.

General Assessment Information

• Late Assessment Submission Penalty: A 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of '0' will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted.
• Submission Time: 11:55 pm for all written assessments, with a 1-hour grace period for technical concerns.

Assessment Tasks

• Cyber Security Roadmap/Plan: 30% weighting, due on 11/04/2025
• Weekly Assessment Tasks: 30% weighting, due each week
• Ethical Dilemmas Report: 40% weighting, due on 30/05/2025

Cyber Security Roadmap/Plan

• Assessment Type: Report
• Indicative Time on Task: 20 hours
• Weighting: 30%
• Due: 11/04/2025
• Description: Develop a 3,000-word strategic cyber security roadmap/plan for the Board of a specific organisation.

Weekly Assessment Tasks

• Assessment Type: Participatory task
• Indicative Time on Task: 20 hours
• Weighting: 30%
• Due: Each week
• Description: Complete assessment tasks online or in seminars, including discussions on contemporary cyber governance issues and dilemmas.

Ethical Dilemmas Report

• Assessment Type: Report
• Indicative Time on Task: 40 hours
• Weighting: 40%
• Due: 30/05/2025
• Description: Write a 5,000-word business report investigating and analysing issues relating to ethical dilemmas faced by cyber security practitioners.

Delivery and Resources

Please refer to the iLearn platform for more information.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies:

• Academic Appeals Policy
• Academic Integrity Policy
• Academic Progression Policy
• Assessment Policy
• Fitness to Practice Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
• Special Consideration Policy

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct.

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, academic integrity is at the core of learning, teaching, and research. The university offers resources and services to help students reach their potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development, and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students, including:

• Academic Success
• Library support
• IT support
• Accessibility and disability support
• Mental health support
• Safety support
• Social support
• Student Advocacy