W&L Law Student Publishes Award Winning Article on Network Security
An article by Washington and Lee School of Law Class of 2013 graduate Matthias Kaseorg exploring unauthorized computer network access law was published recently. The paper was published as a part of the 2012 Edward F. Langs Writing Competition, in which Kaseorg placed third.
The article, titled “Wanderlust—The ‘Curious Exploration’ Partial Access Problems in Campus Local Area Networks,” appeared in the May 2013 issue of Michigan IT Lawyer. In the piece, Kaseorg explores the law and policy around access to the internet and local area networks in institutions of higher learning, with a special focus on the Virginia Computer Crimes Act (VCCA).
Kaseorg, a University of Virginia graduate from Charlotte, notes that the nation’s economy has globalized and grown increasingly interconnected, and that as a result, computer networking has become extremely important, especially within institutions of higher learning. Consequently, network security has become a major public policy issue.
“However, the legislative and judicial responses to computer crime have been over-broad and unpredictable, and have resulted in badly-formed jurisprudence,” Kaseorg argues. “Partial-access problems are difficult to address, but those in government need to better inform themselves about modern computer technology and cyber-crime issues.”
In conclusion, Kaseorg argues for a reformed VCCA that separates a criminal standard for network breaches from contractual violations. He says this would better address the realities of modern computer networking and cyber-crime.
The annual Edward F. Langs Writing Competition, run by the Michigan State Bar, celebrates the work of three student essays each year that in the opinion of the judges make the most significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding of information technology law.
