| CODE | ISR0004 | ||||||
| TITLE | IT and Cyber Security in Finance | ||||||
| 今日黑料 LEVEL | 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus | ||||||
| EQF/MQF LEVEL | 4 | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Insurance and Risk Management | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit introduces learners to the core information technology systems, digital infrastructure, and cyber security principles that underpin contemporary financial services. It is designed to provide a foundational understanding of how financial institutions use technology to deliver services, process transactions, manage information, and support operational efficiency in an increasingly digital environment. The study-unit introduces the main technology systems used in modern finance, including core banking systems, payment infrastructure, digital identity tools, cloud computing, and emerging technologies relevant to financial services.Learners will explore the key features and functions of payment systems, secure communications, digital authentication methods, online platforms, and data management tools used across the financial services sector. The study-unit also introduces examples of newer technologies used in financial services, such as blockchain, digital assets, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the broader digital transformation of finance. Through this, learners will develop an awareness of how technology is used in everyday financial services and the benefits it can bring to service delivery and customer interaction. In parallel, the study-unit provides an introduction to the cyber security risks and controls associated with digital finance. Learners are introduced to common cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, social engineering, data breaches, and fraud, together with the principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability that underpin information security. The study-unit describes the practical measures used to protect systems and data, including multi-factor authentication, encryption, endpoint security, incident response procedures, secure file transfer, and cyber hygiene practices. It also outlines the potential operational, financial, legal, and reputational consequences of cyber incidents for financial institutions. Overall, this study-unit is intended to equip learners with the technological awareness and cyber security understanding required for further study within the qualification and for responsible participation in entry-level financial services environments. It establishes the essential knowledge needed to understand how digital systems support financial services and how cyber risks can be identified and managed in practice. Study-Unit Aims: The aim of this study-unit is to provide learners with a foundational understanding of the information technology systems, digital infrastructure, and cyber security principles that support the operation of modern financial services. The study-unit is designed to develop learners' awareness of how technology is used by financial institutions to process transactions, manage information, deliver services, and maintain operational efficiency in an increasingly digital and interconnected environment. The study-unit further aims to familiarise learners with the principal technological components of financial services, including core banking systems, payment infrastructure, cloud computing, digital identity tools, secure communications, and emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. In doing so, it seeks to develop an awareness of the ways in which technology is used in financial operations, customer interaction, and service delivery across the sector.In addition, the study-unit aims to introduce learners to the nature and importance of cyber security risks within financial services, including threats such as phishing, ransomware, social engineering, fraud, and data breaches. It seeks to establish a basic understanding of the principles of information security, particularly confidentiality, integrity, and availability, together with the practical controls and protective measures used to safeguard systems, transactions, and sensitive data. These include authentication methods, encryption, endpoint protection, incident response processes, and general cyber hygiene practices. A further aim of the study-unit is to promote responsible and security-conscious behaviour by developing learners' ability to recognise common cyber risks, be aware of the operational and reputational consequences of security incidents, and understand the importance of safe digital practices in regulated financial services environments. The study-unit therefore aims to equip learners with the technological awareness and cyber security understanding necessary for further study within the qualification and for responsible participation in entry-level roles within digitally enabled financial services settings. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Explain the role of information technology in supporting the operation of modern financial services institutions; - Identify the main technological systems and digital infrastructure used in financial services, including core banking systems, payment networks, cloud services, and authentication tools; - Describe the function and importance of payment infrastructure, including systems used for digital payments, transfers, clearing, and settlement; - Describe digital transformation and emerging technologies, including blockchain, digital assets, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, within financial services; - Identify the principal cyber threats affecting financial institutions, including phishing, ransomware, social engineering, fraud, and data breaches; - Explain the core principles of information security, namely confidentiality, integrity, and availability; - Describe the purpose and function of common cyber security controls, including multi-factor authentication, encryption, endpoint security, and secure communications; - Explain the importance of incident management, cyber hygiene, and regular system updates in reducing cyber risk; - Identify the operational, financial, legal, and reputational consequences of cyber incidents for financial institutions; and - Explain the importance of maintaining secure digital environments in order to protect systems, transactions, customer information, and institutional trust. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Identify suspicious characteristics in emails, websites, links, or digital communications that may indicate phishing or other cyber threats; - Distinguish between different types of technological infrastructure used in financial services, including cloud-based, on-premise, and hybrid solutions; - Describe the basic flow of a digital financial transaction from initiation to completion; - Recognise common operational and security risks associated with online payment systems, remote access, and third-party service providers; - Apply basic information security principles, with guidance, when handling digital information and financial data; - Use appropriate terminology when describing information technology systems, cyber threats, and cyber security controls in financial services contexts; - Demonstrate awareness of safe digital practices, including secure password use, authentication procedures, and responsible handling of sensitive information; - Identify the appropriate initial steps to be taken when reporting or escalating a suspected cyber incident; - Differentiate between secure and insecure digital behaviours in routine workplace scenarios; and - Organise and communicate basic cyber security and technology-related information clearly in introductory academic or professional contexts. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-requisite Qualifications: Not less than four passes in the Secondary Education Certificate Examination at Grade 5 or better, or at SEC Level 3, in Mathematics, English Language and Maltese or any other language that satisfies Regulation 13 of the Admissions Regulations 2016: Maltese as a Requirement, together with any other subject (or one which you may deem appropriate). Co-requisite Study-units: ISR0001 and ISR0002 and ISR0003 |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2026/7. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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