Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the current, relevant cyber threat landscape (e.g., ransomware, supply chain attacks).
• Translate common cybersecurity risks into clear, non-technical business impact terms.
• Define the role of the Board and Executive Committee in security governance and oversight.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current security investments and prioritize future spending.
• Understand and enforce key organizational security policies and compliance requirements.
• Develop a comprehensive crisis communication and incident response strategy for executives.
• Foster a sustainable, security-aware culture across all business units.
• Measure and articulate the organization's overall cyber risk posture.

• CEOs, CFOs, COOs, and General Managers
• Board Members and Governance Committee Members
• Business Unit and Department Heads
• Legal, HR, and Financial Leaders
• Audit and Compliance Executives
• Non-IT Professionals with strategic security oversight

• Group activities to translate technical vulnerabilities into business risk statements.
• Role-playing a simulated crisis communication session (managing media).
• Case studies of major breaches, focusing on executive and Board response.
• Workshops on structuring a security budget request for the CFO.
• Discussions on the executive's role in vendor security oversight.

Unit 1: The Executives View of Cyber Risk

• Understanding the top cyber threats targeting businesses today (Ransomware, Phishing, BEC).
• The financial and reputational cost of a data breach.
• Analyzing high-profile security incidents and their lessons.
• The role of employees as the first line of defense.

• Translating technical jargon (e.g., firewall, patch) into business risk.
• Defining the organizations risk tolerance and appetite.
• Understanding the concept of residual risk.
• Linking cyber risk directly to strategic business objectives.

Unit 2: Governance and Executive Oversight

• Defining the fiduciary duty of the Board regarding cybersecurity.
• Structuring the relationship and communication between the CISO and the Executive Team.
• Key questions business leaders should ask the security team.
• Establishing a clear security governance framework.

• Justifying security budget requests based on risk reduction and ROI.
• The importance of cyber insurance and risk transfer strategies.
• Evaluating spending on compliance vs. proactive defense.
• Funding the security program as a continuous strategic investment.

Unit 3: Compliance and Third-Party Risk

• Overview of key compliance areas (GDPR, CCPA, SOX, HIPAA).
• The executive's role in enforcing data privacy and protection policies.
• Understanding the implications of non-compliance (fines, legal action).
• Ensuring data retention and destruction policies are followed.

• The risk of third-party vendors and the supply chain.
• Implementing vendor due diligence and security requirements in contracts.
• Strategies for managing access and data sharing with external partners.
• Monitoring and auditing key vendor security controls.

Unit 4: Incident Response and Crisis Management

• The chain of command and decision-making during a major cyber incident.
• Developing a comprehensive executive crisis communication plan.
• Managing legal, forensic, and law enforcement involvement.
• Steps for recovery and business resumption post-incident.

• The role of the CEO/COO in public communication during a breach.
• Strategies for minimizing reputational damage and customer loss.
• Handling media inquiries and social media responses.
• Rebuilding trust and demonstrating improved security posture.

Unit 5: Measuring, Reporting, and Culture

• Defining clear, non-technical security metrics and Key Risk Indicators (KRIs).
• Designing the executive risk dashboard and security scorecard.
• Techniques for reporting security posture and progress effectively.
• The continuous nature of risk management and reporting.

• The role of executive endorsement in driving security awareness.
• Strategies for effective, non-technical security training for all staff.
• Integrating security considerations into all business processes.
• Leading by example in adhering to security policies.