Cybersecurity Risk And Internal Controls For Accountants: Protecting Financial Data

Introduction:

In today's interconnected world, cybersecurity threats pose a significant risk to organizations of all sizes. Accountants, as custodians of sensitive financial data, play a crucial role in protecting against these threats. This comprehensive training course on Cybersecurity Risk and Internal Controls for Accountants equips participants with the knowledge and skills to identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks. Participants will learn how to implement effective internal controls, protect financial information, and ensure business continuity in the face of cyberattacks. This course empowers accountants to become proactive defenders against cyber threats and contribute to a more secure financial environment.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for accounting professionals who need to understand and manage cybersecurity risks related to financial data, including:

• Accountants
• Auditors
• Financial Analysts
• Controllers
• Financial Managers
• IT Professionals working with financial systems

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this Cybersecurity Risk and Internal Controls for Accountants training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the key cybersecurity threats facing organizations.
• Identify vulnerabilities in financial systems and processes.
• Assess the impact of cyberattacks on financial data.
• Implement effective internal controls to mitigate cybersecurity risks.
• Develop a cybersecurity risk management plan.
• Protect sensitive financial information.
• Ensure business continuity in the event of a cyberattack.
• Comply with relevant cybersecurity regulations and standards.
• Detect and respond to cyber incidents.
• Communicate cybersecurity risks effectively to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with IT professionals on cybersecurity initiatives.
• Improve the security posture of financial systems.
• Reduce the risk of financial losses due to cyberattacks.
• Enhance their understanding of cybersecurity best practices.
• Contribute to a more secure and resilient organization.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity for Accountants

• The increasing importance of cybersecurity in the accounting profession.
• The evolving threat landscape and common cyberattacks targeting financial data.
• The role of accountants in protecting financial information.
• Key cybersecurity concepts and terminology.
• Ethical considerations related to cybersecurity and data privacy.

Module 2: Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

• Identifying and assessing cybersecurity risks related to financial systems.
• Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.
• Risk assessment methodologies and frameworks.
• Prioritizing cybersecurity risks based on impact and likelihood.
• Developing a cybersecurity risk register.

Module 3: Internal Controls for Cybersecurity

• Understanding internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO, NIST).
• Designing and implementing internal controls to mitigate cybersecurity risks.
• Preventive, detective, and corrective controls.
• Access controls, authentication, and authorization.
• Data encryption and protection.

Module 4: Data Security and Privacy

• Protecting sensitive financial information from unauthorized access.
• Data encryption and access controls.
• Data backup and recovery.
• Compliance with data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
• Data breach response and notification.

Module 5: Network Security

• Understanding network security threats and vulnerabilities.
• Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other network security tools.
• Wireless security best practices.
• Secure network configuration and management.
• Network segmentation and isolation.

Module 6: Endpoint Security

• Protecting computers, laptops, mobile devices, and other endpoints.
• Antivirus and anti-malware software.
• Patch management and software updates.
• Endpoint detection and response (EDR).
• Mobile device management (MDM).

Module 7: Cloud Security

• Securing financial data in cloud environments.
• Cloud security best practices.
• Data encryption and access controls in the cloud.
• Vendor management and third-party risk.
• Cloud security compliance and certifications.

Module 8: Application Security

• Secure application development practices.
• Web application security testing.
• Vulnerability management and patching.
• Secure coding practices.
• Application security controls.

Module 9: Social Engineering and Phishing

• Understanding social engineering tactics and phishing attacks.
• Identifying and avoiding phishing emails and scams.
• Employee training and awareness programs.
• Best practices for protecting against social engineering.
• Incident response for social engineering attacks.

Module 10: Incident Response and Business Continuity

• Developing a cybersecurity incident response plan.
• Incident detection, containment, eradication, and recovery.
• Business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
• Cybersecurity incident communication and reporting.
• Post-incident analysis and lessons learned.

Module 11: Cybersecurity Regulations and Compliance

• Overview of relevant cybersecurity regulations and standards (e.g., PCI DSS, HIPAA, SOX).
• Compliance requirements for financial institutions.
• Data breach notification laws.
• Cybersecurity audits and assessments.
• Legal and regulatory implications of cybersecurity incidents.

Module 12: Cybersecurity Awareness Training

• Developing and delivering cybersecurity awareness training programs.
• Educating employees about cybersecurity threats and best practices.
• Promoting a culture of cybersecurity awareness.
• Measuring the effectiveness of cybersecurity training.
• Reinforcing cybersecurity best practices.

Module 13: Cybersecurity Risk Management

• Developing a cybersecurity risk management framework.
• Identifying, assessing, and mitigating cybersecurity risks.
• Monitoring and reporting on cybersecurity risks.
• Integrating cybersecurity risk management with other business risks.
• Continuous improvement of cybersecurity risk management practices.

Module 14: Emerging Cybersecurity Threats and Trends

• Emerging cybersecurity threats (e.g., ransomware, AI-powered attacks).
• The impact of new technologies on cybersecurity.
• Cybersecurity trends and best practices.
• Staying up-to-date with the evolving threat landscape.
• Preparing for future cybersecurity challenges.

Module 15: Case Studies and Practical Exercises

• Analyzing real-world cybersecurity incidents and breaches.
• Applying cybersecurity concepts and techniques in practical exercises.
• Developing cybersecurity risk assessments and mitigation plans.
• Simulating incident response scenarios.
• Sharing best practices and lessons learned.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.