Cybersecurity is no longer solely an IT issue; it has become a fundamental business risk and a core responsibility of the board of directors. A single breach can lead to devastating financial losses, regulatory fines, and irreparable damage to brand reputation. This training course is specifically designed to empower board members with the strategic knowledge and confidence to provide effective oversight, ask the right questions, and ensure their organizations are prepared for the evolving threat landscape. It will equip you to move beyond the technical jargon and focus on governance, risk management, and long-term business resilience.

Over five days, this program provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing cybersecurity at the highest level of an organization. We will explore key governance models, review regulatory and legal responsibilities, and analyze real-world case studies to build a proactive, not reactive, strategy. Participants will gain the tools to effectively evaluate a company's cyber risk posture, oversee incident response plans, and champion a culture of security from the top down. This course is essential for any board director committed to protecting their company's most valuable assets.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Board Directors and members of corporate boards
• Audit Committee members
• Risk and Governance Committee members
• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
• Chief Operating Officers (COOs)
• Chief Legal Officers (CLOs)
• Corporate Secretaries
• Senior executives with fiduciary responsibilities
• Investors and Private Equity partners

Objectives:

• Understand the board's fiduciary duties and legal liabilities related to cybersecurity
• Identify and evaluate a company's critical information assets
• Interpret and challenge cybersecurity risk metrics and reports
• Oversee the development of a robust incident response and recovery plan
• Foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness throughout the organization
• Engage effectively with Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and security teams
• Assess the risk posed by third-party vendors and supply chains
• Approve and allocate appropriate budget and resources for cybersecurity
• Formulate a strategic vision for cyber resilience as a competitive advantage

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Board’s Role in Cybersecurity

• Understanding cybersecurity as a business risk, not just a technology issue
• Legal and fiduciary responsibilities of board directors
• Defining the board's cybersecurity oversight framework
• The difference between governance and management responsibilities
• Case studies in corporate liability and breach consequences

Module 2: Cybersecurity Risk Management

• Identifying and prioritizing business-critical assets
• Introduction to cybersecurity risk assessment methodologies
• Key frameworks for cybersecurity governance (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001)
• Translating technical risks into business impact
• Establishing a risk appetite and tolerance level

Module 3: The Threat Landscape and Trends

• Understanding common cyber threats and attack vectors
• The rise of ransomware, supply chain attacks, and nation-state threats
• Threats from within: insider risk and human error
• Emerging technologies and their associated security risks
• The importance of threat intelligence and continuous monitoring

Module 4: Effective CISO and Security Team Engagement

• The role and responsibilities of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
• What to expect and how to interpret CISO reports and metrics
• Key performance indicators (KPIs) and risk metrics for the board
• Asking the right questions to gain a clear understanding of risk posture
• Building a strong partnership between the board and security leadership

Module 5: Incident Response and Crisis Communication

• The board's role before, during, and after a cybersecurity incident
• Key components of a comprehensive incident response plan
• Crisis communication strategies for internal and external stakeholders
• Understanding regulatory breach notification requirements
• Conducting post-incident reviews and implementing lessons learned

Module 6: Cybersecurity Investment and Budgeting

• Aligning cybersecurity spending with business strategy
• Justifying security investments and demonstrating a return on investment (ROI)
• Understanding the total cost of ownership for security initiatives
• The importance of insurance and risk transfer
• Overseeing the allocation of resources for people, processes, and technology

Module 7: Third-Party and Supply Chain Risk

• Identifying and assessing risks posed by vendors and partners
• Establishing a vendor risk management program
• The importance of due diligence in mergers and acquisitions
• Contractual requirements for cybersecurity in vendor agreements
• Managing third-party access to corporate data and systems

Module 8: Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Issues

• An overview of global cybersecurity regulations and laws
• Data privacy regulations and the impact on business (e.g., GDPR, CCPA)
• The legal enforceability of cybersecurity policies
• The role of legal counsel in a cybersecurity strategy
• Navigating international jurisdictional challenges

Module 9: Building a Cyber-Resilient Organization

• Defining organizational cyber resilience and why it matters
• The role of leadership in creating a secure culture
• Training and awareness programs for employees and executives
• Integrating cybersecurity into every aspect of the business
• A roadmap for future-proofing your organization against cyber threats

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 7 working days before commencement of the training.