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There are 3 modules in this course
This course focuses on the critical aspects of communicating cyber risk to stakeholders and establishing effective governance structures. Executives will learn to translate technical cyber risk concepts into business language, report to the board, and build a cyber risk-aware culture. The course also covers regulatory compliance, the role of cyber insurance, and techniques for resolving disputes and building consensus within the organization.
This course is tailored for senior executives and decision-makers overseeing or guiding cyber risk management within their organizations. Ideal participants will have:
Leadership and Strategic Oversight: Participants should hold or aspire to hold leadership roles such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Chief Risk Officer (CRO), or senior management positions where they are responsible for setting and implementing risk management strategies.
Experience with Financial or Business Risk: Executives with experience managing financial risk or business continuity planning will find the course particularly valuable, as it covers the intersection of cyber risk and financial decision-making.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement: A mindset geared toward continuous improvement in risk management practices, with a willingness to explore and adopt new methodologies, such as the FAIR model, to enhance their organization's cyber resilience.
This course is designed to equip senior leaders with the practical skills and insights necessary to integrate the FAIR model into their organization’s broader risk management strategy, ensuring a more quantitative and business-aligned approach to managing cyber risks.
This module is designed to equip participants with the skills to understand and communicate cyber risk in business terms using the FAIR (Factor Analysis of Information Risk) framework. It highlights the importance of presenting cyber risks in ways that resonate with business executives and stakeholders. Participants will explore how to translate technical risks into actionable business insights, prioritize security measures, and foster effective communication across the organization to support informed decision-making and risk management.
Introduction to Executive Communication & Governance Course•3 minutes
Presenting Cyber Risk in Business Terms•3 minutes
Start with Business Executives Conversations•6 minutes
Defining Risk with FAIR•4 minutes
FAIR Aligns Security Programs with the Business•6 minutes
Actionable Insights•5 minutes
FAIR for Global Risk Communication•6 minutes
6 readings•Total 60 minutes
Executive Communication and Governance Course Syllabus•10 minutes
What’s New About Generative AI Risk?•10 minutes
FAIR-AIR Approach Playbook•10 minutes
World Economic Forum Finds CISOs and Boards Talking More•10 minutes
Prioritizing Cloud Security Controls Using FAIR•10 minutes
Why cybersecurity and risk management are crucial for business growth•10 minutes
7 assignments•Total 18 minutes
Assessment of Presenting Cyber Risk in Business Terms•2 minutes
Assessment of Start with Business Executives Conversations•2 minutes
Assessment of Defining Risk with FAIR•2 minutes
Assessment of FAIR Aligns Security Programs with the Business•2 minutes
Assessment of Actionable Insights•2 minutes
Assessment of FAIR for Global Risk Communication•2 minutes
Graded Assessment 1•6 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
Peer Review•60 minutes
6 discussion prompts•Total 55 minutes
Meet and Greet•5 minutes
Generative AI-specific Risks•10 minutes
FAIR-AIR Approach•10 minutes
Board/CISO Communication•10 minutes
Prioritizing Cloud Security Controls•10 minutes
Ensure Cybersecurity Supports Business Growth•10 minutes
Executive Communication
Module 2•5 hours to complete
Module details
This module focuses on the significance of effective communication in cyber risk management, particularly through the FAIR (Factor Analysis of Information Risk) framework. Participants will learn to communicate cyber risks to executives and board members effectively, align risk management efforts with business goals, and break down silos between security and business teams. The module covers the importance of framing cyber risk in business terms, best practices for board reporting, and strategies for achieving executive alignment in risk management.
FAIR Helps Communicate Patient Care Impact•5 minutes
Setting Risk Tolerance•4 minutes
Effectively Reporting to the Board•4 minutes
FAIR Board Reporting•4 minutes
Executive Transparency with CRM Communication•4 minutes
C-Suite Cooperation in Cyber Risk Management•4 minutes
Structuring Risk Management Teams•5 minutes
Interdepartmental Terminology Alignment•5 minutes
6 readings•Total 60 minutes
Risk Appetite vs. Risk Tolerance•10 minutes
Why effective cybersecurity and risk management are crucial for business growth•10 minutes
Case Study - Reporting Cyber Risk to the Board: Real-Life Examples•10 minutes
How to Ace Board Reporting•10 minutes
World Economic Forum•10 minutes
Battlecard for CISOs•10 minutes
9 assignments•Total 24 minutes
Assessment of FAIR Helps Communicate Patient Care Impact•2 minutes
Assessment of Setting Risk Tolerance•2 minutes
Assessment of Effectively Reporting to the Board•2 minutes
Assessment of FAIR Board Reporting•2 minutes
Assessment of Executive Transparency with CRM Communication•2 minutes
Assessment of C-Suite Cooperation in Cyber Risk Management•2 minutes
Assessment of Structuring Risk Management Teams•2 minutes
Assessment of Interdepartmental Terminology Alignment•2 minutes
Graded Assessment -2 •8 minutes
2 peer reviews•Total 120 minutes
Peer Review•60 minutes
Peer Review•60 minutes
7 discussion prompts•Total 70 minutes
Risk Appetite and Risk Tolerance•10 minutes
Benefits of Aligning Cyber Risk Reporting•10 minutes
Back with Quantitative Data•10 minutes
Mock Board Report Outline•10 minutes
Executive Transparency•10 minutes
WEF's Approach to Global Cybersecurity•10 minutes
Cyber Risk Quantification Management•10 minutes
Establishing Cyber Risk Governance with FAIR
Module 3•3 hours to complete
Module details
This module focuses on the governance of cyber risk at the executive level and the role of the FAIR (Factor Analysis of Information Risk) framework in setting global benchmarks for regulatory compliance. Participants will explore the gaps in cyber risk posture among C-suite executives, understand the principles of board governance, and examine the influence of new regulations on cybersecurity risk management. The module emphasizes the importance of standardizing cyber risk reporting and how the FAIR framework informs regulatory readiness and compliance.
The FAIR Institute is a research-driven non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the discipline of cyber and operational risk management through education, standards, and collaboration.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.