Cyber Risk as a Business Imperative: Translating Threats into Strategic Action
Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/483555Free Registration (with a Zoom account; you can get one for free if you don't already have it. This requirement is to avoid Zoom bombing. Please sign in using the email address tied to your Zoom account — not necessarily the one you used to register for the event.): https://sjsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/fqCZULv_SnWzwEZ3Tz2MJw Abstract Cyber risks are not just technical issues but fundamental business challenges with profound financial and reputational implications. This keynote addresses the intersection of cybersecurity and business strategy, offering practical insights to help executives and business leaders prioritize and act on cyber risks meaningfully. Attendees will gain an understanding of how to frame cyber risks as business risks, communicate them effectively to stakeholders, and integrate them into broader organizational strategies. Real-world examples and actionable frameworks will equip leaders with the tools to translate technical threats into business priorities. This presentation will also explore how to allocate resources, measure the effectiveness of cybersecurity programs, and foster resilience across the enterprise. By the end of the session, you will be prepared to engage in informed decision-making that balances cost, compliance, and risk reduction, ensuring your organization is prepared for the challenges of today’s complex risk landscape. Presentation Description In today’s business environment, cyber risk is a growing concern that goes beyond IT departments. It is a strategic issue that requires the attention of executives and business leaders. This keynote presentation offers a business-centric approach to understanding, managing, and mitigating cyber risks, enabling leaders to address these challenges with confidence. Act One begins with an overview of the modern cyber risk landscape, positioning cybersecurity as a core business issue. We will examine the financial and reputational stakes of cyber incidents, grounding the conversation in tangible impacts that resonate with business decision-makers. The audience will leave this section with a clear understanding of why addressing cyber threats is critical to their organization’s success. Act Two focuses on practical strategies for integrating cyber risk into business strategy. This includes defining cyber risks in business terms, aligning cybersecurity efforts with organizational goals, and translating technical concerns into actionable business insights. Attendees will learn how to communicate cyber risks effectively to stakeholders, including boards, executives, and external partners. Key points will include: - Bridging the gap between IT and business through shared understanding. - Prioritizing cyber threats based on their business impact. - Building business-centric cybersecurity strategies that support enterprise objectives. Act Three explores methods for reducing enterprise risk through focused cybersecurity efforts. This includes identifying critical areas for investment, implementing effective controls, and measuring the success of cybersecurity programs. Attendees will learn how to allocate resources efficiently, design controls with maximum impact, and track the business value of their cybersecurity initiatives. By the end of the presentation, participants will have actionable insights and tools to: - View cyber risks through a business lens. - Communicate their significance to internal and external stakeholders. - Develop and implement strategies that prioritize business resilience. This session is ideal for executives, board members, and business leaders looking to enhance their organization’s approach to cyber risk and align cybersecurity efforts with strategic goals. --------------------------------------------------------------- Lessons Learned / Educational Objectives - Understand Cyber Risk as a Business Issue Attendees will learn to frame cyber risks in business terms, connecting them to financial, operational, and regulatory impacts. - Communicate Cyber Risk Effectively Participants will gain strategies for translating technical jargon into language that resonates with boards, executives, and other stakeholders. - Integrate Cybersecurity into Business Strategy Attendees will explore methods to align cybersecurity initiatives with organizational goals, prioritize risks based on business impact, and measure program success. --------------------------------------------------------------- By registering for this event, you agree that IEEE and the organizers are not liable to you for any loss, damage, injury, or any incidental, indirect, special, consequential, or economic loss or damage (including loss of opportunity, exemplary or punitive damages). The event will be recorded and will be made available for public viewing. Speaker(s): Dr. Vishnu S. Pendyala, Kayne McGladrey Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/483555