Certificate in Cybersecurity for Finance Professionals.

Topics covered by the certificate

The certificate is divided into 8 units, covering the following:
 

Course unit Learning topics
1. The Cyber-Challenge for Finance Professionals
  • recognise and describe different types of cyberattack, including ransomware, social engineering, disrupted denial of service (DDoS) and insider threat
  • identify the three critical components of an organisation’s response to information security: technologies, processes and people
  • explain the principles of confidentiality, integrity and availability in the context of information security
  • recognise the role of accounting and finance professionals in managing cybersecurity risks.
2. Behavioural Aspects of Cybersecurity
  • describe the motivations of cyberattackers and the different stages of a cyberattack
  • recognise the limitations of traditional perimeter model protection
  • recognise the role of human behaviour in cybersecurity, including aspects of online behaviour, attitudes, norms and responsibilities
  • identify signs of phishing and password weaknesses
  • apply positive cybersecurity behaviours that help reduce the likelihood of attacks.
3. Cybersecurity Compliance and Culture
  • outline the roles of standards, frameworks and guidelines relevant to cybersecurity and the role of accreditation
  • describe the obligations to report and disclose a cyber-incident, particularly in the event of a data breach, and recognise the role played by other parties, including law enforcement
  • explain the importance of a cybersecure culture to ensure proactive cybersecurity behaviour at all levels
  • explain the role of leadership in driving a cybersecure culture and communicating cybersecurity needs to employees.
4. Managing Cybersecurity Risks in the Digital Age
  • explain the importance of having a risk governance framework and a comprehensive view of an organisation’s cyber-risk exposure
  • explain the principles of effective risk management and appropriate risk responses in organisations
  • recognise the full range of assets and cyberthreats that should be considered in cyber-risk management
  • describe how risk analysis and cyber-governance can be used effectively to mitigate the risks of cyberattack.
5. Implementing Cybersecurity Controls
  • explain the importance of controls within a cybersecure culture
  • describe different types of technical controls 
  • explain how different operational controls protect an organisation’s IT assets 
  • explain how access controls limit an attacker’s opportunities to access systems and data
  • explain how administrative controls underpin an organisation’s overall cybersecurity management.

6. Preparing For and Learning From Cyber-incidents

  • explain the best practice for preparing for and managing a cyber-incident 
  • outline the steps involved in the recovery process after a cyber-incident
  • describe different forms of ransomware and data extortion and explain the role of negotiation in handling these incidents 
  • describe different methods of testing cybersecurity measures to ensure effectiveness
  • explain the importance of continuous improvement through assessment and measurement. 
7. Supply Chains and Cybersecurity
  • explain the importance of supplier management in mitigating cybersecurity risks
  • recognise how cybercriminals can exploit supply chains to increase the negative impact of an attack
  • leverage data insights for data-driven decision-making
  • describe the process of selecting a third-party supplier and the due diligence required
  • explain the concept of resilience in the context of supply chain management.
8. Future Trends in Cybersecurity
  • recognise the potential implications of artificial intelligence for cybersecurity and ways in which it is changing both the cyberthreat and cyber-defence landscape
  • identify ways in which cybersecurity impacts society and recognise ways to incorporate sustainability in cybersecurity
  • explain the concept of blockchain and its potential applications and developments for finance professionals
  • describe the potential implications of cyberwarfare, particularly for critical national infrastructure, and recognise ways to defend against state warfare.