As a cybersecurity professional, I understand the significance of keeping abreast with the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity risks present itself in various aspects – so having a firm understanding of the growing and expanding cyber risks is very crucial.
Prior to embarking on the Oxford cybersecurity executive briefing course from Saïd business school, I had recently completed a course in Artificial Intelligence from Oxford university in 2023, and I was looking to further buttress my knowledge in emerging technologies & cybersecurity risks which businesses should be prioritising. The Oxford cybersecurity briefing course suited perfectly because it focuses on key strategies around cybersecurity risk management, and importantly, how these risks are communicated with relevant stakeholders and senior leadership within an organisation for effective prioritisation.
Overview of the Programme:
The course delivered very pertinent and consequential real-world content, which was spread across a number of learning modules, such as the cyber threat landscape, technology governance & risk management, strategic cyber response, and more.
From the onset, key and fundamental concepts around the identification of critical IT assets and their exposure within the attack surface were emphasized. The course also provided valuable Insights into how risk management is applied across IT assets worthy of protection, including the evaluation and assessments of potential risks, while strategically balancing this with a firm’s cyber risk appetite, and embracing emerging technologies.
Learning Experience:
One of the standout aspects of this learning experience was the well-structured and intuitive learning platform. There was a wealth of resources that I was able to delve into, which was adapted to provide a seamless learning environment. I found navigating through lecture materials quite smooth, which allowed me to fully focus on the content rather than the logistics of accessing the learning resources.
Each module built on learning from the previous one. At the end of each module, there were tests to gauge understanding which I felt were a brilliant way to assess knowledge of the taught content. Despite the deadlines to hand in the course assessments via the online platform, the challenge was ameliorated by the availability of the content for revision at a reasonable and comfortable pace.
To add, a very rewarding aspect of the learning experience was the clarity in which Sadie Creese (Professor of Cyber Security) presented and delivered the course material. Her delivery was straightforward, thought-provoking, and engaging. The practical insights she shared greatly enriched the learning journey.
Personal Growth:
The programme has had an invaluable impact on me as it has helped reinforce the significance and impact of material cyber risks, and allowed me develop my skills in evaluating cyber risks. Ultimately, it has fostered my ability to engage business leaders about prioritising critical IT assets within an organisation against cyber security risks.
The course brings together executives from various industries and countries, and there has been a great opportunity to keep in touch with peers via the E-lumni network, which is an enriching way to foster a sense of camaraderie.
To conclude, this learning experience has definitely been both intellectually stimulating and impactful to my personal and professional life, and one that I will continue to value.
See our Oxford Cyber Security for Business Leaders Programme which compliments Oxford Cyber Security Briefing for Banking and Finance Programme.
