Cyber Security Risk Assessment and Management Course

Introduction

This course, Cybersecurity Risk Assessment and Management, is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks. By understanding risk assessment methodologies, compliance frameworks, and best practices, students will be able to strengthen their organization’s security posture and ensure business continuity in the face of evolving cyber threats.

In today’s interconnected digital world, organizations face an ever-growing number of cybersecurity threats that can compromise sensitive data, disrupt operations, and cause significant financial and reputational damage. To mitigate these risks, businesses and IT professionals must adopt a structured and proactive approach to cybersecurity risk assessment and management.

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and organizations must stay ahead of cyber risks to protect sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and comply with regulatory requirements. This course provides practical, real-world knowledge that enables professionals to assess and manage risks effectively, ensuring that their organization remains secure, compliant, and resilient.

This course aims to equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills needed to identify, assess, and manage cybersecurity risks effectively. By mastering this course, participants will be able to proactively manage cybersecurity risks, protect organizational assets, and ensure business resilience in the face of evolving cyber threats.

Who should attend 

·       Cybersecurity Analysts – Responsible for identifying and mitigating security risks.

·       Network and System Administrators – Ensuring IT infrastructure security.

·       Security Engineers – Designing and implementing security controls.

·       Penetration Testers & Ethical Hackers – Evaluating risks through security testing.

·       Risk Managers – Managing cybersecurity risks within an enterprise.

·       Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Professionals – Ensuring security policies and regulations

·       Internal and External Auditors – Assessing cybersecurity risks and compliance gaps.

·       Legal and Regulatory Officers – Understanding cybersecurity laws and frameworks (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001, NIST).

·       Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) – Leading organizational risk management efforts.

·       Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and IT Directors – Making informed decisions about security investments.

·       Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planners – Managing security risks that affect operations.

·       Cybercrime Investigators – Assessing digital security risks and forensic evidence.

·       Regulatory and Government Agencies – Developing cybersecurity policies and national risk management strategies.

·       Business Owners and Entrepreneurs – Protecting business assets from cyber threats.

·       Financial and Banking Professionals – Managing cyber risks in financial institutions.

·       Healthcare IT Professionals – Ensuring patient data security and compliance with regulations.

No prior cybersecurity experience is required, but a basic understanding of IT concepts is beneficial. The course is structured to accommodate both beginners and experienced professionals looking to enhance their risk management expertise.

Course Duration:

10 days

Course objective

By the end of this training the participants will be able to: 

·       Define key concepts of cybersecurity risk assessment and management.

·       Explain the importance of risk-based security strategies for organizations.

·       Identify the relationship between threats, vulnerabilities, and risks.

·       Learn risk assessment methodologies such as NIST RMF, ISO 27005, and FAIR.

·       Identify and evaluate cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors.

·       Use tools and techniques to quantify and prioritize risks.

·       Apply security frameworks and best practices (ISO 27001, NIST, CIS Controls).

·       Implement technical, administrative, and physical controls to reduce cyber risks.

·       Develop strategies for risk mitigation, transfer, acceptance, and avoidance.

·       Understand cybersecurity regulations and compliance frameworks (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOC 2).

·       Conduct gap analysis to ensure adherence to security policies.

·       Develop security policies, procedures, and governance models.

·       Establish a Risk Management Framework (RMF) for continuous security improvement.

·       Create incident response, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans.

·       Enhance cyber resilience through proactive risk management strategies.

·       Conduct practical risk assessments using real-world cybersecurity scenarios.

·       Analyze cyber incidents and breaches, learning lessons from past attacks.

·       Apply risk assessment frameworks to develop actionable security strategies.

Course Outline 

Module 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity Risk Management

Understanding Cybersecurity Risks

• Definition and importance of cybersecurity risk management
• Difference between threats, vulnerabilities, and risks
• The evolving cybersecurity landscape and emerging risks

Risk Management Frameworks and Methodologies

• Overview of cybersecurity risk management frameworks (NIST RMF, ISO 27005, FAIR)
• Risk-based approach to cybersecurity planning
• Key components of an effective risk management strategy

The Business Impact of Cyber Risks

• How cyber risks affect organizations financially and operationally
• Case studies of major cyber incidents and their consequences
• Risk appetite and risk tolerance in business decision-making

Module 2: Cyber Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attack Vectors

Identifying Cyber Threats

• Common cybersecurity threats (malware, ransomware, phishing, insider threats)
• Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and targeted cyberattacks
• Emerging cyber risks: AI-driven attacks, IoT vulnerabilities, and cloud security risks

Assessing Vulnerabilities

• Common system and network vulnerabilities
• Software vulnerabilities (zero-day exploits, misconfigurations)
• Human factor risks: Social engineering and insider threats

Understanding Attack Vectors and Exploits

• Common attack methods: DoS, MITM, SQL injection, privilege escalation
• Exploiting weak authentication and access controls
• Case studies on real-world cyberattacks

Module 3: Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Process

Steps in a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

• Risk identification: Understanding organizational assets and attack surfaces
• Risk analysis: Qualitative vs. quantitative risk assessment
• Risk evaluation: Prioritizing risks based on impact and likelihood

Risk Assessment Tools and Techniques

• Using risk assessment tools (CVSS, Nessus, OpenVAS, NIST Cybersecurity Framework)
• Performing vulnerability scanning and penetration testing
• Threat modeling and risk scoring

Hands-On Risk Assessment Exercise

• Conducting a real-world risk assessment scenario
• Identifying security gaps and risk mitigation strategies
• Documenting risk findings and recommendations

Module 4: Risk Mitigation Strategies and Security Controls

Implementing Cybersecurity Controls

• Administrative controls: Policies, training, and awareness programs
• Technical controls: Firewalls, encryption, access control mechanisms
• Physical controls: Security monitoring, surveillance, and facility protection

Risk Treatment Options

• Risk avoidance, mitigation, transfer, and acceptance
• Developing an effective risk treatment plan
• Cost-benefit analysis of cybersecurity investments

Applying Security Frameworks

• Overview of security best practices (ISO 27001, NIST, CIS Controls)
• Mapping risk mitigation strategies to compliance requirements
• Aligning security measures with organizational objectives

Module 5: Compliance, Governance, and Regulatory Requirements

Cybersecurity Compliance and Standards

• Overview of industry regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOC 2)
• Legal and regulatory considerations for risk management
• Role of compliance in cybersecurity risk reduction

Risk Governance and Policy Development

• Developing an effective cybersecurity governance model
• Establishing security policies and risk management procedures
• Role of the CISO and executive leadership in risk governance

Auditing and Continuous Compliance Monitoring

• Conducting cybersecurity audits and assessments
• Using Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools for compliance
• Reporting and documentation best practices

Module 6: Incident Response, Business Continuity, and Disaster Recovery

Incident Response and Cyber Resilience

• Developing an Incident Response Plan (IRP)
• Incident detection, containment, eradication, and recovery
• Cyber threat intelligence and proactive defense strategies

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BC/DR) Planning

• Understanding Business Continuity Planning (BCP) principles
• Disaster Recovery (DR) planning and backup strategies
• Ensuring business resilience in the face of cyber threats

Case Study: Cybersecurity Incident Analysis

• Examining real-world cyber incidents (WannaCry, SolarWinds, Equifax breach)
• Lessons learned from cybersecurity failures
• Implementing corrective actions to strengthen security posture

Module 7: Emerging Trends and Future of Cybersecurity Risk Management

Advanced Cybersecurity Threats

• AI-powered attacks and machine learning in cybersecurity
• Cyber risks in the age of quantum computing
• Deepfake and synthetic identity fraud

Cybersecurity Risk Management for Emerging Technologies

• Securing cloud environments and remote workforce security
• Risk management for IoT and industrial control systems (ICS)
• Blockchain security risks and applications

Future Trends in Cybersecurity Risk Management

• Predicting the next wave of cyber threats
• Adopting a proactive cybersecurity risk management approach
• Preparing organizations for the evolving digital landscape

Training Approach

This course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in the respective fields of practice. The course is taught through a mix of practical activities, theory, group works and case studies.

Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training for executive assistants and administrative professionals, participants will be issued with a certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide training needs. A training needs assessment will be done on the training participants to collect data on the existing skills, knowledge gaps, training expectations and tailor-made needs.

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: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue 

The training will be held at our Upskill 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 Upskill 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: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808 

Terms of Payment:

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better

Online/ On-site (Nairobi, Kenya) Training Schedule