Cyber Risk as a Business Imperative: Translating Threats into Strategic Action
Cyber risks are not just technical issues; they are 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 in a meaningful way.
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.
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
- Date: 17 Mar 2025
- Time: 06:00 PM to 07:00 PM
- All times are (UTC-07:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
-
Add Event to Calendar
- Starts 21 February 2025 03:00 PM
- Ends 17 March 2025 05:45 PM
- All times are (UTC-07:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Kayne McGladrey
Cyber Risk as a Business Imperative: Translating Threats into Strategic Action
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
1. 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.
2. Communicate Cyber Risk Effectively
Participants will gain strategies for translating technical jargon into language that
resonates with boards, executives, and other stakeholders.
3. 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.
Biography:
Kayne McGladrey is a keynote speaker, senior IEEE member, and author of the GRC Maturity
Model. With nearly three decades of experience in cybersecurity, he specializes in helping
organizations navigate the intersection of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) to build
more secure and resilient businesses.
His work focuses on enabling CISOs, internal audit teams, and executives to align cybersecurity
and business goals, communicate effectively with boards, and proactively address evolving
global regulations. As a recognized thought leader, he’s spoken at events like Gartner IT
Security & Risk, RSA, ISACA GRC, and the ISC2 Congress. His presentations are nuanced,
accessible, and actionable, offering attendees practical guidance on current cybersecurity
challenges and opportunities.
Throughout his career, he’s advised Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies, leveraging his
ability to bridge the gap between business and technology. He’s passionate about reducing
organizational friction, improving GRC maturity, and inspiring underrepresented communities to
pursue cybersecurity careers.
Learn more at https://kaynemcgladrey.com.
