Cyber Resilience: What Accountants Need to Know and Why It Matters

Description

Imagine this: You are reviewing the quarterly financials, and suddenly, the system shuts down. You discover a ransomware attack has encrypted all your data, and confidential financial information is at risk. As an accountant, you might think, "This is an IT issue!" but today’s reality is far more complex. Cyber threats are a direct threat to the financial integrity and operational stability of every organization.

In a world where data breaches can halt entire businesses, financial professionals need to understand how cyber resilience is an essential part of their responsibility, and not just an IT issue. As accountants, auditors, and finance professionals, your role in maintaining data integrity and regulatory compliance means you are on the front lines of safeguarding financial systems against cyber threats. This workshop will provide you with a clear understanding of what cyber resilience means, why it is critical for the accounting profession, and how you can play an active role in protecting your organization from devastating cyber incidents.

Why Should You Care?

Consider this: nearly half of cyberattacks target small and mid-sized businesses, and a significant percentage of those affected never fully recover. A single incident could lead to compromised data, financial losses, and severe reputational damage. Your vigilance can make the difference between a quick recovery and a financial disaster.

Programme Outline

• Introduction to Cyber Resilience for Accountants
• Key Concepts of Cybersecurity
• Legal and Regulatory Considerations
• Ethical Considerations in Cyber Resilience for Accountants
• The Accountant's Role in Cyber Resilience
• Practical cases and exercises : Assessing Cyber Resilience in Financial Systems
• Key Takeaways and Actionable Next Steps

In this practical workshop, we will explore:

• Real-world cases where cyber incidents impacted financial departments
• How to identify vulnerabilities in financial systems and reporting processes
• Practical steps you can take to ensure resilience and protect the assets you manage

By the end of this workshop, you will not only have a strong understanding of cyber resilience but also actionable steps you can bring back to your organization to safeguard its most valuable data. You will be more confident in ensuring that your organization—and your career—are equipped to handle the cyber challenges of today and tomorrow.

This workshop qualifies for:
5.0 CPE hours in Other Relevant Expertise; and
2.0 CPE hours in Ethics and Professionalism (Category 2)

What you will learn

• Understand the concept of cyber resilience and its relevance to the accounting profession
• Gain insights into the potential impacts of cyber risks on financial operations and reporting
• Learn the key cybersecurity principles and frameworks
• Recognize the role of accountants in ensuring cyber resilience within organizations
• Understand regulatory requirements related to cyber resilience and financial reporting
• Gain practical knowledge of mitigating cyber risks to safeguard financial data integrity
• Develop an ethical framework for handling sensitive financial data in cyber risk scenarios

The workshop provides a mix of theoretical knowledge, practical exercises, and ethical reflection designed to build both technical competence and ethical awareness in cyber resilience management.

Prerequisites

No prior cybersecurity knowledge is required, though familiarity with data protection practices is beneficial. This workshop is designed for finance professionals looking to enhance their awareness of cyber resilience within their roles.

Target Audience

• Accountants
• Finance professionals
• Auditors
• Risk managers
• Internal controls specialists

Expert Speaker

Kingston Low

Kingston is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in Corporate Governance, Internal Audit, Risk Management, and Business Continuity Management (BCM). Holding multiple prestigious certifications including CA, CIA, CISA, CRMA, CBCP, and FFP, he brings a wealth of practical insights and expertise to the training environment.

With a career spanning over two decades, he has advised numerous boards and businesses on improving governance, productivity, and overall effectiveness. This includes providing strategic advisories, conducting trainings, and offering assurance services that have resulted in business redesign, risk mitigation, efficiencies, and cost savings. He is also actively involved in professional training initiatives and his training sessions are known for being engaging, practical, and designed to empower participants with the skills necessary to excel in their roles.

Throughout his career, Kingston has remained committed to sharing best practices, fostering organizational resilience, and preparing professionals to navigate complex governance and risk management landscapes. Participants can expect a dynamic learning experience that combines theoretical foundations with real-world insights, ensuring maximum impact and applicability.