Auditing and Governance Risk and Compliance

Cyber GRC: Governance, Risk, and Compliance for Cybersecurity

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Cyber Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) frameworks, focusing on their application in cybersecurity. Participants will develop practical skills to assess risks, implement governance structures, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

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Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Cybersecurity professionals face increasing pressure to manage risks and ensure compliance with various regulations. This course addresses the complexities of integrating governance, risk management, and compliance into cybersecurity strategies, which are critical for protecting organisational assets and maintaining stakeholder trust. Participants will learn to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape, understand the implications of non-compliance, and develop frameworks that align with organisational objectives. By mastering these principles, they will be better equipped to safeguard sensitive information, enhance their organisation's resilience against cyber threats, and effectively communicate GRC strategies to stakeholders across the organisation.

Participants will engage in practical exercises that simulate real-world scenarios, enabling them to develop actionable strategies for identifying and mitigating risks. This hands-on approach will cover essential tasks such as conducting risk assessments, designing governance structures, and evaluating compliance requirements. By practising these capabilities, attendees will enhance their decision-making skills and contribute effectively to their organisation's cybersecurity posture. The course will also emphasise the importance of stakeholder communication and collaboration, ensuring that participants can effectively advocate for Cyber GRC initiatives within their organisations. Ultimately, this course prepares professionals to implement robust GRC frameworks that support long-term cybersecurity objectives.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of case studies, interactive workshops, and simulations to deepen understanding of Cyber GRC principles. Participants will analyse real-world scenarios, engage in group discussions, and complete practical exercises that require them to apply GRC frameworks. Specific exercises will include developing risk assessment matrices, creating compliance checklists, and designing governance frameworks. Outputs include risk assessment reports, compliance documentation, and governance structure proposals, providing tangible evidence of learning and practical skills that can be directly applied in the workplace. This methodology ensures that participants not only learn theoretical concepts but also gain hands-on experience in implementing Cyber GRC practices effectively.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Analyse key Cyber GRC frameworks and their relevance to organisational cybersecurity.
Assess organisational risks using established methodologies and tools to inform decision-making.
Design a governance structure that aligns with Cyber GRC best practices and organisational needs.
Evaluate compliance requirements based on relevant regulations and standards to ensure adherence.
Prioritise risks to develop effective mitigation strategies that protect organisational assets.
Construct a Cyber GRC implementation plan tailored to organisational needs and regulatory requirements.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Cybersecurity Managers responsible for risk management and compliance oversight.
IT Auditors tasked with evaluating cybersecurity controls and governance frameworks.
Compliance Officers ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements in cybersecurity.
Risk Analysts focused on identifying and mitigating cybersecurity risks.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Evaluate and apply Cyber GRC frameworks effectively in organisational contexts.
Conduct thorough risk assessments in cybersecurity scenarios to identify vulnerabilities.
Develop governance structures that support cybersecurity initiatives and compliance.
Implement compliance measures aligned with industry standards and regulations.
Prioritise and manage cybersecurity risks strategically to enhance resilience.
Create actionable Cyber GRC plans for organisational implementation and monitoring.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Introduction to Cyber GRC Frameworks

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a case study of a company facing compliance issues. They will identify the GRC frameworks applicable to the case and discuss their relevance, considering the company's specific context and challenges, including stakeholder impacts and potential risks.

Output: A summary report outlining the identified frameworks and their implications for the case study, including recommendations for improvement.

09:00–09:54Overview of Cyber GRC concepts and their importance in cybersecurity management.
09:54–10:48Key frameworks: NIST, ISO 27001, and COBIT and their applications in practice.
10:48–11:00Roles and responsibilities in Cyber GRC within organisations and their impact on security.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Roles and responsibilities in Cyber GRC within organisations and their impact on security. (continued)
12:12–13:06Understanding the regulatory landscape affecting cybersecurity practices and compliance.
13:06–14:00Introduction to risk management principles and their relevance to GRC in cybersecurity.

Day 2Risk Assessment Methodologies

Applied activity: In groups, participants will conduct a risk assessment on a fictional organisation, identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities, categorising risks, and proposing mitigation strategies based on their findings, while considering organisational priorities and resource constraints.

Output: A detailed risk assessment report including identified risks, prioritisation, and proposed mitigation strategies.

09:00–09:54Identifying and categorising cybersecurity risks using industry-standard techniques and tools.
09:54–10:48Quantitative vs qualitative risk assessment techniques and their applications in practice.
10:48–11:00Utilising tools for risk assessment: FAIR, OCTAVE, and others for effective analysis.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Utilising tools for risk assessment: FAIR, OCTAVE, and others for effective analysis. (continued)
12:12–13:06Developing risk assessment matrices and heat maps for visualisation of risk levels.
13:06–14:00Communicating risk assessment results effectively to stakeholders and decision-makers.

Day 3Governance Structures for Cyber GRC

Applied activity: Participants will create a governance structure for a fictional organisation, defining roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines, while ensuring alignment with Cyber GRC best practices and organisational goals, and addressing potential challenges in implementation.

Output: A governance framework document outlining the proposed structure, roles, and responsibilities.

09:00–09:54Designing effective governance frameworks for cybersecurity initiatives and compliance.
09:54–10:48Roles of cybersecurity committees and boards in governance and oversight.
10:48–11:00Integrating Cyber GRC into organisational culture and practices for sustainability.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Integrating Cyber GRC into organisational culture and practices for sustainability. (continued)
12:12–13:06Best practices for governance documentation and policy development in cybersecurity.
13:06–14:00Measuring governance effectiveness in cybersecurity through metrics and KPIs.

Day 4Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Applied activity: Participants will review a compliance scenario involving a data breach and assess the organisation's adherence to relevant regulations, proposing corrective actions and improvements to prevent future breaches while considering stakeholder communication.

Output: A compliance assessment report with recommendations for improvement and a plan for corrective actions.

09:00–09:54Understanding key cybersecurity regulations: GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS and their implications for organisations.
09:54–10:48Conducting compliance assessments and audits to evaluate adherence to regulations.
10:48–11:00Developing compliance checklists and documentation for organisational policies and procedures.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Developing compliance checklists and documentation for organisational policies and procedures. (continued)
12:12–13:06Aligning organisational policies with regulatory requirements and best practices for compliance.
13:06–14:00Strategies for maintaining ongoing compliance and preparing for audits effectively.

Day 5Integrated Cyber GRC Implementation

Applied activity: In teams, participants will develop a full Cyber GRC implementation plan for a fictional organisation, integrating governance, risk, and compliance strategies, and preparing for potential audits and evaluations while addressing resource allocation and stakeholder engagement.

Output: A comprehensive Cyber GRC implementation plan document that outlines strategies, roles, and metrics for success.

09:00–09:54Developing a comprehensive Cyber GRC implementation plan for organisations based on best practices.
09:54–10:48Aligning governance, risk, and compliance efforts to enhance overall cybersecurity posture.
10:48–11:00Utilising metrics and KPIs to measure GRC effectiveness and inform strategic decisions.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Utilising metrics and KPIs to measure GRC effectiveness and inform strategic decisions. (continued)
12:12–13:06Creating a communication strategy for stakeholders to promote GRC initiatives and ensure buy-in.
13:06–14:00Preparing for audits and continuous improvement in Cyber GRC practices and policies.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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