ISC2 Unveils Exciting Cybersecurity Leadership Workshops for 2025 to Empower Effective Leaders

Empowering Future Cybersecurity Leaders: The ISC2 Cyber Leadership Program

The world of cybersecurity is rapidly evolving, which necessitates a new wave of leaders equipped with the right skills and insights to safeguard our digital landscape. On December 12, 2024, ISC2, a premier nonprofit organization dedicated to cybersecurity professionals, announced the launch of its Cyber Leadership Program, a series of virtual workshops set for 2025. These workshops are meticulously designed to bolster the strategic thinking, communication, and business acumen of current and future cyber leaders.

Launched in Partnership

In collaboration with the Cybersecurity Leadership Institute, the ISC2 Cyber Leadership Program will consist of eight-week workshops focusing on crucial aspects of cybersecurity leadership. These include developing high-value cyber resilience strategies, embedding agile governance, and leading a cyber-risk-aware culture within organizations.

Survey Insights on Leadership Qualities

To align its workshops with the needs of cybersecurity professionals, ISC2 conducted a Cybersecurity Leadership Survey. The results revealed that 85% of participants viewed communication as the most essential quality in a leader, followed by strategic thinking (41%) and open-mindedness (37%). Interestingly, the survey also highlighted a significant gap in formal leadership training, with nearly 63% of respondents stating they had not received any such training. Instead, 81% reported that their leadership skills emerged primarily from on-the-job experiences with their managers and supervisors.

A Call for Structured Training

ISC2's Chief Information Security Officer, Jon France, emphasized the importance of structured training for the evolving field of cybersecurity. He stated, "As cybersecurity matures as a profession, it is vital that employers provide opportunities for both formal and informal leadership development." This statement underscores ISC2’s commitment to not only nurturing current leaders but also preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Workshop Schedule and Themes

The upcoming series of workshops are scheduled to commence on the following dates:

- January 13, 2025
- April 7, 2025
- June 23, 2025
- September 8, 2025

Each workshop will cover pivotal themes including:
1. The Role of a CISO
2. Developing a High-Value Cyber Resilience Strategy
3. Leading an Enterprise-Wide Cyber Risk Aware Culture
4. Building and Leading a World-Class Cyber Function
5. Stakeholder Management
6. Embedding Agile Cyber Governance
7. Mock Cyber Crisis Exercise / Tabletop Exercise
8. Capstone Presentations and Course Review

Upon completing the entire program, ISC2 members can earn up to 35 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. This program not only serves as a platform for training but also acts as a networking opportunity for participants to share experiences and learn from one another.

Contributing to a Safe Cyber World

CLI (Cybersecurity Leadership Institute) CEO Phillimon Zongo reiterated the program's role in enhancing cybersecurity leadership worldwide. He stated, "We believe that transforming cyber leadership is an imperative for a safe and secure cyber world, and this program advances that vision."

The initiative is not just about training—it’s about shaping a community of skilled leaders who can strategically navigate the complexities of cybersecurity in a world that is increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure.

Conclusion

As the demand for skilled cybersecurity leaders continues to grow, programs such as ISC2’s Cyber Leadership Workshops are essential in bridging the gap in leadership training. By fostering essential skills, these workshops aim to not just prepare individuals for leadership roles but also to strengthen the industry's overall defense mechanisms against increasing cyber threats. If you are an aspiring cybersecurity leader or looking to refine your skills further, registration for the ISC2 Cyber Leadership Program is now open and should not be missed.