Pensions and Retirement Training Course on Cybersecurity Governance for Pension Schemes

Module 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity in Pension Systems
The importance of cybersecurity in financial and retirement systems
Understanding digital transformation in pensions and emerging risks
Key cyber threats: phishing, ransomware, data breaches, insider attacks
Overview of cybersecurity principles and frameworks (CIA triad, NIST, ISO)
Global cyber risk trends and their implications for pension governance

Module 2: Cyber Risk Landscape and Vulnerability Assessment
Mapping cyber risks across pension processes and IT systems
Risk identification, analysis, and prioritization
Cyber risk assessment tools and methodologies
Vulnerability testing and penetration testing basics
Case studies on cybersecurity incidents in pension and financial institutions

Module 3: Cybersecurity Governance Frameworks for Pension Schemes
Components of an effective cybersecurity governance model
Roles of trustees, boards, and ICT leadership in cyber oversight
Integration of cybersecurity into pension governance structures
Policy development: Cybersecurity charters, roles, and responsibilities
Oversight and accountability mechanisms for cyber resilience

Module 4: Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Obligations
Pension sector cybersecurity regulations and compliance requirements
Data protection laws (e.g., GDPR, local data protection acts)
Legal liability and fiduciary responsibility for data breaches
Cybercrime and fraud prevention laws
Regulatory reporting and supervisory expectations for cyber governance

Module 5: Information Security Management Systems (ISMS)
Understanding ISO 27001 standards and implementation principles
Developing and maintaining an ISMS for pension schemes
Asset classification and control
Information security policies, procedures, and documentation
Monitoring, auditing, and continuous improvement of ISMS

Module 6: Cyber Risk Management and Internal Controls
Designing internal controls for cybersecurity
Risk mitigation and response strategies
Cyber risk dashboards and reporting templates
Integration with enterprise risk management (ERM) frameworks
Coordination between compliance, audit, and ICT functions

Module 7: Data Protection, Privacy, and Digital Ethics
Data classification, access management, and encryption protocols
Data privacy principles and ethical handling of member information
Roles of Data Protection Officers (DPOs)
Balancing data analytics and privacy protection
Incident reporting and breach notification procedures

Module 8: Cybersecurity Operations, Monitoring, and Incident Response
Developing cybersecurity operations centers (SOC)
Incident detection, escalation, and management
Business continuity and disaster recovery planning
Crisis communication during cyber incidents
Simulation: Managing a cyberattack on a pension fund

Module 9: Capacity Building and Cyber Awareness
Building cybersecurity culture and awareness across departments
Staff training, certifications, and best practices
Role of leadership in fostering cyber resilience
Vendor and third-party cybersecurity management
Emerging technologies: AI, blockchain, and their cybersecurity implications

Module 10: Practical Workshop, Case Studies, and Strategy Development
Case studies: Cyber breaches and lessons from global pension funds
Group exercise: Designing a cybersecurity governance policy for a pension fund
Workshop: Developing a cyber risk assessment and mitigation plan
Drafting cybersecurity reporting templates for trustees and regulators
Presentation of group projects and certification ceremony