And vulnerability to cyber attacks is among the top CEO concerns today. Kip Boyle, founder and CEO of Cyber Risk Opportunities in Seattle, and former cyber security consultant at Stanford Research Institute, offers 5 tips to reducing your vulnerability to cyber crime.
1. Update, distribute and get signatures on Acceptable Use agreements. “Make sure your agreements cover all company-issued devices, not just desktops and laptops. List all the devices your company distributes to employees. Update and distribute the document. All employees need to sign this agreement and keep it up-to-date. Updates should be done annually.”
2. Continuously update software. “The number one threat everyone faces are the flaws in the software you’re using. Attacks can often be prevented by quick installation of vendor-provided patches. It isn’t just installing Microsoft patches, but installing patches for every software vendor.”
3. Encrypt all data. “Most products have encryption built in; you just have to turn it on. The belief that encryption slows performance is a myth. It might have been true years ago, but not any more.”
4. Use ad-blockers. “A common way attackers sneak malicious code onto your device is through ads that appear on legitimate websites. These ads are full of malicious codes. You don’t have to click on anything to be infected; visiting the site is enough. Installing ad blockers should be part of your end-point security strategy.”
5. Set and communicate email response policies. “People like to be helpful, and will try to comply with requests made by email that seem legitimate. Set a value threshold pertaining to email-only requests, and require additional validation for amounts above that threshold. Let employees know they won’t be penalized for slowing down operations when they comply.”
The biggest advantage you can give your company against cyber attacks is to raise awareness of cyber risk. Emphasize that each employee is the first bulwark against hackers, and prioritize the flow of information on cybersecurity across your organization, not just the IT department.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
