Cyber Threats Targeting the Private Sector

Companies are on the front line of conflict in the cyber domain, targeted by criminal organizations and hacker groups. They face relentless cyber attacks intended to disrupt IT systems, degrade critical infrastructure, and steal intellectual property. 

They are also primary targets of theft and fraud. In response to this diverse cyber threat, companies are spending tens of billions of dollars annually to protect themselves. 

In this master class you will learn about: 

• Threat. An overview of the current threat landscape. How significant is the threat? What are the implications to our national and economic security and economic competitiveness? Who are the primary threat actors? What are their intentions and capabilities? 

• Vulnerabilities. With particular emphasis on businesses and the private sector. What are the primary tactics, techniques and procedures perpetrators are exploiting? Are some sectors of the economy more vulnerable than others? 

• Response. What are the latest policies promulgated by the government to improve cybersecurity? How can the public and private sector work together? What are the big unanswered challenges that require both immediate attention and a national conversation? 

• The Way Ahead. How the threat may evolve over time, factoring in significant potential advances in technology and connectivity, to include the Internet of Things. What are the major cyber threat trends and cybersecurity opportunities companies need to consider? 

Frank J. Cilluffo is an Associate Vice President at The George Washington University where he leads a number of national security and cyber security policy and research initiatives. Cilluffo directs the Center for Cyber and Homeland Security, is co-director of GW’s Cyber Center for National and Economic Security and along with the School of Business, launched the university’s World Executive MBA in Cybersecurity program.

Cilluffo is routinely called upon to advise senior officials in the Executive Branch, US Armed Services, and State and Local governments on an array of national and homeland security strategy and policy matters. He also frequently briefs Congressional committees and their staffs and has testified before Congress over 25 times at high profile hearings on counterterrorism, cyber threats, security and deterrence, weapons proliferation, organized crime, intelligence and threat assessment, as well as emergency management, border and transportation security. Similarly, he works with US allies and organizations such as NATO and Europol. He has presented at a number of bi-lateral and multi-lateral summits on cybersecurity and countering Islamist terrorism, including the UN Security Council.