As central banks increasingly digitize their operations, they face sophisticated and evolving cyber threats that could disrupt financial stability and undermine trust in the global financial system. Ensuring cybersecurity and operational resilience has become a critical priority for central banks, given their role in safeguarding payment systems, financial market infrastructures, and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).

The Advanced Cybersecurity and Resilience in Central Banking course is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools to address these challenges effectively. This course covers advanced cybersecurity practices, risk mitigation strategies, and resilience planning tailored to the unique operational and regulatory needs of central banks. Participants will gain insights into safeguarding payment systems, managing cyber risks in CBDCs, leveraging advanced technologies for threat detection, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity across their institutions.

Target Audience

This course is tailored for:

• Central Bank Officials: IT leaders, cybersecurity teams, and operational managers.
• Regulators and Policymakers: Professionals overseeing cybersecurity standards for financial systems.
• Risk and Compliance Managers: Individuals responsible for managing and mitigating cyber risks.
• Financial Market Infrastructure Managers: Professionals safeguarding payment and settlement systems.
• Technology Specialists: Cybersecurity experts and system architects supporting central banking operations.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

Understand Cybersecurity Challenges in Central Banking

• Gain a deep understanding of the unique cybersecurity threats faced by central banks.
• Analyze case studies of cyberattacks and their impact on financial stability.

Develop Advanced Cyber Risk Mitigation Strategies

• Learn to assess, monitor, and mitigate cyber risks in critical financial infrastructures.
• Implement robust frameworks for managing cyber threats in payment systems and CBDCs.

Enhance Operational Resilience

• Design and test crisis management and disaster recovery plans.
• Strengthen resilience against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks and other disruptions.

Leverage Emerging Technologies

• Utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and quantum computing to bolster cybersecurity defenses.
• Explore innovative tools for threat detection and system recovery.

Promote a Culture of Cybersecurity

• Foster institution-wide awareness and adherence to cybersecurity best practices.
• Build capacity through training and stakeholder collaboration.

This course provides central banking professionals with the skills and knowledge to fortify their institutions against cyber threats, ensuring operational continuity and trust in the financial system.

Module 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity in Central Banking

• • Cybersecurity trends and global threat landscape.
  • Role of central banks in maintaining systemic resilience.
  • Cybersecurity frameworks and standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST).

Module 2: Regulatory and Policy Frameworks for Cybersecurity

• • Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) principles for operational resilience.
  • GDPR and data protection in central banking.
  • Cybersecurity guidelines by international organizations (e.g., IMF, BIS).

Module 3: Threat Intelligence and Incident Management

• • Advanced persistent threats (APTs) and nation-state actors.
  • Incident response planning and management.
  • Threat intelligence sharing among central banks.

Module 4: Securing Payment Systems and Financial Market Infrastructures

• • Ensuring resilience in payment systems (e.g., SWIFT, CBDC systems).
  • Securing interbank communication platforms.
  • Cyber risk management in financial markets.

Module 5: Cyber Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies

• • Cyber risk assessment methodologies.
  • Developing and implementing risk mitigation strategies.
  • Continuous risk monitoring and improvement.

Module 6: Cybersecurity in Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)

• • Securing CBDC platforms and wallets.
  • Managing privacy and data protection in CBDC transactions.
  • Case studies on cybersecurity in CBDC pilot programs.

Module 7: Resilience Against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks

• • DDoS prevention and mitigation techniques.
  • Building redundant and scalable systems.
  • Incident recovery and business continuity planning.

Module 8: Cybersecurity in Interbank and Cross-Border Transactions

• • Securing interbank settlement systems.
  • Cross-border payment cybersecurity standards (e.g., G20 cross-border payments roadmap).
  • Preventing fraud and cybercrime in cross-border systems.

Module 9: Advanced Technologies in Cybersecurity

• • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in threat detection.
  • Blockchain and DLT for secure transactions.
  • Quantum computing and its implications for cybersecurity.

Module 10: Building a Cybersecurity Culture in Central Banking

• • Cybersecurity training and capacity building for employees.
  • Creating a culture of cyber awareness.
  • Leadership and governance in cybersecurity management.

Module 11: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Auditing Cybersecurity Systems

• • Conducting cybersecurity audits.
  • Tracking cybersecurity performance metrics.
  • Incorporating lessons learned into system improvements.

Module 12: Crisis Management and Cyber Resilience Planning

• • Cyber crisis simulation and response exercises.
  • Developing and testing disaster recovery plans.
  • Collaboration with stakeholders for systemic resilience.

Learning Outcomes

By completing this course, participants will:

1. Gain a deep understanding of the cybersecurity challenges in central banking.
2. Develop robust policies and strategies to protect critical financial systems.
3. Learn advanced techniques for identifying and mitigating cyber threats.
4. Strengthen resilience in payment systems, CBDCs, and financial infrastructures.
5. Build a proactive cybersecurity culture within central banks.
6. Leverage emerging technologies to enhance cybersecurity defenses.
7. Plan for and respond effectively to cyber crises, ensuring business continuity.

This course equips central banking professionals with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity, safeguarding financial stability and systemic resilience.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement.

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request.

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.

Course Booking

Please use the “book now” or “inquire” buttons on this page to either book your space or make further enquiries.