Every company can be the target of a cyber attack

Ms Arnold, the University of St.Gallen ran the executive education programme on “Cyber Security for Executives” for the first time. What was your motivation for enrolling in this five-day executive education course?

The threat of cyber attacks has increased a great deal in the last few years. In my function, it’s imperative to deal actively with these risks and the questions and possible courses of action resulting from them. This course is highly topical and has an interdisciplinary approach.

You work for Coop Rechtsschutz AG as their Chief Risk & Compliance Officer. Can you generally recommend the course to others?

Every company and every IT landscape can be a target of cyber criminals today. I’m convinced that a company which is aware of these risks will sensitise its employees and cooperate with experts, as well as implementing adequate protection mechanisms. Thanks to this course, I can deal better with these threats and categorise these hazards and risks better.

What expectations did you have of this course?

My aim was to receive an up-to-date and comprehensive insight into all the aspects relevant to cyber security, as well as receiving corresponding mitigation strategies.

You decided to attend this course at the Executive Campus HSG in St.Gallen. What was the week like for you? What did you experience?

The executive education week was very interesting and instructive; owing to the wealth of topics, it was also intensive and demanding at the same time. In addition, we were a great group of participants, and this made for exciting discussions and conversations. This exchange alone was instructive and provided an insight into practical examples and real cyber security problems in companies.

Very specifically, what did you take home, or rather, back to your everyday working life?

Owing to its explosive nature and the far-reaching consequences which a cyber incident can have, it is indispensable that this issue should be tackled in a comprehensive and interdisciplinary manner. One-off activities are inappropriate. This is a matter of developing a heightened risk awareness in the company and, in cooperation with external specialists, of achieving an effective interaction of technology, processes and people.

Thank you very much indeed for your openness. We would like to wish you continued success and a safe future for you and your company. For anyone who is interested: the second round of the one-week course will start in May. The course will take place on individual days and online.
More about the programme.