As organisations face AI-powered threats and mounting regulatory pressure, the ability to lead with strategic cybersecurity insight has become a defining mark of modern leadership. ISB Online’s Cybersecurity for Leaders Programme, in collaboration with Emeritus, bridges this crucial gap, to empower senior leaders to move from reactive defence to proactive, board-level decision-making.
A testament to this transformation is Nitin Nigam, whose experience in the programme redefined his approach to leadership and cybersecurity strategy. For nearly two decades, Nitin Nigam built a formidable reputation in identity and access management. But over time, his deep technical focus began to feel limited. “What I was missing was the bigger picture; strategy, leadership, and vision,” he reflects. The turning point came when he enrolled in the ISB Online’s Cybersecurity for Leaders Programme, a decision that helped him transition from a specialist role to Director – Cybersecurity. Within weeks of completing the programme, he applied his learning to lead a business continuity initiative, solidifying his step into strategic leadership.
Nitin’s transformation isn’t an isolated story. Many participants, ranging from CISOs and senior IT leaders to entrepreneurs, describe the programme as a catalyst for career acceleration. For some, it provided strategic clarity during a pivot; for others, it built the confidence to lead cybersecurity conversations at the boardroom level. A participant from the BFSI sector called it “the first time I stopped firefighting and started shaping strategy.” Another leader highlighted the value of peer learning, noting how “the diversity of perspectives in the classroom was as enriching as the curriculum itself.”
Behind these shared experiences is a curriculum deliberately designed to help seasoned professionals think and operate like security strategists. In a landscape where AI adoption has become a baseline, over three-quarters of organisations now use it in at least one business function, as McKinsey & Company’s 2025 State of AI Report notes.
Clearly, leaders are under pressure to stay ahead of the sophisticated threats and regulatory shifts.
Today’s cybersecurity leaders are choosing this programme for its ability to blend strategic insight with practical execution. It stands out for three core strengths:
Strategic leadership focus: The programme elevates cybersecurity from a technical function to a strategic priority, equipping leaders to influence decisions at the C-suite and board level.
A powerful peer network: Participants join a high-caliber cohort drawn from diverse sectors, enabling real-world knowledge exchange and leadership- focused problem-solving.
Future-ready frameworks: With a strong emphasis on NIST, MITRE ATTCCK, the Digital India Act, and AI-driven threat response, it gives professionals the tools to tackle emerging risks with clarity and confidence.
Delivered in a four-month, part-time weekend format, the ISB Online Cybersecurity for Leaders Programme combines academic excellence with real-world applicability.
Foundations of Cybersecurity Leadership: Understanding how security drives business resilience and growth.
Global and National Frameworks: Deep dives into NIST, MITRE ATTCCK, and evolving regulatory landscapes.
AI and Automation in Cybersecurity: Exploring how AI is reshaping incident response, risk management, and defence strategies.
Capstone Project: A hands-on, team-based exercise to design future-ready security frameworks.
Executive Network: Access to ISB’s powerful alumni ecosystem of senior leaders and industry experts.
The ISB Online Cybersecurity for Leaders Programme will commence on December 30, 2025, with a fee of INR 1,49,900 plus applicable taxes.
For senior leaders and functional heads ready to step into leadership or expand their strategic influence, this isn’t just another programme, it’s a decisive career inflection point.
Visit the programme page to learn more about the ISB Online Cybersecurity for Leaders Programme and flexible payment options.
