Program Details
Date and Location
14 October, 2025
RSAC CISO Boot Camp - Australian Cyber Conference 2025 | Melbourne
About the Program
RSAC™ CISO Boot Camp is an invitation-only gathering of newly appointed and future CISOs from a broad set of organizations around the globe. This closed-door, Chatham House Rule program delivers a unique and curated experience designed to prepare CISOs new to the role, or aspiring CISOs for the next step in their careers.
Launched in 2019, CISO Boot Camp is delivered by experienced CISOs and industry experts. Attendees can expect quality presentations, inspiring conversations, and immersive hands-on learning with live simulations to help instill the skills needed to be successful–not to mention, plenty of networking with new peers on the same career trajectory, and experts with possible mentoring opportunities.
Launched in 2019, CISO Boot Camp is delivered by experienced CISOs and industry experts. Attendees can expect quality presentations, inspiring conversations, and immersive hands-on learning with live simulations to help instill the skills needed to be successful–not to mention, plenty of networking with new peers on the same career trajectory, and experts with possible mentoring opportunities.
Qualifications
RSAC™ CISO Boot Camp is an invitation-only program designed for new and aspiring CISOs who are currently in the position or on track to become a CISO at organizations of at least 100 employees (organizations smaller than 100 may be considered). Individuals working for a vendor/supplier are not permitted unless the individual is in a cybersecurity position and an existing CISO or on track to become one. There is a limit of two individuals per organization. No sales, marketing or media are permitted.
Agenda*
| Day | Time | Session |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 14 October | 7:45–8:30 | Arrival & Breakfast |
| Tuesday | 8:30–8:50 | Welcome & Polling |
| Tuesday | 8:50–9:30 |
The Business of Being a CISO Stepping into the CISO role means more than mastering cybersecurity—it’s about thriving as a business leader. This session explores how to operate at the C-level, balancing technical priorities with organizational strategy. Learn how to navigate corporate politics, build influence, and communicate with impact. Learn how to position yourself as a trusted partner to the business, make your mark in the critical first 100 days, and set the tone for long-term success. |
| Tuesday | 9:30–10:10 |
Speaking the Language of Finance To secure resources and influence decisions, CISOs must speak in terms that resonate with financial leaders. This session reveals what CEOs and CFOs expect from cyber leaders, how they assess value, and the metrics that matter most. Learn how to build a compelling budget, frame security investments in financial terms, and communicate risk in the language of ROI—driving executive buy-in and positioning security as a business enabler, not just a cost. |
| Tuesday | 10:10–10:40 | Networking Break |
| Tuesday | 10:40–11:20 |
Interactive Discussion: Building High-Performing Cyber Teams Explore best practices for hiring top talent, shaping team culture, and building trust. Panelists share lessons on hiring in a competitive market, developing leaders, and fostering a culture that retains the best. Includes breakout groups to exchange ideas and practical approaches with peers. |
| Tuesday | 11:20–12:00 |
Risk Management: Turning Risk into Your Strategic Advantage Learn how to approach risk at scale, integrate cyber risk into enterprise decision-making, and treat risk as an ally for stronger partnerships and smarter outcomes. |
| Tuesday | 12:00–12:50 | Networking Lunch |
| Tuesday | 12:50–1:30 |
Exclusive CBC Ask Me Anything with Tim Brown, CISO, SolarWinds Chatham House Rule Q&A with Tim Brown. He’ll share insights, lessons, and experiences to further build your CISO foundation. |
| Tuesday | 1:30–1:40 | Polling |
| Tuesday | 1:40–2:20 |
Breach Insights: Lessons from the Front Lines Examine the challenges of incident response, including detection, systemic failures, and effective coordination. Learn from an actual breach and discover strategies to strengthen people, processes, and security. |
| Tuesday | 2:20–2:50 | Networking Break |
| Tuesday | 2:50–4:20 |
When Every Second Counts: A Cyber Crisis Tabletop Exercise Immersive simulation of a cyber incident. Manage the first 72 hours of a crisis, navigating uncertainty, media pressure, and cross-departmental decisions. Guided by expert facilitators with role play. |
| Tuesday | 4:20–5:00 |
CISO Q&A Panel: Lessons from Cyber Leaders Hear directly from three CISOs about career paths, key decisions, and lessons that define successful leadership. |
| Tuesday | 5:00–5:15 | Polling & Closing |
| Tuesday | 5:15–7:00 | Networking Cocktail Reception |
| Wednesday, 15 October | 3:40–4:20 |
Avoiding Burnout and Protecting Mental Health Panel with a seasoned CISO and a mental health professional on stress, resilience, balance, and sustaining performance. |
| Thursday, 16 October | 10:30–11:10 |
Exclusive CBC Ask Me Anything with Brian Krebs Chatham House Rule Q&A with Brian Krebs, who shares candid insights and experiences from investigating cybercrime. |
| Friday, 17 October | 10:25–11:05 |
CBC Roundtable: Peer Insights and Reflection Facilitated roundtable for attendees to share insights, reflect on the week, and continue networking. |
*Agenda subject to change.