Better Prepared, Better Protected.
Strengthen your organization’s defenses with expert insights on cybersecurity governance, risk management, and resilience with these cybersecurity leadership essentials.
What's Included
Discover strategies to enhance security, modernize IT, and stay ahead of evolving threats, including AI-driven attacks and quantum risks—ensuring your business is prepared for what’s next.
✅ Expert Insights & Best Practices – Actionable strategies from cybersecurity leaders on governance, risk management, and resilience.
✅ Key Trends & Emerging Threats – Guidance on navigating AI-driven cyber risks, quantum computing, and evolving regulatory landscapes.
✅ Proactive Strategies & Actionable Recommendations – Steps to strengthen security, modernize IT, and align cybersecurity with business objectives.
"You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Boards should be asking: What are our key cybersecurity indicators, and how are we improving?"
Panelist
AJ Harris
Rooted in Expertise
This resource was developed using key takeaways from the ICD Cybersecurity Panel, where leading experts in cybersecurity, risk management, and governance shared their perspectives on today’s evolving threat landscape.
Their insights—rooted in real-world experience and industry best practices—help executives, board members, and cybersecurity leaders strengthen security strategies, enhance governance, and build long-term resilience.
We thank the panelists and attendees for their valuable contributions to this discussion.
Kim Butler (Master of Ceremonies)
Senior Advisor, Stratford Group
A seasoned executive with 30+ years of financial and operational leadership in Canadian and multinational organizations. Kim has held CFO, SVP, and interim CEO roles at companies including Ericsson Service Assurance, CENX, and Bridgewater Systems. She serves on multiple boards and is a mentor for female entrepreneurs.
John Proctor (Moderator)
Partner, Cybersecurity, Privacy & Financial Crimes, PwC
A cybersecurity leader with military and private sector experience. Former VP, Global Cybersecurity at CGI and CEO of Martello Technologies, John now delivers cybersecurity outcomes at PwC. He also serves on the boards of the Ottawa Airport, Ottawa Board of Trade, Juno Beach Centre Association, and the Lower Ottawa Valley OPP Detachment.
Matt Davies (Panelist)
Former CTO, Shared Services Canada | Board Member, Hydro Ottawa & University of Ottawa Heart Institute
An industry leader in business strategy, cybersecurity, and emerging technology, Matt was recognized as a Global Top 50 Government Innovator (2023) and received the CCISO Award (2020). He holds executive education from Tuck and Wharton, is a CPA/CMA, and has completed cybersecurity governance programs at Carnegie Mellon.
Abigail Carter-Langford (Panelist)
Former EVP, Governance, Risk & Compliance | Chief Privacy & Security Officer, Canada Health Infoway
A privacy and cybersecurity specialist with expertise in digital transformation and information governance, Abigail now works as an independent advisor. Previously, she served as Chief Privacy Officer at eHealth Ontario and University Health Network. She holds a Master’s in Health Law (Osgoode Hall) and certifications including CISSP, CISA, and CIPP/C.
Sacha Gera (Panelist)
Former Head of Cyber Business Unit, Calian | Former CEO, JSI | Board Member, CENGN & Quantropi
A C-level executive and entrepreneur specializing in cybersecurity, AI, and telecom, Sacha was formerly President of Calian’s IT & Cybersecurity business unit and co-founder of Kandy Communications. He is a 2024 NetIP Leadership Award recipient and 2019 Forty Under 40 honouree, with an MBA from Ivey Business School.
Strengthening Cybersecurity: Relevant for Every Industry
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern—it’s a business-critical priority across industries. Whether you’re in finance, healthcare, technology, or another sector, the principles of strong governance, risk management, and resilience apply universally.
Informed Decision-Making: A well-structured cybersecurity strategy ensures leadership has the insights needed to assess risks, align security with business objectives, and make data-driven decisions.
Operational Resilience: Proactive cybersecurity measures help organizations minimize disruptions, protect critical data, and maintain trust, even in the face of evolving threats.
Scalability and Adaptability: As cyber risks evolve, so must security strategies. A resilient approach ensures your organization remains protected as new threats, technologies, and regulations emerge.
Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting data—it’s about ensuring long-term business continuity, stability, and growth. No matter your industry, the right strategy can strengthen security, streamline operations, and future-proof your organization.