Lessons from MIT: Cybersecurity for Managers – A Playbook

Completing the MIT Cybersecurity for Managers: A Playbook program through the MIT Sloan School of Management was a defining experience in my cybersecurity journey.

The course reframed how I see cybersecurity — not merely as a technical barrier, but as a strategic business capability that underpins trust and continuity.

From Awareness to Accountability

What resonated most was MIT’s emphasis that technology alone cannot protect an organization.
Culture, communication, and leadership form the first line of defense.

In an English conversation school context, where data privacy, scheduling, and digital payments are vital, this means every teacher and administrator plays a role. Training staff to identify phishing attempts or protect sensitive data is not just an IT task — it’s a shift in mindset and responsibility.

The recent cyberattacks on Japanese companies such as Askul and Asahi underscore that no organization is immune. Japan, as a whole, has room to grow in fostering stronger cybersecurity awareness and operational resilience.

Key Takeaways

Cybersecurity is strategic — a leadership responsibility.
Culture drives security — awareness must start from the top.
Risk-based decision-making aligns protection with business value.
Incident response plans should be practiced, not just documented.
Education empowers resilience — everyone has a role in security.

Applying the Playbook

After completing the course, I began drafting a simple cybersecurity playbook tailored for small educational organizations. It starts with mapping data flows, clarifying access rights, and defining clear escalation procedures. Alongside these policies, I will propose implementing regular awareness sessions, strengthening authentication practices, and aligning our approach with ISO 27001 principles.

The goal is not compliance for its own sake — but to build a culture of trust and preparedness.

Continuing the Journey

This MIT program complements my existing certifications — CompTIA Security+, (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), and ISO/IEC 27001 Foundations — and supports my upcoming hands-on studies with Splunk Core Certified User and TryHackMe Security Analyst Level 1.

Together, these experiences are shaping my next chapter as I transition toward Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) and Security Operations Center (SOC) roles.

MIT reinforced one powerful truth: cybersecurity leadership is about guiding teams, setting priorities, and ensuring that security becomes part of how we work every day.

“Cybersecurity is not just about protection — it’s about enabling confidence in a connected world.”

MIT Sloan School of Management – Cybersecurity for Managers: A Playbook (Fall 2025)