The CEO’s Digital Survival Guide

About the Author

Nathan Whittacre is a seasoned expert in the field of digital technology and cybersecurity. His deep understanding of technological advancements and his passion for educating leaders on the importance of digital security have made him a respected figure in the industry. Nathan’s career spans several decades, during which he has helped numerous organizations navigate the complexities of the digital world, ensuring they stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. His practical approach to technology and his ability to simplify complex concepts have made him a sought-after speaker and consultant.

Main Idea

The main idea of "The CEO’s Digital Survival Guide: A Practical Handbook to Navigating the Future" is to equip senior leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to protect their organizations from cyber threats and to leverage technology effectively. Nathan Whittacre emphasizes the critical role of CEOs in understanding and implementing the right technologies to safeguard their businesses. The book provides a comprehensive guide on various aspects of digital security, from internal and external cybersecurity to business continuity and workforce management. It aims to help leaders make informed decisions about technology, ensuring their organizations thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Keeping Your Place in the Future
2. Chapter 1: A Digital Self-Assessment
3. Chapter 2: Business Planning and Analysis
4. Chapter 3: Internal Cybersecurity – Protection from Inside Threats
5. Chapter 4: External Cybersecurity Part 1: Endpoint Threats from Outside the Organization
6. Chapter 5: External Cybersecurity Part 2: Infrastructure Threats from Outside the Organization
7. Chapter 6: Social Engineering
8. Chapter 7: Physical Security
9. Chapter 8: Network Design and Business Continuity
10. Chapter 9: Workforce Management – Hybrid, Remote, and Outsourced Workforces
11. Chapter 10: Business Accounting Systems
12. Chapter 11: Laws and Compliance
13. Chapter 12: Documentation, Policies, and Procedures
14. Conclusion

Introduction: Keeping Your Place in the Future

The introduction sets the stage for the importance of understanding technology for business leaders. Nathan Whittacre stresses that the ability to speak and make decisions about technology is crucial for modern CEOs. The book aims to provide a clear guide for leaders to navigate the digital landscape effectively.

"If leaders of a business are not able to clearly understand technology or speak about it with an IT professional, it puts them at a disadvantage." - Nathan Whittacre

Whittacre highlights three main reasons for writing the book:

• To help leaders speak and make decisions about technology as if it were their second language.
• To show how technology can help businesses grow and operate more efficiently.
• To make the book interesting and accessible, not just a technical manual.

Chapter 1: A Digital Self-Assessment

This chapter introduces a digital self-assessment tool to help organizations evaluate their current technology status. The assessment covers six key areas: infrastructure, cybersecurity, compliance, backup and disaster recovery, business strategy, and cloud computing. The goal is to provide a baseline score and identify areas for improvement.