Information Security Budget Justification Course (CvCISO®-B)

Overview

This advanced-level CvCISO® course focuses on the strategic and practical aspects of building and justifying an information security budget. Designed for current and aspiring virtual CISOs, the course provides tools and frameworks to translate technical needs into business-aligned financial plans. Participants will explore real-world budgeting scenarios, learn how to quantify risk in financial terms, and practice presenting budget proposals to executive leadership.

Schedule

The CvCISO®-B course is open for registration, which gives you access to the course content so you can start learning on-demand NOW. Delivery of your capstone will be presenting your budget online to an instructor based on mutually accommodating schedules, or via a pre-recorded video. Students are expected to complete the online course and all related homework to receive credit. Completing the CvCISO®-B course is one of the 3 required courses for attaining Level 3 certification status.

Course curriculum is supported by Office Hours (every Tuesday 10-11am PST | 12-1pm CST |
1-2pm EST), email and dedicated support sessions upon request.

This course will offer live classes, based on having enough students to fill a class. Anyone taking
the course on demand can attend these classes before, during, or after for additional discussions,
idea exchanges and to hear other student perspectives within a 12-month period of registering
for the class.

Course Cost

The cost of the course is $1,000/student. The cost of the course includes the CvCISO®-B curriculum (in our online learning management system), and necessary resources to complete the capstone.

This includes 12 months of access to course materials, instructor mentorship, exclusive content, and
valuable networking opportunities to help students deepen their expertise, stay current, and further
support their professional development.

Experience Requirements

There is no prerequisite for the CvCISO®-B course and technical expertise is NOT required. The
ability to think critically, with discernment is helpful; however, we’ll do our best to teach this skill
during the course too.

Completion of the CvCISO®-B course is required for CvCISO® Level 3, Expert, and Mentor.

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Chapter 1 - Understanding Business Financials

Class 1: Introduction to Business Fundamentals

• Understanding the role of budgeting in cyber security leadership
• Key components of an effective security budget
• Common budgeting models and approaches

Class 2: Risk Quantification & Financial Impact

• Translating risk assessments into financial terms
• Cost-benefit analysis of security controls
• ROI and risk reduction metrics

Class 3: Aligning Budget with Business Objectives

• Mapping security initiatives to strategic goals
• Communicating value to non-technical stakeholders
• Prioritizing budget items based on business impact

Chapter 2 - Building an Information Security Budget

Class 4: Building the Budget Proposal

• Structuring a compelling budget document
• Justifying staffing, tools, and services
• Addressing objections and alternative scenarios

Class 5: Finalizing Your Information Security Budget

• Executive communication strategies
• Visualizing budget data for impact
• Role-playing budget presentations and Q&A

Class 6: Capstone Project & Peer Review

• Participants present a full budget justification in class
• Peer feedback and instructor evaluation
• Final reflections and next steps in leadership development