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 live classes for the CvCISO®-B course are now open for registration, giving you access to the course content so you can start learning NOW. The capstone for this course will be presenting your budget in the final class, along with other course attendees. Completing the CvCISO®-B course is one of the 3 required courses for attaining Level 3 certification status.

This class is presently running as a pilot program. As that completes, Specific days/times will be confirmed and included here.

Course Length

The CvCISO®-B course runs for four weeks and includes 6 instructor-led 2-hour sessions (12 classroom hours in total). In addition to the classroom hours, students are expected to complete the online course and all related homework to receive credit.

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 the necessary resources to complete the capstone.

Experience Requirements

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

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