It’s that time of year again. The end of summer is a mirage, Labor Day is here, which means Thanksgiving isn’t far behind. If you’re in corporate America, you know what that means—budget season is upon us. Structuring a departmental budget isn’t just a line item exercise; it’s where strategy meets execution. Especially for Security leaders.
Here’s how to think about it.
The Four Corners of Budget Season
Budgeting is more than just numbers. It’s about answering these four key questions:
- Who’s In, Who’s Out?
Which parts of your operation are growing, staying steady, or winding down? This is the time to sharpen the edges. Expansion, maintenance, or reduction—decide where the future lies. - Where Will You Double Down?
What 2-3 investments will make the cut? Choose wisely. Every dollar has a job, and every investment needs a reason to exist. - What’s the Cost of Continuity?
Business-as-usual isn’t an excuse to coast. There are inherent costs and efficiencies to consider. Don’t let the routine blind you to opportunities or dead weight. - Cross-Functional Projects: Herding Cats or Building Bridges?
Collaboration isn’t optional—it’s essential. Prioritize initiatives that need everyone pulling in the same direction. These projects may need extra resource and also deliver extra momentum.
Prep Work: 5–4–3 for the Win
There’s prep work to be done, and it pays to be organized. Here’s how to get ready:
Evidence The Improvement (5 Areas):
Prove you’re not just spinning wheels. Show advancements in these categories:
- NIST Self-Assessment: Program and Process Maturity
- Ticket and Event Management: Volume, Categories, Response Time
- Asset and Estate Visibility: All Configurations
- Evidence of Policy Compliance: Linked to Control Framework
- Employee Engagement: Proactive Engagement and Risk Off
Victory Lap (4 Sections):
Take stock of what you’ve done. Celebrate it, document it, and let it guide your next moves:
- Risk Off
- Threats Averted
- Vulnerabilities Addressed
- Collaborative Strength Displayed
CISO Statement (3 Things):
Summarize where you stand and where you’re headed:
- Evolving Trends in Attack and Threat Landscape
- Reassessment of Risk Profile
- Review of CISO Scope and Defense Strength
The Bottom Line
Budget season isn’t just an annual activity. It’s how you communicate strategy, prioritize the critical, and sharpen the focus. Do it right, and it’s not just about protecting another fiscal year; it’s about setting up the next one for success.
Security Leaders, get your evidence in order. Take your victory lap. Reassess the environment. Budget planning shouldn’t be about protecting spend, it’s about leading and driving continuous improvement.
