# Security Investment Business Case Template

- **PURPOSE:** Provides a structured approach for security leaders to build compelling business cases that position security investments as business enablers rather than cost centers.
- **WHEN TO USE:**When requesting budget for security initiatives, proposing new security projects, or articulating the business value of existing security investments.

## EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

[1-2 paragraphs summarizing the investment, business value, and key recommendations]

## 1. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY/CHALLENGE

- Business objective supported: [Describe specific business objective]
- Current situation: [Briefly describe the current state]
- Business opportunity: [Describe how this security investment enables business objectives]

## 2. PROPOSED SECURITY INVESTMENT

- Solution overview: [Brief description of the security capability/investment]
- Implementation approach: [High-level implementation plan]
- Timeline: [Key milestones and timeframes]

## 3. BUSINESS VALUE FRAMEWORK
   
###    A. REVENUE ENABLEMENT

      □ New market access         Est. value: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

        [Description of how this investment enables entry into new markets]

      □ Enhanced customer trust   Est. value: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

        [Description of how this investment builds customer trust and drives revenue] 

      □ Competitive differentiation Est. value: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

        [Description of competitive advantage created]
   
###    B. COST OPTIMIZATION

      □ Operational efficiency    Est. value: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

        [Description of efficiency gains or process improvements]

      □ Incident avoidance       Est. value: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

        [Description of incidents avoided and associated costs]

      □ Compliance streamlining  Est. value: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

        [Description of compliance efforts reduced]
   
###    C. RISK MITIGATION

      □ Financial risk reduction  Est. value: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

        [Quantification of financial risk reduced]

      □ Reputational protection  Est. value: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

        [Quantification of brand/reputation value protected]

      □ Operational resilience   Est. value: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

        [Quantification of operational disruption avoided]

## 4. INVESTMENT DETAILS

   • Initial investment: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

   • Ongoing annual costs: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

   • Total 3-year TCO: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
   
## 5. EXPECTED RETURNS

   • Total 3-year value created: $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

   • ROI (3-year): \_\_\_\_%

   • Payback period: \_\_\_ months

   • Additional non-financial benefits: [List key non-financial benefits]

## 6. STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT

   [Explain how this investment aligns with overall business strategy and priorities]

## 7. IMPLEMENTATION CONSIDERATIONS

- Key dependencies: [List critical dependencies]
- Resource requirements: [List required resources]
- Key stakeholders: [List key stakeholders]
- Success metrics: [List metrics for measuring success]

## 8. RECOMMENDATION

   [Clear, concise recommendation with rationale]

## APPENDICES

   A. Detailed calculation methodology

   B. Alternative solutions considered

   C. Risk assessment

## IMPLEMENTATION TIPS:

- Focus on business outcomes first, then security capabilities - not the other way around
- Quantify as many benefits as possible, even if using ranges or estimates
- Customize the categories based on what matters most to your specific executives

***

(c)[Kayne McGladrey](https://kaynemcgladrey.com/) - [Get the full book "Cyber Risk is a Myth"](https://www.routledge.com/Cyber-Risk-is-a-Myth-A-Business-Approach-to-Integrated-Risk-Management/McGladrey/p/book/9781041249054)