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SEC9351 Building a Security Program for Information Technology & Services

$199.00
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What is the Building a Security Program for Information course about?

A step-by-step implementation guide to designing, deploying, and maintaining a defensible security program aligned with SOC 2 standards Each order is checked and updated against the latest insights before delivery. That is why access takes up to 24 hours rather than being instant.

What situation is the Building a Security Program for Information for?

Security leaders spend disproportionate time reconciling controls, gathering evidence, and managing last-minute changes before audits, even when the program is mature. The challenge isn't awareness; it's implementation discipline.

Who is the Building a Security Program for Information course for?

Senior security executives (CISOs, Head of Security, Director of Security) in technology services firms who own the design and delivery of compliance-aligned security programs and need to reduce operational drag without sacrificing audit readiness.

Who is the Building a Security Program for Information course not for?

Entry-level security analysts, auditors, or consultants seeking certification prep , this is not a SOC 2 awareness course or exam review.

What do you take away from the Building a Security Program for Information course?

Design a SOC 2-aligned security program from scratch or refine an existing one with precision Eliminate recurring evidence rework through standardized control documentation and ownership models Shorten pre-audit preparation from weeks to under four days Align security controls with business workflows, not just compliance checkboxes Build a living program that evolves with product and organizational changes.

How does this map to your situation?

Designing a new security program from scratch Refining an existing program facing audit fatigue Scaling security controls across growing engineering teams Reducing dependency on manual evidence collection.

What's included with your purchase?

12 modules with 12 chapters each (144 chapters) Downloadable templates and worked examples for every module Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access 30-day money-back guarantee.

What does the Building a Security Program for Information cover on delivery and format?

Format: Text-based modules and chapters in the Art of Service learning environment, plus downloadable templates and worked examples for every chapter, plus the hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access. Time investment: Approximately 90 minutes per module, designed to be completed at your pace over 6, 8 weeks.

Closely related courses: ISO/IEC 27001, Building a Mission-Aligned Information Security Program, ISO 27003 Implementation Mastery, ISO 27001 Implementation Mastery.

More answers: what you get with every course, refund policy, all help answers.

A tailored course, built for your situation

Building a Security Program for Information Technology & Services

A step-by-step implementation guide to designing, deploying, and maintaining a defensible security program aligned with SOC 2 standards

$199 one-time
30-day money-back guarantee Verified against latest insights, updated access provided within 24h

Each order is checked and updated against the latest insights before delivery. That is why access takes up to 24 hours rather than being instant.

12 modules. 12 chapters per module. 144 chapters total.
12 modules, each with 12 chapters (144 chapters total), text-based, plus downloadable templates and a hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Audit evidence packages that require rework and cross-functional chasing

The situation this course is for

Security leaders spend disproportionate time reconciling controls, gathering evidence, and managing last-minute changes before audits, even when the program is mature. The challenge isn't awareness; it's implementation discipline.

Who this is for

Senior security executives (CISOs, Head of Security, Director of Security) in technology services firms who own the design and delivery of compliance-aligned security programs and need to reduce operational drag without sacrificing audit readiness.

Who this is not for

Entry-level security analysts, auditors, or consultants seeking certification prep , this is not a SOC 2 awareness course or exam review.

What you walk away with

  • Design a SOC 2-aligned security program from scratch or refine an existing one with precision
  • Eliminate recurring evidence rework through standardized control documentation and ownership models
  • Shorten pre-audit preparation from weeks to under four days
  • Align security controls with business workflows, not just compliance checkboxes
  • Build a living program that evolves with product and organizational changes

The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)

Module 1. Mapping SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria to Real-World Controls
Break down each TSC category into specific, enforceable control statements tied to technical and process realities.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Understanding the five Trust Services Criteria and their operational impact
  2. Differentiating between common criteria and points of focus
  3. Translating TSC requirements into actionable internal policies
  4. How to avoid over-scoping your SOC 2 boundary
  5. Defining system boundaries with engineering and product teams
  6. Using control objectives to guide evidence collection
  7. Common gaps in availability and confidentiality criteria
  8. Integrating privacy commitments without expanding scope
  9. Control maturity scoring for each TSC domain
  10. Aligning TSC to customer contractual obligations
  11. When to exclude a criterion and how to justify it
  12. Building a TSC-to-control traceability matrix
Module 2. Defining Scope with Precision and Stakeholder Buy-In
Establish clear boundaries for your environment, data, systems, and processes involved in the SOC 2 audit.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Identifying in-scope systems based on data flow and customer impact
  2. Mapping data custody across cloud and third-party providers
  3. Engaging engineering leads to confirm system ownership
  4. Documenting legacy systems and their inclusion rationale
  5. Excluding dev and staging environments: rules of thumb
  6. Handling multi-tenant architecture in scope definition
  7. Creating visual boundary diagrams stakeholders can approve
  8. Aligning scope with sales and customer success teams
  9. Managing scope creep during evidence collection
  10. Getting legal sign-off on scope documentation
  11. Using risk assessment to justify boundary decisions
  12. Versioning and change control for scope documents
Module 3. Control Design: From Policy to Enforceable Mechanism
Move beyond policy documents to design controls that are operational, measurable, and sustainable.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Writing policies that engineers can implement
  2. Differentiating preventive, detective, and corrective controls
  3. Assigning control ownership with RACI clarity
  4. Linking controls to existing IAM and monitoring tools
  5. Automating policy enforcement through configuration
  6. Designing logging standards that satisfy audit needs
  7. Building access review workflows into identity systems
  8. Creating compensating controls when automation isn't possible
  9. Control documentation templates that survive auditor scrutiny
  10. Versioning control descriptions and change logs
  11. Using control metrics to demonstrate consistency
  12. Review cycles for control effectiveness validation
Module 4. Evidence Collection: Building a Repeatable System
Establish a predictable, low-friction process for gathering and validating audit evidence across teams.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Defining what constitutes valid evidence per control
  2. Scheduling evidence collection to avoid last-minute scrambles
  3. Using ticketing systems as evidence sources
  4. Automating screenshot and log collection workflows
  5. Designing self-service evidence portals for owners
  6. Validating evidence completeness before submission
  7. Redacting sensitive data without compromising proof
  8. Timestamping and chain-of-custody for digital evidence
  9. Centralizing evidence in a single, searchable repository
  10. Handling evidence for manual compensating controls
  11. Version control for evidence packages
  12. Auditor access protocols and permission levels
Module 5. Control Ownership and Accountability Models
Define clear roles, responsibilities, and escalation paths for control execution across functions.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Assigning control owners across engineering, IT, and HR
  2. Avoiding sole ownership by security team members
  3. Creating accountability through documented attestations
  4. Integrating control ownership into onboarding
  5. Handling turnover and role changes in control coverage
  6. Using Slack and email confirmations as interim proof
  7. Building manager validation into quarterly attestations
  8. Escalation paths when controls fail or evidence is missing
  9. Performance metrics tied to control ownership
  10. Compensating for decentralized teams and time zones
  11. Training non-security staff on their control roles
  12. Documenting delegation and temporary assignments
Module 6. Implementing Continuous Monitoring and Testing
Shift from point-in-time audits to ongoing assurance through automated checks and alerts.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Identifying which controls can be continuously monitored
  2. Integrating SIEM alerts with control validation
  3. Using CSPM tools to verify cloud security posture
  4. Building automated access review reminders
  5. Setting thresholds for anomaly detection in logs
  6. Creating dashboards for control health visibility
  7. Scheduling synthetic transactions to test controls
  8. Logging failed control checks and response workflows
  9. Integrating with incident response for remediation
  10. Reporting frequency for continuous monitoring data
  11. Auditor acceptance of automated test results
  12. Maintaining logs of automated monitoring activities
Module 7. Preparing for Auditor Engagement and Fieldwork
Streamline the audit process by delivering well-organized, complete documentation and access.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Selecting the right audit firm and scoping the engagement
  2. Creating an auditor onboarding package
  3. Providing read-only access to systems and logs
  4. Scheduling walkthroughs without disrupting operations
  5. Anticipating common auditor questions by control
  6. Preparing executive interviews and talking points
  7. Handling requests for additional evidence mid-audit
  8. Coordinating responses across control owners
  9. Tracking auditor findings and remediation timelines
  10. Using pre-audit checklists to ensure readiness
  11. Managing communication between auditor and team
  12. Documenting resolution of prior year findings
Module 8. Responding to Findings and Building Corrective Actions
Turn audit results into improvement without spiraling into rework.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Classifying findings by severity and root cause
  2. Creating actionable remediation plans with owners
  3. Setting realistic deadlines for corrective actions
  4. Validating fixes before closing out findings
  5. Documenting evidence of remediation for auditors
  6. Avoiding recurrence through process updates
  7. Updating control design based on audit feedback
  8. Communicating findings to leadership without alarm
  9. Integrating findings into risk register
  10. Using findings to prioritize future security investments
  11. Tracking open items until formal closure
  12. Demonstrating progress to auditors between cycles
Module 9. Maintaining Program Health Between Audits
Keep the security program alive and evolving outside of audit cycles.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Scheduling quarterly control reviews and updates
  2. Updating policies in response to product changes
  3. Reassessing scope when new systems go live
  4. Conducting internal mock audits annually
  5. Training new hires on the security program
  6. Reviewing access rights after organizational changes
  7. Updating documentation for tooling or process changes
  8. Monitoring industry trends affecting control relevance
  9. Engaging auditors for off-cycle consults
  10. Benchmarking control maturity year-over-year
  11. Measuring program efficiency through time-to-evidence
  12. Celebrating wins and reinforcing accountability
Module 10. Scaling the Program Across Products and Teams
Extend the security program to new business units, products, or geographies without starting over.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Replicating control frameworks across product lines
  2. Adapting controls for different development lifecycles
  3. Onboarding new teams using standardized playbooks
  4. Centralizing oversight while decentralizing execution
  5. Handling regional compliance variations (e.g., data residency)
  6. Integrating with M&A onboarding processes
  7. Using templates to accelerate new product inclusion
  8. Managing version differences across product instances
  9. Auditing multi-tenant vs. dedicated environments
  10. Aligning security messaging across global teams
  11. Training regional leads to act as control stewards
  12. Measuring consistency across scaled deployments
Module 11. Integrating with Other Frameworks and Standards
Align SOC 2 with ISO 27001, NIST CSF, COBIT, and other standards without duplication.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Mapping SOC 2 controls to NIST CSF functions
  2. Cross-walking between SOC 2 and ISO 27001 clauses
  3. Using COBIT for governance-level alignment
  4. Avoiding redundant evidence collection across audits
  5. Creating a unified control repository
  6. Prioritizing controls that satisfy multiple frameworks
  7. Documenting mappings for auditor review
  8. Handling conflicting requirements between standards
  9. Leveraging one audit to support another
  10. Updating mappings when standards evolve
  11. Training teams on multi-framework expectations
  12. Reporting consolidated compliance status
Module 12. Building Leadership Confidence and External Credibility
Use the security program to strengthen trust with customers, investors, and partners.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Communicating SOC 2 status to prospects and customers
  2. Sharing redacted reports without compromising security
  3. Training sales teams on compliance messaging
  4. Using SOC 2 as a differentiator in RFP responses
  5. Preparing for customer security questionnaires
  6. Responding to due diligence requests efficiently
  7. Publishing transparency reports when appropriate
  8. Highlighting program maturity in funding rounds
  9. Demonstrating leadership commitment through actions
  10. Balancing disclosure with competitive sensitivity
  11. Evolving the program to meet future customer demands
  12. Positioning SOC 2 as part of a broader trust platform

How this maps to your situation

  • Designing a new security program from scratch
  • Refining an existing program facing audit fatigue
  • Scaling security controls across growing engineering teams
  • Reducing dependency on manual evidence collection

Before vs. after

Before
Spending weeks compiling evidence, managing stakeholder gaps, and reacting to audit findings
After
Running a predictable, audit-ready security program with minimal lift and maximum credibility

What's included with your purchase

  • 12 modules with 12 chapters each (144 chapters)
  • Downloadable templates and worked examples for every module
  • Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Delivery and format

  • Course and learning environment access provisioned within 24 hours of purchase
  • Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access

Format: Text-based modules and chapters in the Art of Service learning environment, plus downloadable templates and worked examples for every chapter, plus the hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.

Time investment: Approximately 90 minutes per module, designed to be completed at your pace over 6, 8 weeks.

If nothing changes
Continuing to operate a reactive security program leads to recurring time sinks, inconsistent control application, and missed opportunities to position security as a strategic enabler.

How this compares to the alternatives

Unlike generic compliance guides or video courses focused on certification prep, this program delivers a field-tested, implementation-grade playbook used by CISOs in high-growth tech services firms to build sustainable, auditor-resilient programs.

Frequently asked

Is this course focused on SOC 2 Type I or Type II?
The course covers both Type I (design) and Type II (operational effectiveness) requirements, with emphasis on building a program that sustains Type II readiness.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Does this cover other frameworks like ISO 27001 or NIST?
SOC 2 is the primary focus, but Module 11 provides detailed mapping guidance to ISO 27001, NIST CSF, and COBIT for alignment.
$199 one-time. Approximately 90 minutes per module, designed to be completed at your pace over 6, 8 weeks..

Within 24 hours your account in the learning environment is provisioned and the tailored implementation playbook is delivered alongside it.

30-day money-back guarantee· 144 chapters· Hand-built playbook included· Account access within 24 hours