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Operationally-Sound Application Security Programs for Senior Leaders

$199.00
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A tailored course, built for your situation

Operationally-Sound Application Security Programs for Senior Leaders

Build, scale, and govern application security programs that align with strategic business objectives

$199 one-time
24-hour access provisioning 30-day money-back guarantee Hand-built implementation playbook
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.
Application security efforts often operate in silos, misaligned with business goals and overburdened by reactive measures.

The situation this course is for

Leaders face mounting pressure to ensure software resilience while maintaining delivery speed. Without an operationally-sound foundation, security initiatives become costly, inconsistent, and difficult to sustain at scale.

Who this is for

Senior business and technology leaders responsible for risk, compliance, product delivery, or technology strategy who need to lead effective, sustainable application security programs.

Who this is not for

Individual contributors focused on hands-on penetration testing or code-level security implementation without leadership or governance responsibilities.

What you walk away with

  • Design a scalable application security program anchored in business risk and operational reality
  • Align security initiatives with product roadmaps and organizational capacity
  • Establish clear ownership, accountability, and performance metrics across teams
  • Integrate security into CI/CD pipelines without disrupting delivery velocity
  • Communicate program value and risk posture effectively to executive stakeholders

The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)

Module 1. Foundations of Application Security Leadership
Introduce core principles, scope, and strategic importance of application security in modern organizations.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Defining application security in a business context
  2. The evolution of secure software delivery
  3. Leadership’s role in shaping program culture
  4. Aligning with compliance and regulatory expectations
  5. Balancing risk, speed, and innovation
  6. Common pitfalls in program initiation
  7. Establishing executive sponsorship
  8. Mapping stakeholders and influence zones
  9. Setting realistic program boundaries
  10. Integrating with enterprise risk management
  11. Building cross-functional credibility
  12. Assessing organizational readiness
Module 2. Governance and Accountability Frameworks
Design governance models that ensure clarity, consistency, and sustained engagement.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Principles of effective security governance
  2. Defining roles: CISO, product, engineering, legal
  3. Creating RACI matrices for security activities
  4. Establishing steering committees
  5. Documenting policies and escalation paths
  6. Integrating with board-level reporting
  7. Measuring governance effectiveness
  8. Handling exceptions and risk acceptance
  9. Audit preparedness and documentation
  10. Maintaining policy relevance over time
  11. Cross-departmental alignment strategies
  12. Updating governance in response to change
Module 3. Threat Modeling at Scale
Implement repeatable threat modeling practices that inform design and prioritization.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Purpose and scope of threat modeling
  2. Integrating threat modeling into design phases
  3. Choosing between STRIDE, PASTA, and other models
  4. Facilitating cross-functional threat modeling sessions
  5. Documenting and tracking findings
  6. Prioritizing risks based on business impact
  7. Automating model updates with architecture changes
  8. Scaling across multiple product teams
  9. Training non-security staff in basics
  10. Linking findings to control implementation
  11. Measuring modeling coverage and quality
  12. Reviewing and refining models over time
Module 4. Secure Development Lifecycle Integration
Embed security practices into every phase of the software development lifecycle.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Phases of a secure SDLC
  2. Requirements gathering with security in mind
  3. Security sign-offs at key milestones
  4. Integrating security into agile workflows
  5. Defining security criteria for user stories
  6. Managing technical debt and security debt
  7. Using gates and checklists effectively
  8. Coordinating between security and delivery teams
  9. Handling legacy system integration
  10. Scaling SDLC practices across teams
  11. Measuring SDLC adoption and compliance
  12. Iterating the SDLC based on feedback
Module 5. Vulnerability Management Strategy
Move beyond scanning to create a strategic, risk-based approach to vulnerability handling.
12 chapters in this module
  1. From detection to remediation: the full lifecycle
  2. Prioritizing vulnerabilities by exploitability and impact
  3. Integrating scanners into CI/CD pipelines
  4. Reducing false positives through tuning
  5. Establishing SLAs for remediation
  6. Tracking progress with meaningful metrics
  7. Coordinating fixes across teams and vendors
  8. Managing disclosure and patch timelines
  9. Using data to drive resource allocation
  10. Handling critical vulnerabilities under pressure
  11. Benchmarking performance against peers
  12. Reviewing and refining response playbooks
Module 6. Third-Party and Supply Chain Risk
Assess and manage risks introduced through vendors, open source, and external dependencies.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Understanding modern software supply chains
  2. Evaluating third-party security posture
  3. Conducting vendor risk assessments
  4. Managing open source component risks
  5. Using SBOMs effectively
  6. Enforcing contractual security requirements
  7. Monitoring for downstream vulnerabilities
  8. Responding to third-party incidents
  9. Building redundancy and fallback options
  10. Scaling assessments across the portfolio
  11. Reporting supply chain risk to leadership
  12. Improving vendor collaboration on security
Module 7. Metrics That Drive Improvement
Define and use metrics that reflect real progress and inform strategic decisions.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Common pitfalls in security metrics
  2. Choosing leading vs. lagging indicators
  3. Measuring program maturity over time
  4. Tracking time to detect and remediate
  5. Calculating risk reduction impact
  6. Benchmarking against industry baselines
  7. Visualizing data for executive audiences
  8. Linking metrics to business outcomes
  9. Avoiding vanity metrics
  10. Using data to justify investment
  11. Adjusting KPIs as priorities shift
  12. Ensuring data accuracy and consistency
Module 8. Automation and Tooling Strategy
Select and deploy tools that enhance scalability without creating complexity.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Principles of effective security automation
  2. Evaluating DAST, SAST, SCA, and IaC tools
  3. Integrating tools into existing workflows
  4. Avoiding tool sprawl and alert fatigue
  5. Ensuring tool interoperability
  6. Managing licensing and operational costs
  7. Customizing rules and thresholds
  8. Measuring tool effectiveness
  9. Scaling tooling across environments
  10. Maintaining tool coverage and updates
  11. Training teams on tool usage
  12. Planning for tool retirement and replacement
Module 9. Incident Readiness and Response
Prepare for application-level incidents with clear plans, roles, and communication protocols.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Common application-level attack patterns
  2. Building an application incident response plan
  3. Defining roles during an incident
  4. Conducting tabletop exercises
  5. Logging and forensic readiness
  6. Communicating with internal stakeholders
  7. Managing external disclosure responsibly
  8. Coordinating with legal and PR teams
  9. Documenting lessons learned
  10. Updating playbooks based on simulations
  11. Integrating with broader IR teams
  12. Measuring response effectiveness
Module 10. Culture, Training, and Behavior Change
Foster a culture where security is shared, understood, and valued across teams.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Why culture matters in application security
  2. Assessing current security culture
  3. Designing role-specific training programs
  4. Using gamification and incentives
  5. Onboarding new hires with security in mind
  6. Creating internal security champions
  7. Communicating successes and progress
  8. Reducing blame in incident response
  9. Measuring cultural change over time
  10. Sustaining engagement amid competing priorities
  11. Leading by example as an executive
  12. Scaling culture initiatives across departments
Module 11. Budgeting, Resourcing, and Business Case Development
Build compelling cases for investment and allocate resources effectively.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Estimating program costs and staffing needs
  2. Building a business case for application security
  3. Prioritizing initiatives based on ROI
  4. Securing multi-year funding commitments
  5. Managing budgets across teams and tools
  6. Justifying headcount for security roles
  7. Leveraging shared services and outsourcing
  8. Tracking spend against outcomes
  9. Optimizing resource allocation
  10. Handling budget cuts or freezes
  11. Demonstrating value to CFO and board
  12. Planning for growth and scaling
Module 12. Sustaining and Evolving the Program
Ensure long-term relevance and effectiveness through continuous improvement.
12 chapters in this module
  1. Principles of continuous improvement
  2. Conducting regular program reviews
  3. Gathering feedback from stakeholders
  4. Benchmarking against evolving threats
  5. Updating policies and controls
  6. Adapting to new technologies and platforms
  7. Scaling the program with organizational growth
  8. Managing leadership transitions
  9. Preserving institutional knowledge
  10. Reassessing risk appetite periodically
  11. Aligning with digital transformation goals
  12. Planning for the next phase of maturity

How this maps to your situation

  • Leading a digital transformation with increased software delivery
  • Scaling engineering teams and need consistent security practices
  • Responding to regulatory or audit findings related to software risk
  • Preparing for increased third-party or customer scrutiny on security

Before vs. after

Before
Application security efforts are reactive, inconsistent, and struggle to keep pace with delivery demands.
After
Leaders confidently oversee a structured, scalable program that enhances resilience without slowing innovation.

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 3-4 hours per module, designed for executive pacing with actionable takeaways at each stage.

If nothing changes
Without a deliberate approach, application security remains fragmented, leading to increased exposure, inefficient spending, and erosion of stakeholder trust, especially as software becomes more central to business operations.

How this compares to the alternatives

Unlike generic security awareness training or technical certification prep, this course is built specifically for senior leaders who must govern and sustain application security programs, not just participate in them.

Frequently asked

Who is this course designed for?
Senior business and technology leaders responsible for shaping, overseeing, or resourcing application security programs, including CISOs, CTOs, compliance officers, and product executives.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Is there a certificate upon completion?
Yes, a digital certificate of completion is available once all modules are finished.
$199 one-time. Approximately 3-4 hours per module, designed for executive pacing with actionable takeaways at each stage..

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
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