In this final episode of the prepcast, we shift focus from content to performance. You’ve learned the material—now it's time to master the test. We walk through proven strategies for final review, including how to prioritize domains, balance study time, and simulate test conditions. You’ll get tips on memory recall, cognitive pacing, and avoiding exam fatigue. We also address last-minute prep tools, time management during the exam, and how to approach difficult or multi-part questions with clarity.

Just as important, we provide mindset guidance for test day—how to manage nerves, trust your preparation, and stay confident under pressure. The CCISO exam is challenging, but it rewards those who think like leaders, connect the dots across domains, and stay focused on business value. This episode is your final briefing before stepping into the exam room. You've built the knowledge—now lead with it.
Ready to start your journey with confidence? Learn more at BareMetalCyber.com.

Vendor relationships introduce risk far beyond basic performance metrics—and in this episode, we dive into the executive oversight practices required to manage those risks. You’ll learn how to assess third-party risk using tiered models, risk questionnaires, and onsite audits. We also discuss how to require evidence of compliance, conduct assessments aligned to frameworks like ISO 27001 or SOC 2, and monitor ongoing vendor health through threat intelligence and financial viability reviews.

We explore how to embed vendor risk into your broader governance strategy and how to integrate third-party risk data into enterprise risk dashboards. For the CCISO exam, expect questions that test your ability to detect, communicate, and act on vendor-related risks. This episode prepares you to lead third-party risk management as an ongoing, programmatic discipline—not just a checkbox during onboarding.
Ready to start your journey with confidence? Learn more at BareMetalCyber.com.

Securing a vendor is only the beginning—the real work lies in managing performance, risk, and accountability. This episode focuses on the contractual elements that govern third-party relationships, including service level agreements (SLAs), key performance indicators (KPIs), penalties for non-compliance, and confidentiality clauses. You’ll learn how to review and negotiate contracts with a security lens, ensuring that your organization's expectations are explicitly documented and enforceable.

We also cover how to monitor vendor performance over time, including periodic reviews, SLA scorecards, and escalation procedures. CISOs must balance operational needs with legal and reputational exposure, especially in heavily outsourced or regulated environments. The CCISO exam frequently includes contract governance scenarios—this episode prepares you to manage vendor relationships proactively and protect the enterprise from hidden dependencies and underperformance.
Ready to start your journey with confidence? Learn more at BareMetalCyber.com.

Procurement is more than just purchasing tools—it’s a strategic process that shapes your organization's security ecosystem. In this episode, we walk you through the essentials of security procurement, including how to develop Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Information (RFIs), establish evaluation criteria, and conduct vendor due diligence. You’ll learn how to write procurement documents that reflect technical requirements, business needs, and compliance expectations.

We also explore the CISO’s role in managing cross-functional procurement teams, negotiating terms, and aligning procurement with long-term architecture and budget planning. The CCISO exam may include questions related to vendor selection, bid evaluation, or managing third-party engagements—this episode gives you the procedural fluency and strategic lens to oversee the full procurement lifecycle with integrity, rigor, and transparency.
Ready to start your journey with confidence? Learn more at BareMetalCyber.com.

As cybersecurity budgets grow, so does the need to justify investments with clear, measurable value. In this episode, we explore how CISOs evaluate the return on investment (ROI) of security initiatives, technologies, and services. You’ll learn how to calculate ROI using both quantitative and qualitative factors, including risk reduction, productivity gains, regulatory compliance, and reputational protection. We also walk through real-world examples of how to make the business case for security without relying solely on fear-based messaging.

Cost-benefit analysis goes beyond spreadsheet math—it requires executive judgment, stakeholder communication, and alignment with strategic objectives. We explain how to compare competing investments, use scoring models to rank projects, and frame decisions for the board. The CCISO exam includes scenarios that test your ability to prioritize initiatives, defend spending, and explain the business impact of security efforts. This episode gives you the analytical and communication tools needed to lead with fiscal credibility and strategic focus.
Ready to start your journey with confidence? Learn more at BareMetalCyber.com.

Security budgeting doesn’t end once funding is approved—CISOs must continuously manage, adjust, and defend their budgets in the face of shifting priorities and evolving threats. In this episode, we explore the fundamentals of dynamic budget management, including tracking expenditures, reallocating resources, and responding to unexpected events such as incidents, audits, or compliance changes. You’ll learn how to build budget flexibility into your planning process and how to engage in mid-year or quarterly budget reviews with clarity and purpose.

We also examine the leadership strategies needed to secure additional funding, justify budget increases, or defend cuts without compromising critical operations. From cost-benefit analysis to scenario planning, this episode prepares you to manage your security financials as a strategic asset. The CCISO exam may test your ability to analyze budget variances, prioritize investments, and present alternatives to executive stakeholders—this episode gives you the language, mindset, and methods to succeed.
Ready to start your journey with confidence? Learn more at BareMetalCyber.com.

Financial fluency is essential for every CISO—and in this episode, we break down the core principles of financial management in the context of enterprise cybersecurity. You’ll learn how to interpret balance sheets, manage operational and capital expenditures, and build forecasts that align with multi-year strategic plans. We explain how to calculate total cost of ownership (TCO), return on investment (ROI), and how to present these figures in ways that resonate with CFOs and boards.

Just as importantly, we discuss how financial management intersects with vendor negotiations, contract reviews, and program scalability. As a CCISO, your ability to speak the language of finance builds trust, supports budgeting success, and enables smarter prioritization across competing initiatives. The exam will challenge you to make budget and investment decisions based on business context—this episode equips you with the leadership and financial acumen to do so with confidence.
Ready to start your journey with confidence? Learn more at BareMetalCyber.com.

Effective security leaders think in frameworks—and in this episode, we explore two of the most influential planning models for enterprise architecture: TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) and SABSA (Sherwood Applied Business Security Architecture). You’ll learn how these frameworks guide long-term security strategy by aligning governance, policy, technology, and risk with enterprise business models. We compare their methodologies, planning layers, and lifecycle phases so you can understand their strengths and applications.

We also examine how to tailor these frameworks to your organization's unique needs, regulatory environment, and maturity level. On the CCISO exam, you may encounter scenarios that test your ability to apply framework-based thinking to problems involving architecture, governance, or cross-functional planning. This episode gives you the vocabulary and insight to lead strategic planning with structure, vision, and executive alignment.
Ready to start your journey with confidence? Learn more at BareMetalCyber.com.