Checklist
Cyber Leader Budgeting Checklist
4 Musts for Building a Smarter Cybersecurity Budget in 2026
Cybersecurity budgets are growing... but so are the threats.
In 2025 alone, over 47,800 vulnerabilities were published, averaging 131 new risks every single day. For SMBs in regulated industries, the challenge isn’t just spending more. It’s spending smarter.
That’s why we created the Cyber Leader Budgeting Checklist — a practical guide designed to help:
CIOs, CISOs, and IT Directors in SMBs
Compliance Officers and Risk Managers in regulated industries
CEOs and executives who want clarity on cybersecurity spending priorities
Access Your Checklist
What You’ll Learn
AI Preparedness
AI is transforming both attack and defense in cybersecurity. With 131 new vulnerabilities discovered daily, attackers are already weaponizing AI to exploit weaknesses faster. This checklist shows you how to budget for AI governance, staff training, and vendor oversight so your organization isn’t left exposed.
Third-Party Vendor Risk
Vendors remain one of the largest attack surfaces, with 47% of breaches tied to third parties. You’ll learn what investments reduce exposure, from monitoring platforms to contract protections, and how to make vendor oversight part of your budget, not an afterthought.
Ongoing Security Risk Assessments
Compliance frameworks like HIPAA, PCI DSS, and CMMC now require continuous testing and evidence of controls. This checklist explains how to budget for quarterly risk assessments and annual comprehensive reviews — helping you stay ahead of regulators and avoid costly fines.
Closing the Talent Gap with MSSPs
With 4.8M unfilled cybersecurity positions worldwide, SMBs can’t rely on hiring their way out of the talent shortage. Instead, you’ll learn how to leverage Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) to access expert leadership, 24/7 monitoring, and scalable support at a fraction of the cost of internal teams.
Why It Matters
Stop Overspending
In 2024, 58% of SMBs overspent on cybersecurity — most due to reactive spending and unplanned incidents. Smarter budgeting in 2026 means aligning investments with real-world risk instead of chasing the latest fire drill.
Prepare for Rising Premiums
Cyber insurance premiums are projected to reach $23B by 2026. Insurers now demand proof of strong security controls before issuing or renewing coverage. Building these requirements into your budget keeps premiums manageable and protects compliance.
Close the Talent Gap Cost-Effectively
The cybersecurity workforce gap has reached millions worldwide. Hiring internally isn’t realistic for most SMBs. Partnering with an MSSP provides enterprise-grade expertise and 24/7 monitoring at 60% lower cost than building an internal team.
Get Your Checklist Now
Don’t let 2026 catch you unprepared. Fill out the form above to download the Cyber Leader Budgeting Checklist today and start building a cyber strategy that works for your business — not against it.