You know you need better security for your organization. The security consultants you hired ran a penetration test on your website but did they look comprehensively at your organization’s security posture? Did they talk with your executive management about their business goals and risk tolerance for the organization?
Often in the security space there is a big gap between what businesses need and what security consultants can provide. So many medium-sized businesses look into hiring a Chief Information Security Officer or CISO. Unfortunately, when they see the price tag they think about a new strategy. Here in the Boston, Massachusetts area, full-time CISOs median salary plus bonus for is over $200,000 a year. Then when you factor in benefits, a staff for your CISO and training / personnel development costs the price tag can be well outside of your organization’s budget.
Is a vCISO Right for Your Business?
That is where a virtual CISO can help to solve your security needs. A virtual CISO can quickly get up to speed on your business and the requirements to improve your organization’s security posture. Virtual CISOs can leverage the experience and training from the other organizations they protect.
There are a variety of ways a virtual CISO can plug into your organization. If you are hesitant to inject another voice into an already opinionated management team then you can start with a security assessment and evaluation. The virtual CISO will meet with the management team to learn the organization’s corporate objectives, security objectives, risk tolerance and goals. The virtual CISO will then work with the rest of the organization to understand the organization’s security posture and perform a comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation plan. The virtual CISO will then deliver a presentation to management focusing on the top security risks for your organization and recommended course of action for mitigating those risks. If approved the virtual CISO can work with your organization to implement the changes. Of if you prefer can step aside.
For those organizations who need a CISO to be present and driving change throughout the organization, a virtual CISO can be ideal. The virtual CISO can not only perform the assessment but manage your employees, vendors, create internal processes and essentially act as an employee. Additional the virtual CISO can represent your organization to the outside world meeting with customers and presenting on behalf of your organization. The choice is up to you and your organization’s needs.
What Makes Fractional CISO Different?
The funny thing about a virtual CISO is that he/she doesn’t need to be virtual. Here at Fractional CISO the start of every engagement begins with in-person meetings with the management team and key security personnel. For those customers in the greater Boston area we meet regularly in-person. In some cases, the virtual CISO might spend one or more days a week physically in the office with the rest of your organization. Of course, with a video camera and high-speed connection the virtual CISO can work effectively while being hundreds or thousands of miles away.
While you may be sold on hiring a virtual CISO, how do you know that they are in fact security experts? Here is where credentials can help. Having a CISSP or CISM doesn’t guarantee that someone is a good security expert but these certifications are hard to earn and require a significant amount of security knowledge. While there are many highly qualified security experts without a CISSP, here at Fractional CISO we insist that all Fractional CISOs have the CISSP certification. Additionally, just like with any other role you are hiring checking references is an important aspect to ensuring you are getting a high-quality service. Let’s take a look at why a vCISO makes sense for a medium-sized business.
10 Benefits of a Virtual CISO (vCISO) for Your Medium-Sized Business
A virtual CISO brings numerous advantages to your business, especially for medium-sized enterprises. Here are some key benefits:
1. Cost-Effective Expertise
Hiring a full-time CISO can be expensive for many businesses. A virtual CISO offers access to top-tier security expertise at a fraction of the cost, making high-level cybersecurity more accessible.
2. Flexibility and Scalability
Virtual CISOs provide flexible models, allowing you to scale services up or down based on your current needs. Whether you need a short-term assessment or ongoing support, a vCISO can adapt to your requirements.
3. Diverse Industry Experience
Virtual CISOs often have experience across multiple industries, bringing a broad perspective on security challenges and solutions. This diverse knowledge can be invaluable in addressing unique security concerns specific to your business.
4. Proactive Risk Management
A vCISO helps identify and mitigate risks before they become significant issues. By conducting thorough quantitative risk assessments and staying ahead of emerging threats, they ensure your organization remains secure.
5. Compliance and Regulation
Staying compliant with industry regulations and standards is critical for medium-sized businesses. A vCISO can assist your organization in navigating the complexities of compliance, ensuring that you meet all necessary requirements and avoid losing business. costly penalties.
6. Access to Advanced Tools
Virtual CISOs have access to the most current cybersecurity tools and technologies, allowing them to enhance your organization’s security posture. By leveraging cutting-edge solutions, your organization can benefit from advanced tools without the necessity of making significant investments in new technologies.
7. Focus on Core Business
By leveraging a vCISO to manage cybersecurity, your internal team can redirect their energy towards essential business operations. This empowers your organization to expand and explore new opportunities without being weighed down by security worries.
8. Improved Incident Response
In the case of a security breach, a vCISO can offer expert guidance and assistance to manage and reduce the impact. Their expertise in handling incidents guarantees a quick and efficient response, minimizing harm and recovery time.
9. Strategic Security Planning
A vCISO works with your executive team to develop a long-term security strategy aligned with your business goals. This strategic approach helps ensure that your security measures evolve with your organization’s needs.
10. Enhanced Security Culture
A vCISO plays an important role in enhancing the security culture within your organization. They take proactive steps to promote a strong security culture by raising awareness and advocating best practices among employees. This cultural shift is fundamental in reducing the potential risks associated with human error and insider threats.
Ready to strengthen your security and win more business? Fractional CISO services can boost your growth while keeping your organization secure. Learn more about our customized vCISO services today.
Interested in learning more about virtual CISOs? Give us a call at Fractional CISO.
