Virtual CISO is a recent fad in the business world. We are working in a computerized world where associations have a few TBs of data that is both touchy and secret. Because of the worth, it holds for contenders and cybercriminals, data should be secured. For quite a while, organizations have been employing the job of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to set up and keep up the organization’s information insurance techniques and execute them to ensure all the data and resources encompassing the different innovations utilized by the organization. In any case, inferable from distant working, numerous associations have now begun to move towards a virtual CISO.
What Is A Virtual Chief Information Security Officer?
A vCISO is a security professional who uses their cybersecurity and industry experience to help businesses develop and manage the execution of the company’s information security program. Virtual CISO also helps in forming the company’s security strategy. The organization’s existing internal security staff will report to work in ordinance with the vCISO and their team to carry on a strong security program. Additionally, a virtual CISO is also expected to present the security strategy to the board, executive teams, auditors, and regulators.
The Role Of A Virtual CISO
In an organization, vCISOs can provide value by helping the overall information security program in the following aspects:
- Information security planning and management
- Organizational and management structure
- Initiatives affecting information practices
- Security risk management procedures
- Evaluation of third parties with access to the company’s data
- Coordination of audits by regulators
The Growing Need For A Virtual CISO
Companies are hiring virtual CISOs because of the amount of data that is being produced during a normal business day. But the growth in demand is due to the following reasons:
1. Cybersecurity is a big concern: With the rise in cyberattacks, data breaches, and cybersecurity threats, organizations are investing more to safeguard their data and intellectual assets. In order to formulate a comprehensive set of regulations, organizations are opting for vCISOs instead of a CISO to eliminate the process of hiring.
2. CISOs are expensive: A virtual CISO allows companies to avoid the expense of hiring one in-house, full-time professional and only pay for the service.
3. Virtual CISOs have more experience: A vCISO has experience in implementing information security programs for diverse clients ranging across industries and business sizes.
4. Virtual CISOs can adhere to the scope: Not every company will need the same information security services. Hence, vCISOs can alter the way they work according to the varying scope of businesses.
Does Your Business Need A Virtual CISO?
Now that you know the responsibilities and the benefits that a virtual CISO brings to the table, here is a checklist to see if a vCISO is a good fit for your company.
- Your company has sensitive information
- There’s a limited budget
- Your business requires tailor-made information security programs
- Your organization requires a specific skillset
If you nodded your head for all the above points, opt for the virtual CISO service. Start off and see if there is a need for internal support from the executive teams or the board. If you find the need for additional support along with the vCISO, then work towards hiring a full-time CISO to complete the work.
