In today’s digitally focused world, cybersecurity has become a top priority for businesses of all sizes. From assessing your organization’s security posture to training employees, protecting your digital data can be overwhelming. While internal IT teams may be able to help implement cybersecurity protocols, having a robust security strategy that aligns with your organization’s unique needs is invaluable.
A virtual chief information security officer (vCISO) will help you develop a comprehensive information security program that takes into account your organization’s risk potential, industry best practices, compliance obligations, appropriate resources for implementation, communication, training and more. So, what exactly does a vCISO do? In the simplest terms, a vCISO does two things:
- Consults the business to help them make good information security risk decisions
- Implements the business’ risk decisions to the best of their ability
The scope and responsibilities of a vCISO vary beyond these simple explanations, so let’s explore the significant value they bring to businesses in today’s digital age.
Assess potential risks and build an implementation roadmap:
With many headlines surrounding organizations that’ve been the target of a cyberattack, data breach, or other security incidents, it’s clear how important it is to take a proactive approach to managing cybersecurity risks. A vCISO will expose your digital vulnerabilities through rigorous assessments, allowing them to develop and implement a comprehensive communication plan to increase general awareness and educate/advise key stakeholders on security program deliverables, policy guidelines and make recommendations regarding the protection of your assets.
Integrate security and compliance into daily operations:
Nearly all industries are now faced with the challenges of ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and meeting industry standards for using and storing digital data. Whether you’re a manufacturing organization dealing with The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), a Healthcare facility working under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), or a retailer implementing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) safeguards, without dedicated focus on cybersecurity your organization could expose itself to unnecessary legal and financial risks. A vCISO will navigate the legal requirements, coordinate exams by regulators or customers, and develop policies and procedures to integrate security and compliance into your “normal” operations.
Develop and communicate a comprehensive security framework:
Mitigating risks starts with the development of a comprehensive security framework to protect your digital assets. This framework should cover critical asset groups, including cyber-security, endpoint security, application security, network security, systems security, database security, IAM governance, data governance, and critical business unit assets. A vCISO will implement a well-designed security framework so your organization can establish consistent and cohesive security practices, ensure compliance with regulations, and safeguard sensitive information from cyber threats and unauthorized access.
Manage security throughout its life cycle:
Even the best cybersecurity protocols may not prevent every threat it’s important to have the ability to detect, respond and recover. In the event of a security incident, it’s imperative to have a structured and coordinated response plan in place. A vCISO will develop a response plan that can help detect and contain cyber threats, saving the organization from increased damage and recovery costs. As new challenges and technology needs may arise, the vCISO will identify and acquire the appropriate resources and tools to implement and maintain the security program.
Develop a culture of security awareness through training:
Developing a culture of security awareness and providing relevant training to team members are vital parts of a vCISO’s role. Without their guidance, employees are often unaware of best practices, making them more susceptible to social engineering attacks and other security threats. Your employees are your first line of defense. Developing and implementing ongoing security awareness training helps your organization remain compliant and respond quickly to any threats.
Spark Innovation:
Information security is not just about mitigating risks; it also plays a role in enabling business innovation and digital transformation. All too often, businesses miss out on opportunities due to security concerns. A vCISO can help identify security measures and technologies that facilitate your vision for growth while maintaining an appropriate level of risk management, this may include managing vendors or third-party relationships.
Hiring a vCISO for strategic guidance can help you optimize costs, improve risk management, and empower your organization to harness technology effectively. With their expertise and insights, a vCISO can become a valuable asset, positioning any business for success in the ever-evolving digital environment. Start a conversation with our team today to learn more about how we implement an individualized, robust cybersecurity strategy that evolves and addresses risks for both the short and long term.
