As cyberthreats become more prevalent and complex, more and more companies are realizing the importance of having a virtual chief information security officer (vCISO). But what is a vCISO, what do they do, and what types of companies can benefit from them? Let’s take a look.
What is a vCISO?A vCISO is a security professional or a group of security professionals who provides cybersecurity guidance and support to organizations on an on-demand basis. The primary responsibility of a vCISO is to help companies make informed decisions about their security posture and how to best protect their data.
While they typically work as remote, part-time contractors, vCISOs provide many of the benefits of a full-time CISO but without the hefty price tag.
What does a vCISO do?
The specific tasks and duties of a vCISO will vary depending on the needs of the company they are working with. Some common tasks and responsibilities that are normally associated with the role include:
- Reviewing and updating security policies and procedures
- Conducting security audits and risk assessments
- Developing and implementing incident response plans
- Making recommendations for replacing or upgrading current security tools and systems
- Monitoring compliance with industry regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, and the General Data Protection Regulation
- Providing guidance on and support for specific security issues
- Training employees on cybersecurity best practices
As the cybersecurity landscape changes year after year, a vCISO constantly works to build their expertise to keep their clients safe from various threats.
What type of organizations should hire a vCISO?
Any company that wants to better protect its data from cyberthreats should consider hiring a vCISO. However, there are certain types of businesses that may benefit from this type of service more than others, such as:
Small businesses
Small businesses may not have the budget to hire a full-time security specialist. They might also be more at risk of cyberattacks than larger enterprises because they have fewer resources and lack cybersecurity expertise. A vCISO can help these businesses assess their security risks and develop a plan to protect themselves from potential threats.
Companies with limited IT resources
Companies that don't have a lot of IT staff or experience may find it difficult to manage their cybersecurity needs. A vCISO can provide these companies with the necessary support needed to keep their data safe.
Companies dealing with sensitive data
Companies that handle sensitive data like credit card information or personal health information face a higher data breach risk. This is because cybercriminals target these types of data specifically, stealing them to sell on the dark web for a high price. A vCISO can help these companies protect their data and respond to any security incidents that may occur.
What should you look for when hiring a vCISO?
Not all vCISOs are created equal, so it's important to do your research before you hire one. To help you determine if a vCISO provider is right for your business, ask yourself the following questions:
- What is the company's experience with cybersecurity?
- How many clients does the company have?
- What do reviews and testimonials say about the company?
- What type of security tools and systems does the company use?
- What is the company's approach to cybersecurity?
- How much does the company charge?
How can Charles IT fulfill your vCISO needs?
Charles IT is a leading provider of vCISO services in Connecticut. We have years of experience working with businesses of all sizes to help them protect their data from cyberthreats. We also use the latest cybersecurity tools, systems, and strategies to keep our clients' data safe from ever-evolving threats.
Enjoy the following benefits when you partner with us:
- Monthly cybersecurity meetings
- Security change management
- System security plan and Plan of Action and Milestones updates
- Policy creation, review, and updates
- Annual gap and risk assessment
- Annual required audit assistance
- Audit liaison for investigations and audits by third parties, government agencies, or insurance companies
With Charles IT, you have a security expert on your team who understands your business and technology goals with a focus on mitigating cybersecurity risks. Talk to us today to hire a reliable vCISO!
