If you’re like most business owners, you know that cybersecurity is a crucial part of keeping your company safe and running smoothly. However, you may not have the expertise or time to create a comprehensive security strategy on your own. That’s where a virtual chief information security officer or vCISO can help. In this article, we'll discuss what a vCISO is and how they can help set your small- or mid-sized business (SMB) up with a strategic cybersecurity plan.
What is a vCISO?
A vCISO is a professional or group of professionals who provide cybersecurity consulting and guidance to businesses. Their primary goal is to help protect a company’s data, systems, and reputation from cyberattacks. They can do so by developing a security strategy tailored to the company’s specific needs and budget and by providing ongoing support and monitoring to ensure that the cybersecurity plan remains effective.
In particular, a vCISO can help you:
- Conduct security and vulnerability assessments
- Develop and implement security policies and procedures
- Create and manage a security awareness program
- Monitor compliance with security policies
- Conduct incident response planning
- Perform internal audits
- And more
vCISO services are especially helpful for SMBs that may not have the resources to hire a full-time chief information officer (CIO) or a CISO.
Why should you hire a vCISO?
There are many reasons to hire a vCISO. Here are some common ones.
You need help in creating or updating your cybersecurity program
A vCISO will assess your current security posture and work with you to create a plan that addresses your specific cybersecurity needs. With their expertise and experience, you can be confident that your security plan will be both effective and achievable.
You need expert guidance in a specific area of cybersecurity
A vCISO can help you with specific areas of cybersecurity, such as risk management, incident response, or data security. They can also provide guidance on compliance with industry regulations and best practices.
Your current IT team requires strategic leadership
Your IT team may be doing a great job of keeping the lights on, but they may not have the expertise to deal with cyberattacks. A vCISO can provide the strategic leadership and guidance that your IT team needs to handle cybersecurity threats effectively.
You need to realign your cyber spend
Whatever cybersecurity measures you have in place today may not be adequate for tomorrow’s threats. A vCISO can help you reevaluate your security posture and make changes where necessary so that your cybersecurity investment is always proportional to the risk.
You have budget restraints
CISOs are some of the highest-paid employees in a company, and hiring one can be expensive. A vCISO can provide you with the same level of security expertise and guidance for much less.
How to hire a vCISO for your SMB
Now that you know the benefits of hiring a vCISO, how do you go about finding one? Here are a few tips.
1. Consider why you need a vCISO
Before you start your search for a vCISO, take some time to think about why you need one and what you hope to achieve. Do you need help with creating a cybersecurity program from the ground up or a hand in conducting annual risk assessments? Knowing why you need a vCISO will help you to narrow down your search and find one that’s a good fit for your company.
2. Do your research
Not all vCISOs are created equal. When you’re considering different providers, take the time to read reviews and case studies to get a better idea of their capabilities. Check their experience and credentials, and make sure that they’re familiar with the specific cybersecurity needs of your industry. This is especially crucial if you’re in a regulated industry with particular compliance requirements.
3. Get referrals
Personal recommendations can be a great way to find a reputable and experienced vCISO that you can trust. Ask your network of business contacts for referrals to vCISOs that they’ve worked with in the past. It’s also a good idea to check out online communities and forums for recommendations.
4. Get in touch
Once you’ve identified a few potential vCISOs, reach out and set up a meeting. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and get to know them better. Be sure to discuss your needs and expectations, so that they can determine whether they’re capable of addressing your requirements. Also, don’t forget to ask about their rates and fees, as this will make it easier to compare different providers and allow you to budget accordingly.
Hiring a vCISO is a great way to give your company strategic security direction. Their expertise and experience can help you to create a robust cybersecurity program that meets your specific needs and make sure it is achievable and up to date.
Don’t know where to start? Check out Charles IT’s vCISO services today. Our team of experts can help assess your specific needs and create a tailor-made security program that meets your budget and requirements. Contact us to get started!
