Cisco defines information security as processes and tools designed and deployed to protect sensitive business information from unauthorized modification, disruption, destruction, and inspection. Put simply, information security refers to measures that ensure your business data can only be accessed or handled by people you authorize.
Information security continues to grow as an industry as threats continue to become more prevalent and complex. As such, global information security standards are higher than ever — and many expect these standards to continue to rise. This is a welcome development, as exacting standards for data protection will elevate baseline information security practices and help minimize the risk of data breaches and data loss across industries.
The problem with rising standards, however, is that businesses need to allocate more resources to their data protection efforts. This is where a chief information security officer (CISO) comes in. A CISO is responsible for analyzing a business's data security risks and implementing programs to protect business information assets and technologies. They are absolutely necessary for large corporations, but because cybercriminals no longer discriminate against their targets, even smaller organizations will benefit greatly from having one.
Unfortunately, a CISO is a luxury most small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can’t afford. Having a CISO means paying a senior executive-level salary on top of running a dedicated team for just data protection. It also means spending on more tools, software, hardware, and training. For many SMBs, hiring a full-time CISO simply isn’t an option.
This is why many SMBs sign up for Charles IT’s vCISO program. Being on the vCISO program gives businesses the data protection knowledge and direction they need without the heavy resource commitments that an in-house CISO needs. Here’s how the Charles IT vCISO program will help your business keep pace with global data protection standards:
It is a dynamic program that yields dynamic results
The worst thing you can do for your cybersecurity posture is to throw all your resources at the biggest and best security software and tools and think that simply deploying them is enough. Operating on a static data security plan is a surefire way to attract brute force, ransomware, and other cyberattacks. You will basically be allowing attackers to try every strategy they can think of to get through your unchanging defense.
What you need in today’s cybersecurity environment is a dynamic program that not only adapts to the changing cybersecurity conditions but also makes proactive deployments to minimize the effects of any attack. With Charles IT’s vCISO program, you can be assured that every software and tool we will deploy will be maximized to make the program as cost-effective and reliable as possible.
It puts you in an agile position that allows you to make quick adjustments
In business, agility can mean two different things. It can refer to your company’s ability to remain effective and profitable whether you scale your operations up or down. It can also be about your business components’ capability to adapt and adjust to meet specific needs and address developing issues. In a dynamic cybersecurity environment, it means having both.
An agile data security posture will allow you to respond decisively to problems and threats. To accomplish this, we will conduct a thorough review of your data management system and processes to gain a deep understanding of the types of threats your business is facing. We will also develop a strategic defense blueprint together to ensure that your security profile can quickly adapt and respond to threats and vulnerabilities, no matter the size.
It enables a culture of continuous improvement
The end goal of Charles IT’s vCISO program isn’t to build a one-size-fits-all mega-solution for all conceivable threats. That would be costly, difficult to manage, and ultimately ineffective. Also, one-size-fits-all solutions are notoriously vulnerable to obsolescence, as today’s technologies are being improved and deployed at such a rapid pace.
The sustainable and cost-intelligent approach to data security is to build a culture of constant, continuous improvement. This is also the true culmination of the Charles IT vCISO program. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and culture you need to be always ready to face a dynamic, ever-changing threat landscape.
You will be reminded of this goal at every stage of the vCISO program, as each stage will involve conversations and activities that seek to make data security practices a consistent part of your daily operations. For instance, we will discuss ways for you to identify which members of your team will be best suited for which roles and responsibilities in your strategic data protection plan. These discussions will not simply seek to identify ideal candidates from your existing pool of talent. Rather, they should also provide you insight into the skills, characteristics, and competencies you should keep an eye out for when trying to fill a certain position.
It embodies learning from the lessons of the past, with an eye to the future
In the fight against data loss, it pays to be armed with as much information and knowledge as one can find. This is why we go to great lengths to stay abreast of technological developments and learn the minutiae of even minor threats the moment they are identified. We will take the lessons of past cyberattacks and threats to guide us when we design and optimize our data protection strategies for your organization.
It’s not enough, however, to simply rely on information about past threats. We will also aim to make your cybersecurity system agile enough to seamlessly accept and integrate future technological developments. This is of particular importance because the tools of the future are key to addressing novel threats. Also, putting your system in a position for effective deployment of newer technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence will allow you to leverage their opportunities well.
Take your data protection practices to the next level by signing up for Charles IT’s vCISO program. Contact us today to learn more!
