High-Value, Retainer-Based Security Leadership for Your Business
Why a vCISO?
Many businesses lack the resources for a full-time CISO but still need expert leadership to manage cybersecurity risks, ensure compliance, and protect against evolving threats. Our vCISO services provide on-demand executive-level security expertise without the overhead of a full-time hire.
Service Offerings & Deliverables
1. Security Leadership & Strategy
Develop a tailored cybersecurity strategy aligned with business goals
Advise executive leadership and board members on security risks
Define security governance, policies, and best practices
2. Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure compliance with NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, etc.
Conduct risk assessments and gap analyses
Oversee security audits and third-party risk management
3. Security Operations & Incident Response
Manage security monitoring, vulnerability management, and threat response
Develop and test incident response and disaster recovery plans
Guide SOC teams and security tooling selection
4. Third-Party & Cloud Security Oversight
Assess and secure cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP)
Evaluate and strengthen vendor security postures
Conduct security architecture reviews for new and existing technologies
Full vCISO leadership, board advisory, incident response
$20,000+
Custom Packages Available – Tailored to your business needs.
Why Choose Us?
✅ 20+ years of experience in Information Security & Compliance ✅ Proven track record in cybersecurity leadership & regulatory compliance ✅ Cost-effective alternative to a full-time CISO ✅ Vendor-agnostic, business-first approach
Ready to secure your business?Contact us today to discuss your security needs!
A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a senior executive responsible for developing and overseeing an organization’s information security strategy, ensuring that data and technologies are adequately protected. However, not all organizations, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, have the resources to employ a full-time CISO. This is where a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) comes into play. A vCISO provides the expertise of a traditional CISO on a flexible, often part-time basis, allowing organizations to benefit from high-level security guidance without the commitment of a full-time hire.
Engaging a vCISO offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides access to seasoned security professionals who can assess current security postures, identify vulnerabilities, and develop comprehensive strategies tailored to the organization’s specific needs. This ensures that even without an in-house expert, the organization can maintain a robust security framework.
Secondly, a vCISO can assist in regulatory compliance by ensuring that the organization’s security practices align with industry standards and legal requirements. This is crucial in avoiding potential legal issues and financial penalties associated with non-compliance.
Additionally, vCISOs offer scalability. As the organization grows or as new threats emerge, the vCISO can adjust the security strategies accordingly, ensuring that the security measures evolve in tandem with the organization’s needs.
Cost-effectiveness is another significant benefit. Hiring a full-time CISO can be expensive, whereas a vCISO provides the necessary expertise at a fraction of the cost, making it an ideal solution for organizations with limited budgets.
In summary, a vCISO delivers the strategic leadership required to protect an organization’s information assets, offering flexibility, expertise, and cost savings. By leveraging the services of a vCISO, organizations can ensure robust security postures without the need for a full-time executive, thereby balancing security needs with financial considerations.
Hackers, compliance fines, and security gaps—these relentless enemies are constantly evolving, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. They threaten your business, your reputation, and your bottom line.
You, the Business Leader
You’ve built something great. You’re responsible for its success, its growth, and its security. But the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape is a battlefield—one that requires a strategic, expert approach to win.
The Guide: Your vCISO
Every hero needs a trusted guide. A vCISO (Virtual Chief Information Security Officer) is your secret weapon—an experienced security leader who provides the roadmap based on industry best practice framework, tools, and strategies to defeat cyber threats, mitigate risks and keep your business secure.
The Mission: Secure Your Business—Information Assets
Arm yourself for success against cyber threats...
For a limited time, we’re offering a FREE 30-Minutes vCISO Strategy session to help you: ✅ Identify your top security risks. Know where your risks are to meet them head on. ✅ Strengthen your compliance posture. Don’t get surprised by those regulators. ✅ Get a clear action plan to protect your business.
This is your chance to turn the tide in the battle against cyber threats—but time is running out.
⏳ Claim Your Free vCISO Consultation Now! ⏳
Contact US “Your Business Deserves Top-Tier Security” 💡
This guide from Cynomi provides a comprehensive roadmap for structuring and selling Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) services. It covers key aspects such as market demand, pricing strategies, service delivery models, and business growth tactics.
Key Takeaways:
Growing Demand for vCISO Services
Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) increasingly seek vCISOs due to budget constraints and evolving cybersecurity threats.
Ransomware attacks and regulatory requirements drive demand for outsourced security leadership.
Structuring vCISO Services
Offer tiered service packages (basic, standard, premium) to cater to different client needs.
Focus on risk assessment, policy development, compliance, security awareness training, and incident response planning.
Automate assessments and reporting to scale service delivery efficiently.
Project-based pricing for one-time engagements like compliance audits.
Value-based pricing, where fees align with risk reduction and business impact.
Sales and Go-to-Market Strategy
Position vCISO services as a proactive solution rather than a cost burden.
Leverage case studies and cybersecurity statistics to demonstrate value.
Partner with MSPs/MSSPs to expand reach and integrate services.
Operational Efficiency
Utilize cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001) to streamline service offerings.
Automate risk assessments, policy generation, and compliance tracking to reduce workload.
Maintain ongoing client engagement through regular reporting and strategy updates.
Scaling and Differentiation
Specialize in industries with high compliance needs (e.g., healthcare, finance).
Use AI-driven tools to enhance service quality and responsiveness.
Continuously refine service packages based on market trends and client feedback.
Conclusion:
To successfully offer vCISO services, firms must structure their offerings strategically, price them effectively, and leverage automation for scalability. By focusing on value-driven sales and efficient service delivery, vCISO providers can build a sustainable and profitable business.
Contact us if you like a deeper dive into any specific section?
Cybersecurity is an ongoing journey, not a one-time goal. The first step toward a secure future is recognizing the ever-changing threat landscape and proactively safeguarding your business. Let DISC InfoSec assess your current security posture by conducting a comprehensive security evaluation. Identifying vulnerabilities and security gaps will enable you to prioritize efforts and make informed investment decisions to strengthen your defenses.
Aligning Security Strategy with the Right Cybersecurity Framework
As a vCISO, ensuring that client’s security strategy aligns with the appropriate cybersecurity framework is essential. Frameworks offer structured guidelines and best practices that help organizations effectively manage and mitigate cybersecurity risks.
The first step is to understand the client’s industry, location, and regulatory obligations. Different industries and regions have specific compliance requirements that dictate which frameworks are most relevant. Identifying these factors ensures compliance and helps select a framework that supports both regulatory adherence and business objectives.
To determine the right framework, consider:
Industry and geographic regulations:
Healthcare: HIPAA
InfoSec Industry Best Practice: ISO 27001
Finance: PCI-DSS, NYS DFS, or DORA (EU)
Defense: NIST SP 800-171, CMMC
General businesses handling EU data: GDPR
Existing compliance needs: If a client is already adhering to certain regulations, choosing a framework that aligns with those requirements simplifies integration and enhances security maturity.
By selecting the right framework, organizations can strengthen their cybersecurity posture, meet regulatory demands, and align security efforts with business goals.
The document highlights the comprehensive vCISO (virtual Chief Information Security Officer) services offered by DISC LLC to help organizations build and strengthen their security programs. Here’s a summarized rephrasing:
Key Services:
InfoSec Consultancy: Tailored solutions to protect businesses from cyber threats.
Security Risk Assessment: Identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in IT infrastructures.
Cybersecurity Risk Management: Proactively managing and reducing cyber risks.
ISO 27001 Compliance: Assistance in achieving certification through robust risk management.
ISMS Risk Management: Developing resilient Information Security Management Systems.
Approach:
DISC LLC specializes in bridging the gap between an organization’s current security posture (“as-is”) and its desired future state (“to-be”) through:
Gap assessments to evaluate maturity levels.
Strategic roadmaps for transitioning to a higher level of maturity.
Implementing essential policies, procedures, and defensive technologies.
Continuous testing, validation, and long-term improvements.
Why Choose DISC LLC?
Expertise from seasoned InfoSec professionals.
Customized, business-aligned security strategies.
Proactive risk detection and mitigation.
Their services also include compliance readiness, managed detection & response (MDR), offensive control validation (penetration testing), and oversight of security tools. DISC LLC emphasizes continuous improvement and building a secure future.
The second page outlines DISC LLC’s approach to revitalizing cybersecurity programs through their vCISO services, focusing on gap assessments, strategy development, and continuous improvement. Here’s a concise summary and rephrased version:
Key Highlights:
Assess Current State: Evaluate the “as-is” security maturity level and identify gaps compared to the desired “to-be” future state.
Define Objectives: Build a strong case for enhancing cybersecurity and set a clear vision for the organization’s future security posture.
Strategic Roadmap: Create a transition plan detailing the steps needed to achieve the target state, including technical, management, and operational controls.
Implementation:
Recruit key personnel.
Deploy essential policies, procedures, and defensive technologies (e.g., XDR, logs).
Establish critical metrics for performance tracking.
Continuous Improvement: Regular testing, validation, and strengthening of controls to reduce cyber risks and support long-term transformation.
Services Offered:
vCISO Services: Strategy and program leadership.
Gap Assessments: Identify and address security maturity gaps.
Compliance Readiness: Prepare for standards like ISO and NIST.
Offensive Control Validation: Penetration testing services.
DISC LLC emphasizes building a secure future through tailored solutions, ongoing program enhancement, and leveraging advanced technologies. For more details, they encourage reaching out via their provided contact information.
Why Companies Turn to Virtual CISOs The need for a virtual chief information security officer (vCISO) often arises from specific scenarios, such as expanding security strategies, responding to breaches, or navigating mergers and acquisitions. Managed security service providers (MSSPs), incident response firms, venture capitalists, and cyber insurers increasingly recommend vCISOs to help businesses establish robust security practices. By providing expertise and consistency, vCISOs assist companies in developing and managing comprehensive security programs while offering a fresh, big-picture perspective.
Cost-Effective Security Leadership Hiring a full-time CISO is challenging and costly due to the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. A vCISO offers a flexible alternative, delivering part-time leadership tailored to the company’s needs. Unlike consultants, vCISOs provide continuity and align with an agreed-upon strategy, bringing specialized knowledge in areas like operational technology or regional regulations. This approach makes vCISOs an attractive option for companies looking for expert guidance without the overhead of a full-time executive.
Strategic Security Planning A vCISO can help organizations develop long-term security strategies, particularly in response to regulatory requirements, industry standards, or competitive pressures. They offer actionable plans and ensure companies are not merely meeting the minimum requirements, such as those for cyber insurance. By addressing evolving threats and regulatory landscapes, vCISOs guide businesses in staying proactive and prepared.
Bridging Capability Gaps While vCISOs provide strategic direction, companies may also need operational support to execute these plans. In cases where internal capabilities are insufficient, vCISOs can assess and recommend managed security services to fill the gaps. This dual role—strategy and evaluation—helps businesses align their security programs with realistic goals and resources.
Specialized Expertise for Emerging Threats vCISOs are especially valuable for addressing emerging challenges, such as new technologies or shifts in the threat landscape. Their specialized expertise allows them to pinpoint and address gaps that internal teams may lack the capacity or knowledge to handle. This makes vCISOs an invaluable resource for companies seeking to strengthen their risk profiles and adapt to an ever-evolving cybersecurity environment.
Amid the rush to adopt AI, leaders face significant risks if they lack an understanding of the technology’s potential cyber threats. A PwC survey revealed that 40% of global leaders are unaware of generative AI’s risks, posing potential vulnerabilities. CISOs should take a leading role in assessing, implementing, and overseeing AI, as their expertise in risk management can ensure safer integration and focus on AI’s benefits. While some advocate for a chief AI officer, security remains integral, emphasizing the CISO’s/ vCISO’S strategic role in guiding responsible AI adoption.
CISOs are crucial in managing the security and compliance of AI adoption within organizations, especially with evolving regulations. Their role involves implementing a security-first approach and risk management strategies, which includes aligning AI goals through an AI consortium, collaborating with cybersecurity teams, and creating protective guardrails.
They guide acceptable risk tolerance, manage governance, and set controls for AI use. Whether securing AI consumption or developing solutions, CISOs must stay updated on AI risks and deploy relevant resources.
A strong security foundation is essential, involving comprehensive encryption, data protection, and adherence to regulations like the EU AI Act. CISOs enable informed cross-functional collaboration, ensuring robust monitoring and swift responses to potential threats.
As AI becomes mainstream, organizations must integrate security throughout the AI lifecycle to guard against GenAI-driven cyber threats, such as social engineering and exploitation of vulnerabilities. This requires proactive measures and ongoing workforce awareness to counter these challenges effectively.
“AI will touch every business function, even in ways that have yet to be predicted. As the bridge between security efforts and business goals, CISOs serve as gatekeepers for quality control and responsible AI use across the business. They can articulate the necessary ground for security integrations that avoid missteps in AI adoption and enable businesses to unlock AI’s full potential to drive better, more informed business outcomes. “
CISOs play a pivotal role in guiding responsible AI adoption to balance innovation with security and compliance. They need to implement security-first strategies and align AI goals with organizational risk tolerance through stakeholder collaboration and robust risk management frameworks. By integrating security throughout the AI lifecycle, CISOs/vCISOs help protect critical assets, adhere to regulations, and mitigate threats posed by GenAI. Vigilance against AI-driven attacks and fostering cross-functional cooperation ensures that organizations are prepared to address emerging risks and foster safe, strategic AI use.
Need expert guidance? Book a free 30-minute consultation with a vCISO.
Currently, the cyber security approach for MSP clients includes steps like End User Security Awareness, Patching, EDR, Access Control, Vulnerability Management, and SIEM implementation—essentially throwing various tools at the problem.
However, what if we’ve had it backwards? Shouldn’t we start by asking why each control is necessary and if it matches the client’s risk profile? Clients are seeking change and are tired of outdated methods.
Instead of merely adding services, we should start with vision, foresight, and leadership, embodying the principles of a vCISO. It’s about building a foundation of strategic brilliance, not just following the continuum but redefining it. Rethink Cybersecurity—Start with Vision, Start with vCISO.
MSP, or Managed Service Provider, plays a crucial role in safeguarding businesses from cyber threats by managing information asset risks and delivering Information Security Management services, acting as a vCISO at both tactical and strategic levels.
Helping maintain compliance:Â MSPs can help organizations maintain compliance to various standards and regulations.Â
MSPs can help reduce the burden on internal IT/InfoSec teams.Â
Enhancing cyber resilience:Â MSPs can help enhance overall maturity of InfoSec program.Â
Welcome to DISC LLC – Your Trusted Computer Security Service Provider
At DISC LLC, we specialize in providing top-notch computer security services to businesses across the United States. Our team of expert consultants is here to help you build a robust security program that effectively detects and mitigates risks. For those looking for comprehensive security solutions, our vCISO services are perfectly tailored to meet today’s challenges.
Why Choose Our vCISO Services?
Our expert virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs) bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to your organization. We understand the crucial role of information security and offer strategic guidance to establish a solid security foundation. Our services are most appropriate when:
Your business requires an experienced security leader but cannot afford a full-time CISO.
You need to establish or improve your Information Security Management System (ISMS).
Your organization is undergoing a security risk assessment and needs expertise to navigate the process smoothly.
Our Core Services
At DISC LLC, we focus on the most critical aspects of information security.
ISO 27001 Compliance: Achieve and maintain compliance with this international standard for information security management.
Development and implementation of a robust ISMS: We help you build a comprehensive management system to safeguard your information assets.
Comprehensive security risk assessments: Identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks that could potentially impact your organization.
Contact Us
Ready to develop a security program that meets today’s challenges? Reach out to us today.
Deura Information Security Consulting offers comprehensive vCISO services designed to build robust security programs that effectively detect and mitigate risks. Our seasoned consultants will work with you to develop a security strategy tailored to meet today’s challenges.
Achieve Compliance with ISO 27001
Securing your information assets and achieving compliance is crucial. Our experts specialize in assisting businesses with ISO 27001 implementation. Benefit from our extensive experience in information security management systems (ISMS) to ensure your organization meets the stringent requirements of ISO 27001.
Services Offered
vCISO Services: Enhance your organization’s security posture with our virtual Chief Information Security Officer services.
ISO 27001 Implementation: Guidance on compliance and certification processes to achieve ISO 27001.
Security Risk Assessment:
Information Security Management Systems (ISMS):
Security Compliance Management:
Why Choose Us
At Deura Information Security Consulting, our focus is on creating and implementing security programs that address your specific needs. Contact us at info@deurainfosec.com or call +1 707-998-5164 to schedule a consultation.
Our extensive industry knowledge ensures that your security infrastructure is built to detect and mitigate risks effectively. Choose Deura Information Security Consulting for expert vCISO services and ISO 27001 compliance support.
A virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) service or (CISOaaS) may be appropriate for a variety of scenarios, including:
Your clients, collaborators (partners) and some regulatory requirements anticipate the presence of an individual fulfilling the position of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
Companies without an in-house CISO: Small and medium-sized companies may not have the budget or need for a full-time CISO. A vCISO service can provide these companies with access to a seasoned cybersecurity professional without having to hire a full-time employee.
Companies experiencing rapid growth or change: Companies that are growing quickly or undergoing significant changes, such as mergers or acquisitions, may benefit from the expertise of a vCISO to help them navigate the cybersecurity implications of these changes.
Companies with limited cybersecurity resources: Some companies may have an IT team but lack dedicated cybersecurity resources. A vCISO can help fill this gap by providing strategic guidance and oversight of the company’s cybersecurity program.
Compliance requirements: Companies in regulated industries, such as healthcare or financial services, may require a CISO to meet regulatory requirements. A vCISO can help these companies meet compliance requirements with standards (ISO 27001) and regulations (PCI, HIPAA, NIST CSF, etc.) without having to hire a full-time CISO.
Cybersecurity incident response: In the event of a cybersecurity incident, a vCISO can provide expertise and guidance to help the company respond effectively and minimize the impact of the incident.
Overall, a vCISO service can be a cost-effective way for companies to gain access to the expertise of a seasoned cybersecurity professional without having to hire a full-time employee.
Which organizations may need vCISO services:
Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs):
These businesses may not have the resources to hire a full-time CISO but still require expert guidance to manage their cybersecurity needs.
Large companies with existing security teams may use vCISO services for additional expertise, specific projects, or temporary coverage to assist in house CISO.
Industries: Finance, healthcare, manufacturing, utilities, telecommunications, etc.
Non-Profit Organizations:
These organizations often need to protect sensitive donor and beneficiary information but might lack the budget for a full-time CISO.
Examples: Charitable organizations, educational institutions, and research entities.
Government Agencies:
Small to mid-sized government entities may utilize vCISO services to bolster their cybersecurity posture and comply with regulations.
Examples: Local municipalities, state agencies, and public health departments.
Regulated Industries:
Companies in heavily regulated industries need to adhere to strict compliance standards and may require specialized cybersecurity expertise.
Industries: Healthcare (HIPAA), finance (GLBA, SOX), and retail (PCI-DSS).
Organizations Undergoing Digital Transformation:
Businesses that are adopting new technologies, moving to the cloud, or modernizing their IT infrastructure may need vCISO services to manage the associated security risks.
Examples: Companies implementing IoT, AI, or big data solutions.
Businesses Experiencing Rapid Growth:
Fast-growing companies may face evolving cybersecurity challenges and can benefit from the strategic oversight of a vCISO.
Examples: Tech startups, e-commerce platforms, and fintech companies.
Companies Preparing for Mergers and Acquisitions:
Businesses involved in M&A activities need to ensure that cybersecurity due diligence is performed and that their security posture is strong to protect sensitive data.
Examples: Investment firms, private equity groups, and merging corporations.
Organizations Recovering from a Security Incident:
Companies that have experienced a breach or other security incident may hire a vCISO to help with incident response, recovery, and the implementation of stronger security measures.
Examples: Any business recovering from ransomware attacks, data breaches, or significant cybersecurity incidents to mitigate risk to an acceptable level and improves security posture
DISC InfoSec can offer tailored cybersecurity solutions that align with the specific needs and constraints of different types of organizations.
Organizations committed to prioritizing security encounter the difficulty of locating a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) possessing the appropriate skills and knowledge. It becomes necessary for someone to take charge of the security and compliance strategy, but this requirement often surpasses the expertise possessed by operational IT/CIO.
What is CISOaaS? Chief Information Security Officer-as-a-Service (CISOaaS) provides information security leadership from an appropriate pool of expertise. CISOaaS provides security guidance to senior management and drives the organization’s information security program.
Cert-In issues new guidelines for government bodies, mandates appointment of CISO, Read more at: https://lnkd.in/dKcdHMtP
The benefits of our CISOaaS
Gain access to a diverse pool of highly experienced and specialized senior cyber security professionals.
Rapidly access valuable resources and eliminate the necessity of retaining talent.
Reduce your expenses by paying solely for the necessary support, effectively minimizing costs.
Based on CISOaaS being engaged for four days a month annually at current prices.
Based on your requirements, you can hire a vCISO 5-10 hours a week or per month.
Mitigate your risk by strengthening your cyber and information strategy through the implementation of a clearly defined roadmap, thereby enhancing your overall security posture.
Acquire valuable experience in effectively educating and presenting to board members, and non-technical senior staff across functional diverse backgrounds.
Leverage our independent perspective and established credibility to secure comprehensive cross-business support and successfully accomplish your information security objectives.
Are you Ready? DISC InfoSec offers a free consultation to evaluate your security posture and GRC requirements, providing you with an actionable plan that starts here…
Deura InfoSec Partners with Ostendio to Streamline Compliance & Security Offerings
Strategic Partnership: Ostendio and Deura InfoSec have formed a partnership to enhance compliance and risk management services for Deura InfoSec clients using Ostendio’s GRC platform.
Efficiency Gains: Deura InfoSec will leverage Ostendio’s platform to streamline compliance processes, significantly reducing the time clients spend on information security management by up to 50%.
Client Benefits: The partnership allows Deura InfoSec to overcome the challenges of fragmented security and simplify the processes and costs of delivering complex cybersecurity programs.
We’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is here to help, and we’re always looking to improve our services. You can reach us by email at info@deurainfosec.com or through our website.contact form.
We offer discounted initial assessment based on various industry standards and regulations to demonstrate our value and identify possible areas for improvement. Potentially a roadmap for the to-be state.
The frequency of cyberattacks is increasing, particularly targeting smaller businesses. However, most small and mid-size companies cannot afford a full-time security professional. To address this, they are turning to vCISO (virtual Chief Information Security Officer) services offered by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs). These services provide access to external cybersecurity experts at a lower cost than hiring an in-house CISO.
A report by Cynomi, based on a survey of 200 executives in the U.S. and Canada, shows the rising demand for vCISO services among SMBs and how MSPs and MSSPs are responding to this demand. The report reveals that 84% of those not currently offering vCISO services but plan to do so by the end of 2024. The number of providers offering these services has been consistently growing, with 8% in 2022, 28% in 2023, and a projected 45% in 2024.
MSPs and MSSPs are motivated to offer vCISO services due to anticipated increased revenue, higher margins, easy upselling of other cybersecurity services, and enhanced client engagement. Although they foresee challenges such as limited in-house security knowledge and a lack of skilled cybersecurity personnel, vCISO platforms help mitigate these concerns.
Cynomi, a leading vCISO platform provider, aims to conduct annual studies on the growing trend of the vCISO role. They have also created a directory of prominent vCISO service providers to help SMBs find trusted security partners, offering details about services and technology platforms used by each provider.
In the provided article, the author, who is a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), discusses the challenges and strategies related to maintaining technical expertise while effectively communicating complex cybersecurity issues to stakeholders in a comprehensible manner.
The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the intricacies of technology in order to secure it effectively. This philosophy has driven the author to stay up-to-date with technology trends, collaborate with other security experts, and maintain a deep connection with their technical teams. The author also highlights the value of using simple metaphors to explain complex concepts, leveraging their strong technical background to convey information in a way that is easier for non-technical stakeholders to grasp.
In the context of managing cyber resilience efforts across an enterprise, the author draws parallels to managing different types of risk, categorizing them as good and bad risks. Good risks are those that contribute to business growth and innovation, while bad risks are associated with lacking proper planning and security measures. Balancing these risks requires strong relationships across the organization and constant communication.
The article also discusses the impact of digital initiatives and rapid digital transformation on the CISO’s role. While digital transformation can enhance efficiency and lower risks, challenges arise when new technologies like cloud or SaaS services are introduced without a clear understanding of their security implications. Collaboration between technology vendors, cybersecurity companies, and leadership teams is essential to address these challenges.
In the face of external events that test organizational resilience, the author presents four key principles for effective leadership: communication, agility, constant learning, and adaptability. These principles help leaders navigate uncertainties, learn from experiences, and handle change more effectively.
For a newly appointed CISO tasked with explaining complex cyber regulations to the board, the author suggests researching the backgrounds and industries of board members to tailor explanations to their perspectives. Comparisons to regulations in related industries or significant news events can help the board better understand the issues and recognize the CISO’s commitment to understanding the regulatory landscape.
In summary, the article underscores the need for CISOs to balance technical expertise with effective communication, employing metaphors to simplify complex concepts, and building strong relationships to manage cyber risks across the enterprise. It also highlights the challenges and strategies associated with digital transformation, organizational resilience, and succinctly communicating complex regulations to the board.
In today’s evolving digital landscape, the role of a chief information security officer (CISO) is critical. These professionals defend against the rising tide of daily cyberthreats. Yet we’re seeing a trend: Many CISOs are leaving or considering leaving their jobs, a phenomenon coined the “Great CISO Resignation.”
This trend seems to reflect the intense pressure CISOs endure. They face a constant stream of complex cyberthreats, manage compliance issues and struggle with a talent deficit in cybersecurity. Paired with high expectations, many reconsider their roles, which can lead to a leadership gap.
However, this situation opens a strategic opportunity for innovation. As the founder and president of a company that offers virtual chief information security officer (vCISO) services, I’ve seen this model gaining momentum.
Understanding The vCISO Model
A vCISO is an outsourced security practitioner or provider who offers their expertise to businesses on a part-time or contractual basis.These professionals provide many of the same services as a traditional CISO, such as developing and implementing security strategies, ensuring compliance with regulations, training staff and managing a company’s cybersecurity posture. The key difference is that vCISOs offer these services remotely and often to multiple companies at once.
This model brings flexibility and scalability, allowing businesses to tailor cybersecurity leadership to their specific needs. It also provides access to a breadth of expertise that is often unaffordable in a full-time, in-house CISO.
Leveraging The vCISO Model Amid The CISO Exodus
With the current trend of CISOs leaving their positions, the vCISO model offers a practical solution to maintain cybersecurity leadership. Here are some ways businesses can take advantage of this model:
Plug Leadership Gaps Quickly
When a CISO departs, they leave a leadership void that’s hard to fill quickly, especially considering the shortage of cybersecurity talent. By leveraging a vCISO, businesses can plug this gap swiftly, ensuring continued oversight and direction in their cybersecurity efforts.
Access A Broader Skill Set
vCISOs, often being part of a larger team, can bring a wide range of experiences and skills. They are exposed to diverse security landscapes across industries, which can provide a fresh perspective and innovative solutions to your security challenges.
Cost Efficiency
Hiring a full-time CISO can be prohibitively expensive for some companies. vCISO services, on the other hand, can be scaled to fit budgetary constraints, giving businesses access to top-tier security leadership without as much of a hefty price tag.
Flexibility And Scalability
As your business grows and evolves, so too can your cybersecurity needs. A vCISO’s flexible engagement model means you can scale cybersecurity leadership to match your changing requirements.
Deciphering The vCISO Selection: A Strategic Perspective
Selecting the right virtual chief information security officer is pivotal to the success of your cybersecurity strategy, especially in the wake of the “Great CISO Resignation.” You’re essentially recruiting an outsourced leader who can help guide your organization’s information security infrastructure and strategy, so you need to ensure that they not only have the expertise but that they also align with your organization’s culture and values. Here are some strategic suggestions for identifying the perfect vCISO for your business:
Evaluate Their Background And Experience
Start by examining the vCISO’s professional background. This includes their level of experience in your specific industry, as well as their familiarity with the size and type of businesses like yours. Their past roles and achievements can provide valuable insight into their ability to handle the unique cybersecurity threats and risks your business may face. Don’t hesitate to ask for a detailed track record of their experience and successes.
Assess Their Expertise
Probe into their knowledge of current cybersecurity trends, their ability to create a cybersecurity strategy, their understanding of regulatory requirements that are relevant to your industry and their experience in managing security incidents. You should also ask about their experience with various cybersecurity tools and technologies. A vCISO’s expertise should encompass not only tactical but also strategic thinking and planning.
Understand Their Approach
Get a sense of their management style, communication skills and approach to problem-solving. Cybersecurity is a team effort, so the vCISO needs to effectively work with and guide your in-house team. Are they able to communicate complex security concepts in a way that everyone in your organization can understand? Can they foster a security-first culture within the company?
Determine Alignment With Business Goals
The right vCISO should understand your business strategy and align security strategies to business objectives. They should be able to strike a balance between the necessary security measures and the operational needs of your company.
We’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help and we’re always looking for ways to improve our services. You can reach us by email (info@deurainfosec.com), or through our website’s contact form.
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) hold a critical and challenging role in today’s rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. Here are the common security challenges CISOs face.
As organizations increasingly rely on technology to drive their operations, CISOs face complex security challenges that demand their expertise and strategic decision-making.
These challenges arise from the constant emergence of sophisticated cyber threats, the need to protect sensitive data, and the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.
The role of a CISO requires balancing proactive risk mitigation with the ability to respond swiftly to incidents and breaches.
This article will delve into the top challenges CISOs face, including protecting digital assets, managing security incidents, ensuring compliance, dealing with insider threats, and the relentless pursuit of cyber resilience.
By understanding these challenges, CISOs can develop robust cybersecurity strategies and lead their organizations toward a secure and resilient future.
Who is a CISO?
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a senior executive responsible for overseeing and administering an organization’s information security plan.
A CISO’s primary responsibility is safeguarding the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of an organization’s information assets and systems.
They are accountable for creating and enforcing strategies, policies, and procedures to defend against cyber threats, protect sensitive data, and mitigate security risks.
CISOs play a crucial role in maintaining an organization’s security posture by establishing and enforcing security standards, conducting risk assessments, and implementing appropriate security controls.
They collaborate with other executives, IT teams, and stakeholders to align security initiatives with business objectives and ensure that security measures are integrated into the organization’s operations.
In addition to their technical expertise, CISOs often engage in risk management, incident response planning, security awareness training, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
They stay updated on the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and technologies to address emerging risks and implement appropriate security measures effectively.
The role of a CISO has become increasingly important as cyber threats evolve in complexity and frequency.
CISOs are responsible for safeguarding the organization’s sensitive information, maintaining the trust of customers and stakeholders, and ensuring business continuity in the face of cybersecurity challenges.
What are all the Roles and Responsibilities of CISO?
Developing and Implementing Information Security Strategy: The CISO is responsible for developing and implementing an overarching information security strategy aligned with the organization’s business objectives. This includes setting security goals, defining security policies and procedures, and establishing risk management frameworks.
Leading the Security Team: The CISO manages and provides leadership to the security team, including hiring, training, and supervising security personnel. They ensure the team has the necessary skills, resources, and support to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Overseeing Security Operations: The CISO oversees day-to-day security operations, including incident response, vulnerability management, threat intelligence, and security monitoring. They ensure appropriate controls, technologies, and processes are in place to protect the organization’s assets.
Risk Management: The CISO is responsible for identifying and assessing security risks to the organization’s information systems and assets. They develop and implement risk management strategies to safeguard critical data and systems, including risk mitigation, transfer, and acceptance.
Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: The CISO ensures that the organization complies with relevant security regulations, industry standards, and legal requirements. They stay updated on emerging regulations and ensure appropriate controls and processes are in place to meet compliance obligations.
Security Incident Response: The CISO leads the organization’s response to security incidents, including data breaches, malware attacks, and other security breaches. They establish incident response plans, coordinate efforts, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders, such as legal, PR, and law enforcement agencies.
Security Awareness and Training: The CISO promotes a culture of security awareness throughout the organization. They develop and deliver security awareness programs and training initiatives to educate employees on security best practices and minimize human-related security risks.
Vendor and Third-Party Risk Management: The CISO assesses and manages security risks associated with third-party vendors and partners. They establish vendor security requirements, conduct due diligence, and monitor compliance with security standards and contractual obligations.
Security Governance and Reporting: The CISO provides regular reports and updates on the organization’s security posture to executive management, board members, and other relevant stakeholders. They ensure that security metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) are established to measure the effectiveness of security programs.
Incident Investigation and Forensics: In the event of security incidents, the CISO oversees the investigation and forensic analysis to identify the root cause, assess the impact, and prevent future occurrences. As required, they collaborate with internal and external resources, such as forensic experts and law enforcement agencies.
Security Challenges CISOs Face
CISOs face various common security challenges as they strive to protect their organizations’ digital assets and information. Perimeter 81 Guide helps CISOs to prevent their network from being at Risk. Some of the key challenges they encounter include:
Sophisticated Cyberattacks: CISOs must defend against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, including advanced persistent threats (APTs), ransomware attacks, social engineering, and zero-day exploits. These attacks can bypass traditional security measures and require constant vigilance and adaptive security strategies.
Insider Threats: CISOs need to address the risks posed by insiders, including employees, contractors, or partners who have authorized access to systems and data. Insider threats can involve accidental data breaches, negligence, or malicious intent, requiring a balance between enabling productivity and implementing controls to prevent unauthorized access or data leakage.
Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: CISOs must ensure their organizations comply with industry-specific regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or SOX, and evolving privacy laws. Navigating complex compliance requirements and maintaining a robust security posture to meet these standards can be a significant challenge.
Cloud Security: As organizations increasingly adopt cloud services and infrastructure, CISOs must address the unique security challenges associated with cloud computing. This includes securing data stored in the cloud, managing access controls, and ensuring the security of cloud service providers (CSPs) and their environments.
Security Skills Gap: CISOs often need more skilled cybersecurity professionals. The industry’s rapid growth and evolving threat landscape have resulted in high demand for cybersecurity talent, making recruiting and retaining qualified professionals challenging.
Third-Party Risk: Organizations rely on third-party vendors and suppliers, introducing potential security risks. CISOs must assess the security posture of third parties, establish contractual security obligations, and monitor their adherence to security standards to mitigate the risk of breaches through these external connections.
Security Awareness and Training: Human error remains a significant factor in cybersecurity incidents. CISOs must promote a strong security culture, provide regular training and awareness programs, and educate employees about cybersecurity best practices to minimize the risk of social engineering, phishing attacks, and other user-related vulnerabilities.
Incident Response and Recovery: CISOs must develop and test robust incident response plans to manage and recover from security incidents effectively. This involves identifying and containing breaches, conducting forensic investigations, and implementing remediation measures to minimize the impact and prevent future incidents.
Emerging Technologies: Adopting technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain introduces new security challenges. CISOs must understand the security implications of these technologies, assess risks, and implement appropriate controls to protect against potential vulnerabilities and attacks.
Budget and Resource Constraints: CISOs often face budget limitations and the need to prioritize security initiatives. Balancing the allocation of resources to address immediate security needs while investing in long-term security capabilities can be a significant challenge.
What are the Security Compliance CISO Should Follow
As a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), there are several security compliance frameworks and regulations that you should consider following, depending on the nature of your organization and its operations. Here are some of the key security compliance frameworks and regulations:
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): If your organization deals with the personal data of individuals in the European Union (EU), GDPR sets requirements for the protection, processing, and transfer of personal data. It includes principles for data minimization, consent, data breach notification, and the rights of individuals.
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS): PCI DSS applies to organizations that handle credit card information. It sets requirements for securing payment card data, including network security, encryption, access controls, and regular vulnerability assessments.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): HIPAA applies to organizations in the healthcare industry that handle protected health information (PHI). It establishes requirements for the privacy and security of PHI, including access controls, encryption, risk assessments, and breach notification.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX): SOX applies to publicly traded companies in the United States. It sets requirements for financial reporting and establishes controls and processes to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial statements. While not solely focused on security, it includes provisions for protecting financial data.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework: The NIST Cybersecurity Framework provides guidelines and best practices for managing cybersecurity risks. It covers risk assessment, security controls, incident response, and continuous monitoring.
ISO 27001: ISO 27001 is an international standard that provides a framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS). It covers various aspects of information security, including risk management, access controls, incident management, and security awareness.
Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA): FISMA applies to U.S. federal agencies and sets requirements for securing federal information and systems. It mandates risk assessments, security controls, incident response planning, and continuous monitoring.
Security Challenges CISOs Face to Manage Security Team
Managing a security team as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) requires effective leadership, communication, and coordination. Here are some key aspects to consider when managing a security team:
Establish Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each team member to ensure everyone understands their specific duties and areas of expertise. This clarity helps streamline operations and avoid confusion.
Set Goals and Objectives: Define strategic goals and objectives for the security team aligned with the organization’s overall security strategy. Communicate these goals to the team and regularly track progress to ensure everyone is working towards the same objectives.
Provide Guidance and Mentorship: Offer team members guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Encourage skill development, certifications, and staying up-to-date with the latest security trends and technologies—support team members in their career growth.
Foster Collaboration and Communication: Promote a collaborative and open communication culture within the team. Encourage knowledge sharing, cross-functional collaboration, and effective communication channels. Regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and updates are valuable for aligning efforts.
Support Decision-Making: Empower team members to make decisions within their areas of responsibility. Provide guidance and support when needed, but encourage autonomy and ownership in decision-making. Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable taking calculated risks.
Establish Incident Response Procedures: Develop clear incident response procedures and ensure the team is well-prepared to handle security incidents effectively. Conduct regular drills, tabletop exercises, and simulations to test and improve the team’s incident response capabilities.
Stay Informed and Adapt: Stay up-to-date with the latest security threats, industry trends, and best practices. Encourage continuous learning and professional development for the team. Adapt security strategies and measures as the threat landscape evolves.
Collaborate with Other Departments: Work closely with other departments, such as IT, legal, HR, and executive management, to ensure security initiatives are aligned with business objectives and integrated into overall organizational operations. Build relationships and foster a culture of security awareness throughout the organization.
Regularly Evaluate and Improve: Regularly evaluate the team’s performance, processes, and procedures. Collect feedback from team members and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement. Implement changes and adjustments as necessary to enhance the team’s effectiveness and efficiency.
Lead by Example: Demonstrate strong leadership skills, integrity, and a commitment to security best practices. Lead by example in adhering to security policies and procedures. Encourage a positive and supportive work environment.
Final Thoughts
CISOs face many common security challenges as protectors of their organization’s digital assets and information.
From sophisticated cyberattacks and insider threats to compliance requirements and resource constraints, these challenges highlight the complex and evolving nature of the cybersecurity landscape.
CISOs must navigate these challenges by adopting a proactive and strategic approach to security, leveraging advanced technologies, fostering a strong security culture, and collaborating with stakeholders.
To overcome these challenges, CISOs must stay abreast of emerging threats, continuously evaluate and improve their security measures, and prioritize investments in critical security capabilities.
They must also foster strong partnerships with internal teams, third-party vendors, and industry peers to collectively address security challenges and share best practices.
While the security challenges CISOs face may seem daunting, they also present opportunities for innovation and growth.
By effectively addressing these challenges, CISOs can enhance their organizations’ security posture, safeguard critical assets, and instill confidence in customers and stakeholders.
Ultimately, the role of a CISO requires a comprehensive and adaptable approach to cybersecurity, where staying one step ahead of threats and continuously improving security measures are paramount.
By embracing these challenges, CISOs can help shape a secure and resilient future for their organizations in an increasingly interconnected and threat-filled digital landscape.
A virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) service or (CISOaaS) may be appropriate for a variety of scenarios, including:
Your clients, collaborators (partners) and some regulatory requirements anticipate the presence of an individual fulfilling the position of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
Companies without an in-house CISO: Small and medium-sized companies may not have the budget or need for a full-time CISO. A vCISO service can provide these companies with access to a seasoned cybersecurity professional without having to hire a full-time employee.
Companies experiencing rapid growth or change: Companies that are growing quickly or undergoing significant changes, such as mergers or acquisitions, may benefit from the expertise of a vCISO to help them navigate the cybersecurity implications of these changes.
Companies with limited cybersecurity resources: Some companies may have an IT team but lack dedicated cybersecurity resources. A vCISO can help fill this gap by providing strategic guidance and oversight of the company’s cybersecurity program.
Compliance requirements: Companies in regulated industries, such as healthcare or financial services, may require a CISO to meet regulatory requirements. A vCISO can help these companies meet compliance requirements with standards (ISO 27001) and regulations (PCI, HIPAA, NIST CSF, etc.) without having to hire a full-time CISO.
Cybersecurity incident response: In the event of a cybersecurity incident, a vCISO can provide expertise and guidance to help the company respond effectively and minimize the impact of the incident.
Overall, a vCISO service can be a cost-effective way for companies to gain access to the expertise of a seasoned cybersecurity professional without having to hire a full-time employee.
CISOaaS
Organizations committed to prioritizing security encounter the difficulty of locating a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) possessing the appropriate skills and knowledge. It becomes necessary for someone to take charge of the security and compliance strategy, but this requirement often surpasses the expertise possessed by operational IT/CIO.
What is CISOaaS? Chief Information Security Officer-as-a-Service (CISOaaS) provides information security leadership from an appropriate pool of expertise. CISOaaS provides security guidance to senior management and drives the organization’s information security program.
Scoping -> Assessment (business, legal and contractual reqs) -> Gap analysis (based on stds and regulations) -> provide a roadmap to-be state -> implementation of roadmap -> Evaluation and Continual improvement (of security program)
The benefits of our CISOaaS
Gain access to a diverse pool of highly experienced and specialized senior cyber security professionals.
Rapidly access valuable resources and eliminate the necessity of retaining talent.
Reduce your expenses by paying solely for the necessary support, effectively minimizing costs.
Based on CISOaaS being engaged for four days a month annually at current prices. ($37,000 per year)
Based on your requirements, you can hire a vCISO 5-10 hours a week or per month. ($125 per hour)
Mitigate your risk by strengthening your cyber and information strategy through the implementation of a clearly defined roadmap, thereby enhancing your overall security posture.
Acquire valuable experience in effectively educating and presenting to board members, and non-technical senior staff across functional diverse backgrounds.
Leverage our independent perspective and established credibility to secure comprehensive cross-business support and successfully accomplish your information security objectives.
We’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help and we’re always looking for ways to improve our services. You can reach us by email (info@deurainfosec.com), or through our website’s contact form.
Most small-to medium-sized business (SMBs) hiring a CISO may be challenging business decision to find a suitable and affordablee candidate and the impacts of cyber breach to the SMBs can be devastating since many of those businesses are unable to sustain the costs of breach. A vCISO can provide the expertise needed to ensure your information security, privacy programs are succeeding and your company is prepared to assess and analyze an incident, all at cost-effective price.
DISC’s Virtual CISO (vCISO) service assists organizations to design, develop and implement information security programs based on various standards and regulations. We provide professional security services which includes but not limited to leadership team (strategic) but also a support team of security analysts (tactical) to solve distinct cybersecurity challenges to every organization.
Reasons to Consider a Virtual CISO (vCISO)
Expertise covering Industries: vCISOs work with various clients across industries, opening them to events not attainable to CISOs experience in an isolated industry. The security knowledge gained by a vCISO from each client environment is different which ensures an improved expertise to assess the next organization, which positively impacts on the next client project.
Flexibility in Unique Business Environments: vCISOs first gain a thorough understanding of each organization’s business model, company culture, risk tolerance, and objectives. From there, they gain an understanding of security risks faced by the organization. With a full view of the security landscape, the vCISO will communicate the findings to help clients make the appropriate security decisions for their environment.
Efficiency with Core Competencies: A virtual CISO fills will prioritize security findings where organizations need it most. By focusing on cybersecurity strategy and implementation, vCISOs helps internal security team with control understanding and implementation responsibility. This enables both staff and cybersecurity leadership to remain dedicated to their respective core competencies.
Objective Independence: vCISOs are an independent third party with an objective viewpoint and goals of helping clients make the best security decisions for their business.
Economical: DISC’s vCISO programs generally cost a fraction of a full-time CISO and supporting security team. According to salary.com report, the average salary for a CISO is $260,000 per year in California. On average, DISC’s vCISO clients pay a fraction of what it would cost to hire an in-house CISO.
Most important skills of vCISO: is to translate between business and IT as a facilitator
vCISO risk remediation solution:
What is risk to business
Likelihood of occurrence and what will be the risk to business
Impact of occurring and what will be the risk to business
Cost of fixing, implementing or remediating and what will be the residual risk
Compliance services are emerging as one of the hottest areas of cybersecurity. While compliance used to be mainly the province of large enterprises, times have changed, and it is now a day-to-day concern for a growing number of small and medium businesses.
Even when these organizations are not regulated, SMEs often aim to follow compliance and/or security frameworks either for their own risk mitigation or in order to comply with the standards required by their customers. The driver is often their customers’ supply chain concerns and requirements. As large businesses adopt cybersecurity and compliance frameworks and agree to certain standards, they impose similar demands on their suppliers.
This is a major opportunity for virtual CISO (vCISO) providers assuming they can broaden their offerings to encompass compliance. vCISO service providers perform a vital role in building a comprehensive cybersecurity program for their SME customers. They ensure that organizations put basic security measures in place to reduce the risk of a cyberattack and adequate safeguards to protect sensitive information. As such, those delivering vCISO services are well-positioned to expand their services into compliance. Some have already extended their service portfolio by adding compliance-related services, adding value to their customers.
While this should be a natural and easy transition, many vCISO service providers struggle to make this move. Adding compliance and audit readiness services may be overwhelming – it requires a specific skill set and may be time-consuming.
Fortunately, vCISO platforms are emerging that integrate the compliance function and automate much of the work allowing vCISO service providers to easily add compliance services to their offering with no extra burden or cost.
A global survey from recruitment firm Marlin Hawk that polled 470 CISOs at organizations with more than 10,000 employees found nearly half (45%) have been in their current role for two years or less.
James Larkin, managing partner for Marlin Hawk, said that rate is slightly lower than the previous year when the same survey found 53% of CISOs had been in their positions for less than two years.
Overall, the survey found that current turnover rates are at 18% on a year-over-year basis. Approximately 62% of CISOs were hired from another company, compared to 38% that were promoted from within, the survey also found.
However, only 12% of CISOs are reporting directly to the CEO, while the rest report to other technology leadership roles, the survey revealed. It also found that more than a third of CISOs (36%) that have a graduate degree also received a higher degree in business administration or management, a 10% decline from the previous year. A total of 61% have higher degrees in another STEM field, the survey found.
Finally, the survey showed only 13% of the respondents are female, while only 20% are non-white.
The role of the CISO continues to expand—and with it the level of stress—as cyberattacks continue to increase in volume and sophistication, noted Larkin. It’s not clear whether or how much stress levels are contributing to CISO turnover rates, but it is one of the few 24/7 roles within any IT organization, added Larkin.
The role of the CISO has also come under more scrutiny in the wake of the conviction of former Uber CISO Joe Sullivan on charges of obstruction. Most CISOs view their role as defending the corporation but, in general, Larkin noted that most of them would err on the side of transparency when it comes to managing cybersecurity.
The one certain thing is that CISOs are more valued than ever. A PwC survey of 722 C-level executives found that 40% of business leaders ranked cybersecurity as the number-one most serious risk their organizations faced. In addition, 58% of corporate directors said they would benefit most from enhanced reporting around cybersecurity and technology.
As a result, nearly half of respondents (49%) said they were increasing investments in cybersecurity and privacy, while more than three-quarters (79%) said they were revising or enhancing cybersecurity risk management.
As a result, CISOs generally have more access to resources despite an uncertain economy. The issue is determining how best to apply those resources given the myriad platforms that are emerging to enhance cybersecurity. Of course, given the chronic shortage of cybersecurity talent, the biggest challenge may simply be finding someone who has enough expertise to manage those platforms.
In the meantime, most of the training CISOs and other cybersecurity professionals receive will continue to be on the job. CISOs, unlike other C-level roles that have time available for more structured training, don’t have that luxury.
