While data may not be a tangible good such as a diamond or fancy car, this doesn’t mean companies shouldn’t secure it. In a digital world, data is one of the most valuable assets an organization can have. All technology companies, no matter the maturity or size, must secure their data and sensitive information. The responsibilities for leading and managing a data security strategy fall under a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or equivalent role. Could your company benefit from a virtual CISO (vCISO)? Here are some things to consider:
What is a vCISO?
A vCISO is an outsourced consultant for all things cybersecurity. Whether it’s finding a new security monitoring solution to fit your environment, advising during a data breach, responding to security questionnaires, or assisting you through a security audit, a vCISO can help. This person should be well-versed and experienced in the fields of information technology and cybersecurity. The vCISO skillset is tough to find based on the ever-growing demand.
What are the benefits of a vCISO?
Let’s talk about the bottom line. There is a significant reduction in cost compared to a full-time CISO. Why? Because a highly-trained, full-time CISO can expect to earn well over six figures, according to Glassdoor. In contrast, utilizing a vCISO allows your business to use their services as you need, making their time flexible and scalable on short notice, while reducing the costs associated with headcount. These individuals can also offer an independent perspective, which not only reduces potential conflicts of interest, but also provides a unique perspective from outside your organization. And did we mention zero turnover?
Who should consider hiring a vCISO?
Startups and small- to medium-sized businesses that may not be ready for a formal, full-time CISO position would greatly benefit from hiring a vCISO. Whether it’s a temporary solution until the business grows or it’s more of a permanent supplementary addition to the current security management team, a vCISO’s expertise can help plan, implement, and sustain a reliable security strategy to keep your business and its customers safe. With that security strategy in place, a vCISO can help turn your organization’s security and compliance into a competitive advantage.
While large enterprises with existing security teams may think vCISO services aren’t applicable to them, even enterprise-level organizations with well-oiled security teams can gain insight from a vCISO’s perspective and BARR’s service offerings.
Contact us for a quick and free consultation to learn more about BARR’s vCISO Advisory services.