To answer what a vCISO is, we have to start with the role of a CISO.
A CISO is a Chief Information Security Officer – simply put, they are the member of your leadership team that is responsible for the organization’s data and cyber security needs. They develop protocols and rollout procedures to protect your institution’s information and tech systems.
To be effective, they need to have a clear understanding of your IT infrastructure as to assess potential threats and create protocols to protect from outside as well as inside vulnerabilities (employees falling prey to phishing attacks, etc.). Many times, CISO’s will lead a team of cybersecurity professionals to aide in the assessments and implementation of those protocols.
Don’t have a CISO or a cyber security team in your organization?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
According to various surveys and reports, only about half of companies have a Chief Information Security Officer. Yet according to IDG’s 2021 Security Priorities Study, “90 percent of those interviewed felt they were falling short in addressing cyber risk.”
With the emerging threats and attention given to cyber security, you should probably look into hiring a CISO as part of your leadership team, right?
Perhaps, but it’s not as easy as you’d think.
Due to high demand and the unique experience required for a qualified CISO, companies struggle to find the right candidates and, according to salary.com, the average salary for the position coming in at $230,823. With those limitations, some of those dedicated positions are often reserved for only the larger institutions.
What To Do?
Now you’re aware of the need for cyber and data security for your organization and want someone to help with protocols and procedures for keeping your information secure, but you don’t want to bankroll an executive-level CISO position to the tune of $200,000…what do you do?
Enter the vCISO
The vCISO (Virtual Chief Information Security Officer) is an outsourced security professional who performs the same tasks as an in-house CISO but with the benefit to you of on-demand availability, short learning curve, and a focus strictly on results for you – all coming at a cost that can often be worked into your IT budget rather than an employee at a C-Level salary.
At Diamond IT, our vCISO professionals connect with you and your team to develop a strategic approach to your security. Our vCISO’s provide a threat analysis and incident response. They’re able to advise you on insurance policy compliance, provide direction for your security operations, risk mitigation, and implement security training for your organization.
We take pride in serving our clients and putting their needs first. As your vCISO, we see ourselves as part of your organization and value your security as we do our own.
In that same 2021 IDG study, “62% of organizations already or plan to outsource at least some of their security functions over the next 12 months”…so you wouldn’t be alone. Let Diamond IT help.
Book an IT consultation to meet with one of our experts to see how we can help improve your organization’s security.