A virtual chief information security officer (CISO) is responsible for a business’ information and data security. A CISO’s responsibilities can include:

Analysing any immediate threats to the data and security of a business

Setting the security strategy for the business

Raising awareness with the board on any potential security issues with business decisions

Enforcing security best practice measures

Upon a breach occurring, investigating what went wrong and how the issue can be resolved to avoid the same outcome again

Ensuring staff handle data securely and IT infrastructure is designed with best security practices in mind

A virtual CISO will ultimately oversee the protection of both business and customer data, as well as protecting business’ infrastructure from malicious actors.

Small and medium-sized businesses often find they don’t have the volume of work to justify a full-time CISO, which makes a virtual CISO a viable option to still manage their information security requirements.

Mid-market and larger organisations often find that the cost of hiring a CISO full-time is prohibitively expensive. A CISO’s wealth of experience commands high salaries. This makes hiring a virtual CISO on a retainer basis a best-of-both-worlds option. You get as much security strategy and leadership as you need, in a cost-effective retainer basis.

A vCISO provides the same level of expertise and strategic oversight as an in-house CISO but operates on a flexible, as-needed basis. This allows organisations to access high-level security leadership without the costs and commitments associated with a full-time executive role.

A vCISO can assist with compliance by developing and implementing policies and procedures that align with relevant regulations and standards, conducting regular compliance audits, providing guidance on regulatory changes, and helping prepare for external audits and certifications.