What is a vCISO?
A virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) is an outsourced security expert responsible for supporting your organization’s management of information security. Virtual CISOs can help manage your risk against cyberattacks by improving your existing security strategy and help to maintain high standards of compliance.
vCISOs are a cost-effective solution for businesses that do not have the resources to hire a full-time CISO. Virtual CISOs offer greater flexibility as organizations can choose which areas of their business require the attention and services of a vCISO. By working as part of your existing security team, vCISOs will help to develop new security approaches and risk management activities, work towards strengthening your security culture, and assist with your compliance needs.
A virtual Chief Information Security Officer is typically a contract employee or a consulting group that can help fill the gaps on your IT or IS team. The vCISO can help with:
• Information security program development • Policy development
• Control implementation • Incident response
• Vendor management • Management reporting
• Risk assessment • Information security strategy
• Vulnerability management • IT Audit remediation
Virtual Innovation has been helping financial institutions and healthcare companies develop and enhance their information security programs (ISPs) since 2010. For larger organizations, we are part of the team that supports senior management with information security strategy. In smaller organizations, we act in the role of the information security officer and help with the day-to-day protection of the information systems and resources. Even though the concept of the vCISO is relatively new, we have been providing the vCISO service to clients since our
company was founded. In fact, we built our company around “virtual” solutions.
Our Approach
Based on the size and complexity of the organization and considering budget and requirements, we help our clients develop the information security program that fits their exact needs. Once the program is established, we can stay on as “part of the team” to ensure that the program and processes are implemented properly. In some cases, we help the company hire or develop information security professionals. In other cases, we play an active role in the operation and management of the program. We assist with system monitoring, management reporting, incident response, and testing information security processes and controls. Many of our clients feel that having access to outside experts is less costly and offers more stability than trying to maintain an internal staff of information security professionals. We can help develop the information security strategy that fits your needs and your budget.
Contact your Virtual Innovation security specialist, or call us at 219-405-65for more information.