What is a vCISO?

A vCISO is a virtual Chief Information Security Officer. This is a highly-trained cybersecurity expert contracted by an organization to handle their IT security and compliance programs.

The main reason a company might hire a virtual CISO is because they can’t afford to bring in a full-time person or they can’t find a qualified candidate as these positions are currently in such high demand.

Curious to know "What does a vCISO do?" Check out this blog.

We recently hosted a webinar titled "What ChatGPT Won't Tell You About Virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs)". 

Here are the key takeaways from our discussion:

The webinar featured esteemed speakers Mike Hamilton and Brad Swanson, both seasoned cybersecurity professionals who emphasized the importance of specialized, tailored security leadership that goes beyond generic AI-generated advice, ensuring organizations are well-protected and compliant in today’s evolving threat landscape.

1. Role of ChatGPT in Cybersecurity: ChatGPT, while useful, provides very broad and general information about vCISO roles, often lacking specificity tailored to different industries. Real-world vCISOs provide more detailed, customized strategies based on the unique needs and regulatory requirements of each organization.
2. Understanding the vCISO Role: Unlike generic descriptions, a vCISO's duties are highly specific to the organization’s sector and its maturity in security practices. Tasks include strategy development, risk assessments, compliance, and incident response, but must be tailored to the organization's needs.
3. Customization and Flexibility: vCISOs must understand the unique regulatory requirements of different sectors, such as healthcare, energy, or manufacturing. They work alongside various internal teams (IT, legal, HR) to implement a comprehensive security program.
4. Weekly, Monthly, and Annual Tasks: Regular activities include vulnerability scans, firewall reviews, and access authorization audits. Strategic planning and execution of corrective actions based on risk assessments are critical for maintaining security posture.
5. Building a Security Culture: A significant part of a vCISO’s role is to foster a culture of security awareness across the organization. This involves regular communication, education, and ensuring that all employees understand their role in maintaining security.
6. Cost and Value: Hiring a full-time CISO can be prohibitively expensive, especially for smaller organizations. A vCISO offers a cost-effective solution, providing high-level expertise without the financial burden of a full-time salary.
7. Regulatory Compliance: With increasing regulatory requirements, having a vCISO ensures that an organization remains compliant and avoids penalties. vCISOs assist in preparing for audits and managing relationships with regulatory bodies.
8. Mentorship and Internal Development: vCISOs can also play a mentorship role, helping to develop internal talent and ensuring continuity after their engagement ends.

Final Thoughts:

• The role of a vCISO is multifaceted and crucial for modern organizations facing complex cybersecurity challenges.
• By customizing their approach and working closely with internal teams, vCISOs help organizations build robust security programs and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
• For organizations, it's important to define clear outcomes and expectations for the vCISO to ensure successful engagements.

Download the slides here and don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions about how a vCISO could help your organization manage cyber risks.