Managing security risk is a core business function in today’s world. It requires a professional and deliberate effort. Deciding on whether to insource to a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or outsource to a virtual CISO (vCISO) is a critical step in getting your security program up and running quickly and efficiently.
Like any important decision, both options certainly have their benefits.
Clearly, as the purveyor of virtual CISOs, I am in the corner of outsourcing. But, there are also advantages to a full-time CISO.
Clearly, as the purveyor of virtual CISOs, I am in the corner of outsourcing. But, there are also advantages to a full-time CISO.
Most of the conversations we have at Regents & Park regarding vCISO are about cost. Many smaller or even mid-sized organizations feel they can’t afford the total compensation of a full-time CISO, or simply wouldn’t be able to utilize their time effectively. With salary, benefits, stock programs, bonuses, etc., CISOs often cost$250k-$300k per year. A vCISO’s services typically cost $35k-$250k per year and decrease with time as the focus shifts to maintenance. A vCISO is a great way to apply verifiable industry experience to clarify your needs and apply scalable bandwidth with flexible costs.
If you employ a full-time CISO, they are ONLY your CISO. They are not pulled in other directions and can spend all their attention on your organization’s security.
Some organizations have employees who wear many hats. These employees often wouldn’t consider security as their primary role, may have very little formal security training, and therefore might not know where to begin when trying to implement security measures. In this instance, a vCISO is beneficial as it will enhance internal capabilities by bringing expertise and techniques from trained professionals.
If properly positioned, a full-time CISO will quickly improve the security posture of an organization through the focus of their bandwidth and their ability to internally influence executive management.
Employee turnover is something all organizations face, and the market for security talent is very competitive. Not only does a vCISO limit the turnover, but it also provides proven methodologies, and can help ensure that expertise isn’t lost during an employee transition, regardless of whether your organization decides to hire another full-time security professional or not.
Having a full-time CISO, if they are managed well, can have marketing and public relations benefits. It simply looks good to have someone on staff full time.
Managing security risk is a core business function in today’s world. Whether you outsource or insource, get your security program up and running immediately. Don’t get left behind!
I hope that you’ve found these tips helpful. If you have any questions about how you can help protect your organization please contact us or check out what Regents & Park can do for you.
