Virtual Chief Information Security Officer
Get the expertise you need to protect your organisation from cyber threats with our virtual CISO service.
What is a virtual Chief Information Security Officer?
Protecting your organisation from cyber threats is critical in today’s digital world, but not every business has the resources to hire a full-time Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). That’s where our virtual CISO (vCISO) service comes in.
A virtual CISO is a cyber security professional who provides the same level of expertise and guidance as an in-house CISO, but on a part-time or ad-hoc outsourced basis.
They can help your business develop and implement a comprehensive cyber security strategy, manage risk, ensure regulatory compliance, identify areas of weakness and develop a customised plan to improve your security posture.
A virtual CISO can also bring an objective perspective to your organisation’s cyber security, identifying areas for improvement and providing recommendations for remediation.
By outsourcing your cyber security leadership to Sentrium, you can benefit from the expertise of a seasoned professional without the high cost of hiring a full-time in-house CISO.
What does a CISO do?
A CISO plays a critical role in overseeing the protection of an organisation’s assets, including its data, systems, and networks. It’s a Board-level, management role rather than an operational role. Some of the key responsibilities of a CISO include:
- Developing and implementing a cyber security strategy which includes identifying and mitigating potential security risks and vulnerabilities
- Creating, implementing and enforcing security policies and procedures that align with your organisation’s overall cyber security strategy
- Overseeing the monitoring of your organisation’s security posture and response to security incidents, reporting them to senior management and other relevant stakeholders
- Ensuring your organisation complies with relevant cyber security regulations and standards
- Developing and overseeing the implementation of an incident response plan which details the crucial steps to take during a security incident or breach
- Ensuring all employees receive regular awareness and training to help them understand the importance of cyber security and how to protect the organisation’s assets
A virtual CISO can provide your businesses with the expertise, guidance and support you need to protect your data and systems from cyber threats without the cost and commitment of a full-time CISO.
Benefits of a virtual CISO
A virtual CISO can provide several benefits to your business, especially if you don’t have the resources to hire a full-time CISO or need additional expertise and guidance on your cyber security strategy. Some reasons why your business may need a virtual CISO include:
- Expertise: Our virtual CISO service provides a wealth of cyber security knowledge and experience. We provide expert guidance and advice on developing and implementing an effective cyber security strategy for your business.
- Cost-effective: Hiring a full-time CISO can be expensive, especially for smaller businesses. With our virtual service, you get the same level of expertise and guidance at a fraction of the cost.
- Flexibility: A virtual CISO can work on a project or ongoing basis, providing flexibility and scalability based on the needs of your business.
- Objectivity: As your virtual CISO, we can provide an objective perspective on your cyber security strategy and identify potential areas of weakness that may have been overlooked.
- Compliance: We can help ensure your organisation complies with relevant cyber security regulations and standards, such as the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and ISO 27001.
- Risk Management: A virtual CISO can help you identify and manage cyber risks and vulnerabilities and ensure your business takes a proactive approach to cyber security.
- Availability: We can be available to your business as you need it, providing guidance and support in the event of a cyber security incident or breach.
- Scalability: With our virtual CISO service, you can scale the guidance and support you require as your business grows, ensuring cyber security remains a priority.
Our cyber security advisory services
At Sentrium, we offer a range of cyber security advisory services to help organisations of all sizes stay protected from cyber threats. Our advisory services include:
Our GDPR and Data Protection Act (DPA) consultancy services provide expert guidance to comply with the latest data protection regulations. Our experienced consultants can help you understand your obligations under GDPR and DPA, assess your current data protection practices, and develop a customised data protection strategy that meets your business needs.
Our ISO 27001 consultancy service can help your organisation implement and maintain the internationally recognised standard for information security management. We can help you implement the necessary controls and processes to achieve ISO 27001 certification, ensuring you have a robust management system to protect against cyber threats.
Our Data Protection Officer (DPO) service provides businesses with a dedicated data protection expert to help ensure compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations. Our outsourced DPOs are experienced professionals who can assess your current data protection practices and help your business respond to data breaches promptly and effectively.
Our outsourced cyber security advisory services are ideal for organisations that don’t have in-house experts or those looking to augment their existing security teams. Find out more about the range of cyber security advisory services we offer here.
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Why choose Sentrium?
Our experienced and CREST-certified cyber security team ensures we offer the expertise required to provide expert and comprehensive virtual CISO services. Our communication-focused client-first approach ensures our consultants are always on hand to answer any questions you may have. We pride ourselves on building strong, collaborative long-term relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a vCISO?
A virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) is an external cyber security expert who provides guidance and advice on developing and implementing an effective cyber security strategy for businesses.
How does Sentrium’s vCISO service work?
Our vCISO service provides businesses with access to an experienced and knowledgeable cyber security expert who can provide guidance and support on an ongoing basis.
Can you tailor your vCISO service to my business’s specific needs?
Our cyber security experts work closely with businesses to understand their specific needs and develop a customised vCISO service that addresses them.
Is your vCISO service flexible?
Sentrium’s vCISO service can work on an ongoing subscription basis, providing flexibility and scalability based on the needs of the business.
Is your vCISO service compliant?
Sentrium’s vCISO service helps businesses comply with relevant cyber security regulations and standards, such as the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and ISO 27001.
What services does Sentrium’s vCISO service provide?
Sentrium’s vCISO service provides high-level, strategic cyber security expertise, advice and leadership to support your senior management team and help your business improve its security posture.
Why would my business need a vCISO?
Your business may need a vCISO if it lacks in-house cyber security expertise, requires guidance and support on developing and implementing a cyber security strategy, or needs to comply with relevant regulations and standards.
Is your vCISO service cost-effective?
Sentrium’s vCISO service provides businesses with access to cyber security expertise without the cost and commitment of hiring a full-time CISO.
Is your vCISO service objective?
Sentrium’s vCISO service provides an objective perspective on the business’s cyber security strategy and identifies potential areas of weakness that may have been overlooked.
What hours do your vCISOs work?
Sentrium’s vCISO service can be available during normal business hours, providing guidance and support in the event of a cyber security incident or breach.