Enhancing Security and Efficiency with CISO-as-a-Service

Many organisations are turning to implementing a CISO-as-a-Service option. The service is not only efficient, cost-effective and flexible — but also provides a dedicated CISO who has access to a panel of ‘in-house’ information security experts.

The service allows organisations to maximise their security posture to mitigate risk and adhere to regulatory requirements. Additionally, the return on investment (ROI) from hiring a vCISO can be significant compared to bringing on a full-time equivalent (FTE). You can read more on the ROI in our blog post: Hiring a Virtual CISO Verses a Full-Time CISO Comparison.

If you are considering outsourcing a CISO, the best place to start is by determining if you need one. Second to have a clear understanding of the role of the vCISO, your company’s information security needs and budget.

In this Blog Post, We Will Cover: 

• How to Determine if You Need a CISO as a Service
• The CISO-as-a-Service Role Description
  • Credentials and Certifications
  • Technical
  • Strategic

• What is the Typical Pricing of the CISO Service?
• Is CISO-as-a-Service the Right Choice for Your Organisation?

How to Determine if you need a CISO as a Service

If you are reading this blog post, you have most likely seen a need for a Chief Information Security Officer. We advise you to start by asking yourself a few questions to determine if the service is the right choice.

• Does your organisation have the necessary budget for hiring a full-time in-house CISO?
• Is your company a startup that needs a CISO but does not have the time to go through the recruitment and hiring process?
• Do you have an existing technical person assigned as the acting CISO, who may not have the skills to fill the role?
• Are you looking for an interim CISO while recruiting to fill the permanent role?
• Is your company under pressure to meet regulatory or compliance requirements within a short timeline?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then CISO as a Service may be a good option.

The CISO-as-a-Service Role Description

A CISO is your trusted advisor, technologist, strategist and operational expert. Many have experience across different industries and types of companies from small SMBs to large enterprises.

Virtual CISOs hold cyber security certifications and credentials that demonstrate their expertise in the field. Certifications might include CISSP, CISA, CISM, CRISC and CCISO.

The role they take in your organisation will depend on your needs and requirements. A virtual CISO can fill both technical and strategic roles. They assist with risk management, governance, compliance, 3rd party vendor management and much more.

Here is a breakdown of the strategic and tactical deliverables a CISO service can offer:

Strategic:

• Development and implementation of cyber security strategies: Virtual CISOs work closely with the leadership (C-Level) to create tailored security roadmaps aligned with business objectives.
• Risk assessment and management: Conducting thorough evaluations of an organisation’s risk landscape and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Compliance oversight: Ensuring adherence to relevant industry standards and regulations such as GDPR, NIS2, PCI DSS and others.
• Incident response planning: Developing and maintaining robust plans to address potential security breaches and cyber incidents.

• Board and executive communication: Translating complex technical issues into clear, actionable insights for leadership teams.

Tactical:

• Security awareness training: Designing and delivering comprehensive training programs to educate employees about cyber security best practices.
• Vendor assessments and management: Overseeing relationships with third-party security vendors and ensuring their services align with the company’s security goals.
• Technology evaluation and implementation: Assessing and recommending appropriate security technologies to enhance the organisation’s defensive capabilities.
• Disaster recovery plan testing: Evaluating and verifying the effectiveness and efficiency of the disaster recovery process and procedures.
• Security penetration testing: Overseeing and managing routine penetration testing which may include testing websites, web apps, network and cloud platforms.

To see an entire list of what Risk Crew’s virtual CISOs can deliver, view the service menu.

What is the Typical Pricing of CISO-as-a-Service?

There can be several pricing models of vCISO services depending on your vendor. Normally it is established on an hourly rate, or retainer rate — or can even be broken down into a fixed fee if based on the project.

Each company’s overall cost will be unique to the services it requires. Here are three key factors that influence vCISO pricing:

1. Industry-specific requirements – CISOs oversee regulations and tailor cyber security strategies to the specific needs and legal requirements of the industry. For example, the retail industry must ensure compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). The EU NIS2 Directive states critical infrastructure will need to implement an incident management program, supply chain security, enhanced network security, access control and encryption, and information security staff awareness training.
2. Size of the business – Smaller organisations with fewer employees and simpler IT infrastructures typically pay lower monthly or annual fees. As business size increases, so does the complexity of security needs, leading to higher pricing tiers. Mid-sized companies may see moderate rates, while large enterprises with extensive networks and data assets command a larger retainer fee. Scalable models, like Risk Crew’s, ensure any size organisation can get the deliverables that fit their business needs.
3. Scope of services and/or project – The key is to find a service provider that will customise the service to fit your needs. Some organisations might require the vCISO to engage in strategic planning for risk management, incident response and other cyber security requirements. However, some organisations have an Information Officer in place who covers strategic tasks but simply doesn’t have the internal resources to implement tactical needs including — conducting risk assessments, maintaining a cyber risk register and conducting supplier security assessments. 

Is CISO-as-a-Service the Right Choice for Your Organisation?

To conclude, CISO-as-a-Service offers a flexible, cost-effective and efficient solution for organisations aiming to enhance their security posture without the long-term commitment of hiring a full-time Chief Information Security Officer. This model is particularly beneficial for companies that need immediate security expertise, whether to meet regulatory requirements, bridge a gap during recruitment or provide strategic direction in cyber security.

There are many benefits to onboarding a virtual CISO. However, the decision to opt for a virtual CISO should be guided by your company’s specific needs, budget and the complexity of your IT infrastructure. As we’ve explored, this service can be bespoke to meet both strategic and tactical objectives, ensuring that your organisation remains secure and compliant in an ever-evolving threat landscape.

If you’d like to learn if this service is right for you, schedule a chat with one of our consultants. Together you can determine what a service model best suits your organisation. Get the expertise you need – when you need it.