What Is a vCISO and How Do I Hire One?

In recent years, the number of cyberattacks against the United States has significantly increased, accounting for approximately 47% of all cyberattacks globally. Are you feeling overwhelmed by cybersecurity threats?

Hiring a vCISO can help you stay one step ahead of cyber threats. They have expertise in cyber security and knowledge of the latest trends, tools, and systems to protect your company from malicious attacks.

With a seasoned vCISO on board, you will be able to access personalized security strategies. A cybersecurity professional will tailor a system specifically for your business giving you the most up-to-date protection.

Read more about how hiring a virtual CISO can take your organization’s cybersecurity to the next level!

What Is a vCISO?

Cybersecurity can be categorized into three main categories. These are network security, application security, and data security.

Network Security

Network Security focuses on protecting networks from malicious attacks. This includes firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and authentication protocols.

Cyber attacks on a company’s network typically involve a malicious actor attempting to gain access to confidential data or disrupt the organization’s operations. Common types of cyber attacks include:

• Phishing
• Denial of service (DoS)

Phishing is an attempt by an attacker to gain personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, from unsuspecting victims by sending them an email or other message.

A DoS attack is when an attacker floods a website or network with so much traffic that it causes the site to crash.

Application Security

Application security focuses on protecting applications and software from malicious attacks. Companies must ensure their web applications are secure by testing for vulnerabilities, encrypting sensitive data, and enforcing access control policies.
Typical cyber attacks on application security include:

• Malware
• Ransomware
• SQL injection
• Cross-site scripting (XSS)
• Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks

Malware is malicious software that can infect a computer or device without the user’s knowledge. It can be used to gain access to confidential data and disrupt operations.

Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts files and will only unlock them after the victim pays a ransom.

SQL injection attacks are when an attacker sends malicious code into a website’s database to view, delete, or modify data.

Cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks inject malicious code into web pages to gain access to sensitive information or execute malicious commands.

The man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack is a type of attack where an attacker intercepts and redirects communications between two parties without either party knowing. The hacker can then use the intercepted data to launch further attacks or manipulate the communication.

Data Security

Data security focuses on protecting the confidentiality and integrity of a company’s data. This includes encryption, secure storage solutions, and network segmentation. Companies must ensure that their systems are regularly monitored for malicious activity and that any unauthorized access is immediately reported.

Typical types of cyber attacks on data security include:

• Denial of Service (DoS) attacks
• Phishing
• Brute force attacks
• Data Leakage.

We talked about Denial of Service (DoS) attacks and Phishing earlier on.
Brute force attacks are when an attacker uses automated tools to guess passwords or login credentials to gain access.
Data leakage occurs when confidential information is unintentionally exposed to third parties.

When Should You Hire a vCISO?

Hiring a vCISO is recommended when you need more than basic IT support. You may have complex security requirements that require more expertise. The vCISO can help you create a comprehensive security plan, manage any issues that may arise, and ensure your data is secure.

A vCISO will also be able to advise on how best to respond in the event of a cyber attack, such as when ransomware is used and the victim pays a ransom.

Lack of Security in Your Business

If you are not taking adequate steps to protect your business, then it is at risk of cyber attack. Hackers can use various methods to access information such as malware, exploiting software vulnerabilities, or social engineering techniques. Once they gain access, they can steal data or disrupt operations.

Businesses must have the necessary security measures in place to protect their data and systems.

This includes:

• Using encryption
• Implementing firewalls
• Deploying antivirus software
• Conducting regular vulnerability assessments
• Creating secure backups of critical data

During Acquisitions And Mergers

When companies merge or acquire new businesses, it can put existing security measures at risk. This is why it is important to have a vCISO in place to assess the security of the systems and provide guidance on any steps needed to ensure compliance with regulations and protect sensitive information.

The vCISO can also review current policies and procedures and recommend changes if necessary. This will help ensure that the newly merged or acquired business is secured from cyber risk.

For Crisis Management

A vCISO will also be able to guide in the event of a major crisis. This could include helping to respond to data breaches, developing crisis response plans, and providing advice on how best to manage the situation.

This will help ensure that businesses are well-prepared in the event of a security incident and can take swift action if needed.

During Product Launches

A new product may have vulnerabilities that have been overlooked. Data and systems associated with it must be secure.

A vCISO can help by assessing any potential risks. They will develop strategies to mitigate them. They can also provide advice on how best to educate users about security protocols and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

How Do I Hire a vCISO?

Hiring a vCISO is an important step in protecting your business from cyber threats. The best way to find a vCISO is to look for one with experience and expertise in the particular industry you’re in.

Consider Their Qualifications

Look for an individual with specific qualifications, such as experience managing security teams and creating cybersecurity strategies. Additionally, look for a vCISO who understands the different types of threats and how to mitigate them.

Check Their References

Ask potential candidates for references from previous employers or clients. This will give you an idea of their level of expertise and how they work with customers.

Talk to Them Directly

It’s always a good idea to talk to potential hires directly. This will allow you to get a better understanding of their experience and skills. It will also allow you to see how well their personality might fit in with your organization.

What Cybersecurity Services They Provide

Make sure that the vCISO you hire can provide the services that your business needs. Ask them about their specific approach to cybersecurity and what resources they have available. It’s also important to ensure that they are up-to-date on the latest security technologies and techniques.

Review Their Rates

Before hiring a vCISO, make sure to review their rates and compare them with those of other vCISOs. You should also ask them if they offer any discounts for long-term contracts.

Interview the vCISO

Schedule an interview with the vCISO you are considering hiring so you can get a better sense of their skills and experience. During the interview, ask about their strategies for protecting your data, how they would respond to a breach, and their experience with developing security policies.

Look at Their Track Record

You should research any potential vCISO’s track record to make sure they have a successful history of protecting their clients from cyber threats. Look for references and reviews to see how other businesses feel about the candidate’s work.

Want to Hire a vCISO?

Choosing the right vCISO is a big decision that can have long-term implications for your business. Make sure to do your research and ask the right questions before hiring a vCISO so you can ensure they are the best fit for your organization.

At Cloudzen Partners, we understand how important it is to make sure you’re working with an experienced vCISO. We provide the services you need at competitive prices. If you want help finding the perfect cybersecurity partner for your organization, schedule a call today, and let us discuss what security plan would work best for you!