Chapter 2: Who can be a vCISO?

“There is no single path to becoming a vCISO”

William Birchett, President of Logo Systems

Necessary skills and qualifications

This course is based on the premise that you don’t necessarily need to hire a CISO to start offering basic vCISO services.

A vCISO needs a diverse skill set that combines technical expertise, business acumen, and strong communication abilities. Key skills and qualifications include:

Technical Expertise

 

• Cybersecurity knowledge: Deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, including threat modeling, risk management, incident response, and compliance.
• IT infrastructure: Proficiency in network security, cloud security, and various IT systems.
• Security technologies: Familiarity with firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, antivirus software, and encryption technologies.

Management

 

• Project management: Skills to oversee cybersecurity projects, from planning to execution.
• Communication: Strong communication skills to articulate security policies and strategies to stakeholders at all levels.
• Team Leadership: Ability to lead and manage security teams effectively (only for advanced vCISO offerings).

Strategic Thinking

 

• Risk management: Expertise in identifying, assessing, and mitigating security risks.
• Business acumen: Understanding of how cybersecurity aligns with business objectives.
• Policy development: Ability to develop and implement robust security policies and procedures.

Professional backgrounds suitable for vCISO roles

There is no single “correct” path to becoming a vCISO. Professionals from diverse backgrounds can successfully transition into this role. Some common pathways include:

• Traditional CISOs
• IT and cybersecurity professionals
• Consultants and advisors
• Risk and compliance experts

Traditional CISOs transitioning to a virtual role

IT Managers, Security Analysts, and Network Administrators often transition into vCISO roles after gaining significant experience in cybersecurity operations.

Cybersecurity consultants and advisors who have worked on multiple projects across different industries bring valuable insights and a broad perspective to the vCISO role.

Professionals with a background in risk management, compliance, and auditing are well-suited for vCISO roles due to their focus on regulatory requirements and risk mitigation.

Comparison between IT, vCISO, and traditional CISO roles

The roles of IT professionals and CISOs (or vCISOs) are fundamentally different, yet they are both crucial to the overall success and security of an organization. Understanding these differences in responsibilities, approaches, and mindsets is essential for effectively integrating cybersecurity with IT operations.

Cybersecurity maintains checks and balances. For every IT action, there is a corresponding cybersecurity action to ensure security standards are met. 

For example, IT deploys firewalls, performs backups, and monitors computer health, whereas cybersecurity tests, audits, and documents firewalls, plans for business continuity, and ensures authorized access. CISOs also understand how to audit, check, document, and test systems to ensure compliance with security standards.

Goals:

• IT/MSP: Enable the business vision through technology, ensuring operational efficiency and technical support.
• Security/MSSP: Protect business revenue by ensuring robust cybersecurity measures, managing risks, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the complementary roles of IT professionals and CISOs, ensuring both technology and security work together to support and protect the organization’s objectives.

IT Staff overview

The roles and responsibilities of an IT professional or Managed Service Provider (MSP) primarily involve maintaining and managing an organization’s IT infrastructure to ensure smooth and efficient operations. 

This includes setting up, managing, and troubleshooting network systems, servers, and hardware, as well as installing and updating software applications. IT professionals are responsible for data backup and recovery, ensuring data integrity and availability, and implementing security measures to protect against cyber threats. They also provide technical support to end-users, addressing issues related to hardware, software, and connectivity. 

Additionally, MSPs offer proactive monitoring and maintenance services to prevent potential IT problems, optimize system performance, and reduce downtime, ensuring that the organization’s technology infrastructure supports its business objectives effectively.

Key responsibilities of IT professionals

Click the magnify icons to learn more about each term.

Network Management:

• Setting up, configuring, and maintaining network systems.
• Monitoring network performance and troubleshooting connectivity issues.

Server Management:

• Installing, configuring, and maintaining servers.
• Managing server performance and ensuring uptime.

Hardware Maintenance:

• Setting up and maintaining computer hardware and peripherals.
• Diagnosing and repairing hardware issues.

Software Management:

• Installing and updating software applications.
• Managing software licenses and ensuring compliance.

Data Backup and Recovery:

• Implementing data backup solutions.
• Performing data recovery operations to ensure data integrity and availability.

Cybersecurity:

• Implementing security measures to protect against cyber threats.
• Monitoring for security breaches and responding to incidents.

Technical Support:

• Providing technical support to end-users.
• Addressing hardware, software, and connectivity issues.

Proactive Monitoring:

• Continuously monitoring IT systems to prevent potential problems.
• Optimizing system performance and reducing downtime.

System Administration:

• Managing user accounts and access controls.
• Ensuring system updates and patches are applied regularly.

Vendor Management:

• Coordinating with vendors for hardware and software procurement.
• Managing relationships with external service providers.

Documentation:

• Maintaining accurate documentation of IT systems and procedures.
• Creating user manuals and training materials.

IT Strategy:

• Aligning IT infrastructure with business objectives.
• Planning and implementing IT projects to support organizational goals.

vCISO: Overview

A vCISO (virtual Chief Information Security Officer) provides outsourced, flexible security leadership to organizations that may not have the resources for a full-time CISO. vCISOs assess risks, develop security strategies, ensure compliance, and oversee incident response on a part-time or contract basis. 

Unlike a CISO, who is a permanent and integral part of an organization’s executive team, a vCISO offers their expertise as needed, providing tailored security solutions without the overhead costs of a full-time executive. This allows smaller organizations to access high-level security guidance affordably and efficiently.

The key differences between a vCISO and a CISO typically include:

Note: This is completely dependent on how vCISOs choose and develop their services. 

• Scope: A vCISO works fewer hours and provides services to multiple clients while a a CISO is a full-time employee of one client.
• Function: A vCISO typically provides advisory services, while a CISO is responsible for both planning and executing security strategies. However, some vCISOs may choose to also execute. 
• Management: A vCISO typically collaborates with an MSP or the company’s internal tech and security teams, whereas a CISO manages their own dedicated in-house team.
• Volume and complexity: vCISOs generally handle the same tasks and compliance requirements as CISOs, but they manage a smaller volume of systems and face less complexity.

Key responsibilities include:

• Risk management: Tracking, monitoring and advising on risk. 
• Compliance: Ensure systems meet regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Security strategy: Develop and implement cybersecurity strategies aligned with business goals.
• Incident response: Lead the response to security breaches and incidents.
• Security audits: Audit, check, document, and test systems to ensure they meet security standards.
• Policy creation: For example, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive systems and data.
• Regular communication: With all stakeholders including company executives and board members.

Traditional CISO: Overview

A traditional Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a full-time executive responsible for overseeing and managing an organization’s information security program. Their primary focus is on safeguarding the company’s data, infrastructure, and assets from cyber threats. Key responsibilities include risk management, compliance with cybersecurity regulations, and the creation of security policies and procedures. 

CISOs oversee incident response efforts, ensuring that the organization can effectively handle security breaches. They also work closely with other executives to align security initiatives with business goals, balancing security needs with operational efficiency and business growth. The CISO’s role is integral to maintaining the organization’s overall security posture and ensuring resilience against evolving cyber threats.

While technology, like antivirus software, is part of this role, a CISO’s responsibilities extend beyond just cybersecurity. They encompass all aspects of information security, including printed documents, HR records, and physical security.

Key responsibilities include advising, overseeing and executing:

• Risk management: Tracking, monitoring and advising on risk. 
• Compliance: Ensure systems meet regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Security strategy: Develop and implement cybersecurity strategies aligned with business goals.
• Incident response: Lead the response to security breaches and incidents.
• Security audits: Audit, check, document, and test systems to ensure they meet security standards.
• Policy creation: For example, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access access sensitive systems and data.
• Regular communication: With all stakeholders including company executives and board members
• Manage security team: Lead and manage security teams effectively.