Maintaining an optimal cybersecurity strategy is more complicated than ever these days. Cybercriminals have seized the opportunity to supercharge their attacks with generative AI: Email cyberattacks skyrocketed by nearly 500 percent during the first half of 2023 compared to the first six months of 2022, according to Acronis.
Meanwhile, IBM reports that the average total cost of a data breach worldwide has hit $4.45 million. As if the situation isn’t severe enough already, 75 percent of employees will obtain, alter or create technology without their IT department’s knowledge and oversight, a significant increase from 41 percent in 2022, according to the Gartner IT Roadmap for Cybersecurity.
It’s no wonder that Gartner projects that 25 percent of cybersecurity leaders will quit their jobs and change roles because of stress by 2025.
When there’s already a shortage of IT security talent and the taxing workload is driving high-level pros to leave their positions, how can your business combat rapidly evolving threats? What if you experience a data breach because you can’t find or retain skilled security professionals for your in-house team? Imagine how that will affect your company in terms of downtime, lost business, reputation damage, and penalties.
Fortunately, recruiting and retaining a full-time internal security executive isn’t the only way to keep your data and IT environment safe. To keep your risk level low without breaking the bank during these challenging times, consider hiring a fractional chief information security officer (CISO).
What is a fractional CISO?
Also called a virtual CISO (vCISO) or CISO as a Service (CISOaaS), a fractional CISO works for a third-party provider and offers businesses on-demand guidance and services, according to TechTarget. This on-demand security executive can work with your internal staff remotely or on-site, depending on the details of the service.
Typically, a fractional CISO will tackle all the same obligations as an in-house CISO, albeit on an as-needed basis. Potential services include the following:
- Cybersecurity strategy development
- Compliance, risk and governance strategy development
- Security awareness training
- Monitoring and reporting
- Data security oversight
- Risk assessment and management
- Identifying key performance indicators and reporting on security program performance
Note: This is not an exhaustive list.
Why you need a fractional CISO
There are numerous reasons to consider hiring a fractional CISO for your business. Here are some of the top advantages of engaging with a third-party provider for this type of service:
- Cost containment compared to an in-house CISO (no expenses related to recruiting, onboarding, salary, benefits, etc.)
- Affordability due to on-demand pay structure
- Enhanced security
- Access to niche, high-level security expertise
- Objective input on your security strategy since the vCISO isn’t part of your internal team
Ultimately, hiring a part-time CISO can help your company maintain the highest possible level of cybersecurity while keeping spending low.
If you want to learn more about your options for fractional CISO services, connect with us today by calling 877-599-3999 or emailing sales@stratospherenetworks.com.
