WELCOME TO THE SEPTEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER
Cyber Scoop is KeyStone Solutions monthly newsletter about the latest trends, topics, and articles relating to cybersecurity. As a Managed Service Security Provider (MSSP), KeyStone’s expert team helps small to medium sized businesses with IT services including virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO), cybersecurity, help desk support, Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), cloud solutions, and KeyStone’s signature service, IT Team as a Service (ITTaaS) which is an all-encompass solution.
From The Desk of the CISO
Does an SMB Really Need a CISO?
By Rob Ashcraft, CISO at KeyStone Solutions
Although my statement this month may seem a bit self-serving, my motivation is educational, not promotional. I still find SMB organizations that still do not understand or perceive the increasing cybersecurity threats that can devastate small businesses in today’s digital world. Whether an organization is big or small, they need a resource that is dedicated to navigating and addressing the growing threat landscape. A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) plays a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive data, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing security risks. For SMBs, the presence of a dedicated CISO can mean the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic breach. By implementing robust security measures and fostering a culture of security awareness, a CISO helps protect the business’s reputation and customer trust.
Why small businesses may want to pursue virtual CISO
Commentary by KeyStone’s Rob Ashcraft
An article in Tech Republic provides some great insights and explores why pursuing a virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) can be a strategic and cost-effective solution for enhancing security and compliance.
Here are my six key takeaways from the article “Why small businesses may want to pursue virtual CISO”:
vCISO is a Cost-Effective Solution: Hiring a full-time Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) can be expensive for small businesses. A virtual CISO (vCISO) offers a more affordable alternative, providing the same expertise without the high salary and benefits.
Flexibility and Scalability: vCISOs offer flexibility, allowing businesses to scale their security needs up or down as required. This is particularly beneficial for growing businesses that may not need a full-time CISO.
Access to Expertise: vCISOs bring a wealth of experience and knowledge from working with various organizations. This broad perspective can help small businesses implement best practices and stay ahead of emerging threats.
Objective Decision-Making: As independent contractors, vCISOs can provide unbiased assessments and recommendations. Their success is not tied to the company, allowing them to make tough decisions objectively.
Regulatory Compliance: vCISOs help ensure that businesses comply with relevant security regulations and standards, reducing the risk of legal issues and fines.
Enhanced Security Posture: By leveraging the expertise of a vCISO, small businesses can significantly improve their overall security posture, protecting sensitive data and maintaining customer trust.
These points highlight the advantages of considering a virtual CISO for small businesses looking to enhance their cybersecurity without the financial burden of a full-time hire.
Click on the link below to read the article from Tech Republic.
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