What is the Virtual Chief Information Security Officer?
The Virtual Chief Information Security Officer is a service where the role of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Chief Cybersecurity Officer is outsourced to an external provider or professional. The virtual head of information security provides strategic and operational management of the organisation’s information security and cybersecurity, acting in an advisory and expert capacity.
The role provides for ongoing oversight to maintain and improve the organisation’s information security.
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Who is vCISO for?
The virtual head of information security is designed for organisations that need assistance with information security and cybersecurity management, but do not have the resources or capacity to employ a full-time chief information security officer. This service can be particularly useful for small and medium businesses that want to take effective steps to protect their data and systems from risk.
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When to use vCISO?
The virtual chief information security officer is a useful solution when the organisation needs professional advice and support on information security and cybersecurity, but cannot employ a full-time in-house chief information security officer. The service can also be useful in situations where there is a need to implement a security strategy, monitor incidents, conduct audits or provide security training to employees.
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What do you gain with vCISO?
The virtual head of information security assists you with security management and is an ongoing service provided for 12 consecutive months with the option to extend for further periods. The service is invoiced at an attractive monthly flat rate for the entire support period.
Scope of support
Our virtual head of information security covers a wide range of services, including:
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Developing and implementing information security and cybersecurity strategies tailored to the needs of the organisation
Our virtual chief information security officer analyses the organisation’s unique requirements and risks to develop a personalised information security and cybersecurity strategy. We then work with the management team to implement the strategy, taking into account industry best practices and regulations, to increase the organisation’s resilience to risk.
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Monitoring, detection and effective response to security incidents
Our virtual chief information security officer tracks the activity of the organisation’s systems, infrastructure and networks using advanced tools and technologies. As a result, potential security incidents can be detected in real time. If an incident occurs, corrective action is taken immediately to minimise the impact and limit the organisation’s losses.
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Auditing and testing the security of the organisation’s systems, infrastructure and processes
Our virtual head of information security conducts security audits to assess performance and compliance with security policies and standards. A variety of testing techniques, such as penetration testing and risk analysis, are used to identify gaps and vulnerabilities. Based on the results of the audit, the vCISO recommends and supports the implementation of countermeasures to improve the organisation’s protection.
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Developing security policies, operating procedures and guidelines for employees
Our virtual head of information security develops security policies that define expected behaviour and rules within the organisation. The vCISO also designs operational procedures that define the steps to be taken in the event of an incident or failure. In addition, the vCISO provides guidelines for employees to raise their information security awareness and training to ensure that the organisation is effectively protected.
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Information security training and awareness services
Our virtual head of information security offers training to employees to raise their awareness of information security and cybersecurity. The training covers recognising risks, using secure practices in the workplace, protecting data confidentiality and responding appropriately to suspicious behaviour and incidents. By raising awareness, the organisation can engage its employees in building a culture of security and reduce the risks associated with the human factor in security risks.
Implementation process
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Analysis and diagnosis
We conduct a thorough analysis of the organisation’s infrastructure, processes and situation to identify the potential gaps in information security. This enables us to gain an accurate understanding of the existing risks and vulnerabilities, which provides the basis for further improvements.
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Planning and strategy
Based on the results of the analysis, we develop a personalised information security strategy that takes into account the objectives and risks specific to the organisation. We focus on applying industry best practices and regulations to the individual needs of the client.
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Implementation and monitoring
Once the strategy has been developed, we assist the organisation in implementing security policies, procedures and tools. We continue to monitor the organisation’s environment to identify potential threats and incidents. This enables us to respond quickly to potential threats and disruptions and minimise their impact.
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Audit and evaluation
We conduct regular security audits and assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the measures in place and identify areas for improvement. Our audits include checking compliance with policies and standards, identifying security gaps and assessing the performance of existing solutions.
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Reporting and improvement
We provide regular reports to the organisation on the status of its information security and cybersecurity. We report on the results of audits, incidents and monitoring activities, and propose countermeasures and improvements to further enhance the protection of the organisation’s data and systems. Our goal is to continually improve security and respond to changing threats and client needs.
We conduct a thorough analysis of the organisation’s infrastructure, processes and situation to identify the potential gaps in information security. This enables us to gain an accurate understanding of the existing risks and vulnerabilities, which provides the basis for further improvements.
Why Grant Thornton?
We support our clients at all stages of building a secure business. We know how to make IT security effective and simple. It is not just our job, it is our passion. And that is why we provide the highest level of service.
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500+
projects delivered across many sectors and for organisations of all sizes
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300+
clients satisfied with our information security and cybersecurity support
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60
people on our team of experts in the fields of IT, security and business continuity
To date, we have helped ensure the digital security of the following clients:
WonderMiles
Travel
- Scope of service
Web application security testing
Meniga
IT services
- Scope of service
Preparation for management system certification to ISO 27001
Biuro Informacji Kredytowej
Accounting & finance
- Scope of service
Web application security testing
S&T
IT services
- Scope of service
vCISO – maintenance and development of an information security management system
Callstack.io
Web development
- Scope of service
vCISO – maintenance and development of an information security management system