Virtual CISO (vCISO)

A CISO is a Chief Information Security Office, which is high-level leading management in which they are responsible for maintaining the strategy, success, and security of an organization. CISO is a well-maintained team in which they direct others to manage the cyber threats and reduce the risk level of securing the data of an organization. It analyses the current situation and the problems faced by the company and it manages to control the situation and enhances the security from further threads. It is responsible for protecting the data and information.

Some Major Responsibilities that CISOs Follow are:

1. Security Operations
2. Disaster Recovery
3. Security Finance Management
4. Documentation
5. Compliance
6. Program Onboarding

Virtual CISO

A virtual CISO is a virtual Chief Information Security Officer which helps the company to protect their system, all the data, their employees, and the customers. It is a high-level security adviser which develops the customer system. We can say that it is beneficial for managing cybersecurity issues. It is also a security advisor whose responsibilities vary depending upon your business needs. The Virtual CISO always works with the same guidance and technical teams. 

vCISO is usually involved in deciding the security framework and policies of the companies, providing planned recommendations, and then the implementation. A virtual CISO is a very cost-effective decision to have access for a company that needs high-level cybersecurity professionals.

Functions of vCISO

Some of the works that vCISO does are as follows:

1. It evaluates your organization’s ability to detect, eradicate and prevent cyber threats.  
2. It spearheads the creation and implementation of security programs and initiatives that incorporate regulatory compliance considerations.
3. It prepares the organization and IT team for audits. 
4. It provides guidance for cyber security and risk assessments. 
5. It evaluates and improves security-related policies and processes. 
6. It evaluates cyber security vendors.
7. It provides security training to the existing staff. 
8. It provides hands-on technical expertise in the event of a cyber-attack, and it also carries out the other security-related functions when and as required.
9. It provides the server to set up successful cybersecurity and flexible program.

Reasons for vCISO in Demand

Virtual CISO has grown in demand with organizations for a variety of reasons.

1. With the increase in Cyber Attacks, the demand is increasing to safeguard the data. The vCISO helps the organizations to quickly put a vCISO role without any form filling or the Hiring Process. 
2. This vCISO has been using Information security for the clients working and thus helping them for the betterment of the organization.
3. The run and find case is a never-ending process. This vCISO works as a consultant that is present anywhere finding the potential candidate for the specified job.
4. CISO is highly expensive in cost. The vCISO allows the organization to avoid high expenses and pays the employees for their services and time spent on work.

Benefits of vCISO

There are many benefits that vCISO provides and those are:

1. Clear Vision and strategies for business development and growth. 
2. Flexibility in the system.
3. Natural Expertise.
4. Efficient system to get the work done faster and better. 
5. Allows Internal Team to maintain focus.
6. Security Expertise.
7. Cost-Effectiveness.
8. More Opportunities for Learning.
9. Less Pressure on Employees for Everyday Task.
10. Save Time, Money & Energy.
11. Rapid, New Technology Implementation.

Challenges for vCISO

There are several challenges that vCISO faces regularly and those are:

1. Multiplying Threats: Every work is done through the internet and the system. Various systems like mobile phones, and personal devices that the user carries to the organization are through which the hackers get the opportunities to attempt cyberattacks. The organization does analysis and finds the solution to keep their data safe and secure manner.
2. Budget Constraints: vCISO costs more, as the data breaches are very costly. As it requires more funds for the company to get a vCISO.
3. Human Error: Humans can be easily manipulated for some reason and cyber threats take the benefits of that and the employees get in a condition like in scam and they mend to provide the data and information.
4. Internal Leaks: Many times, it is seen in an organization or in a company the employees or the co-workers leak the data to other organizations. It is very necessary to have an eye on everyone’s behavior and activities.
5. Rapid Software Development: Rapid changes in the technology make the organization keep their security features up-to-date as per technological up-gradation.

Difference between vCISO and CISO:

S.No.	vCISO	CISO
1.	A virtual Chief Information Security Officer is an individual person which operates the system and manages it for better systems strategies and business development.	A Chief Information Security Officer is a group of teams that operates the organization.
2.	It takes more time while executing as it requires lots of higher permissions.	It can execute its work very easily because of human involvement and quick interaction.
3.	vCISO is less scalable and complex in execution.	CISO can be expanded easily and is more scalable.
4.	It has a strategic plan but in a limited way, to control the threads and business growth.	It has more strategies to control the threads and helps more in business growth.