Comprehensive vCISO Services

When would vCISO services be most appropriate? At DISC LLC, we specialize in building security programs that effectively detect and mitigate risks. By leveraging our expertise, we develop robust security strategies tailored to today’s challenges.

Our Services

• InfoSec Consultancy: We offer comprehensive information security (infosec) consultancy services that ensure your business is protected against advanced cyber threats.
• Security Risk Assessment: Our security risk assessment service identifies and mitigates potential weaknesses in your IT infrastructure.
• Cybersecurity Risk Management: Implementing a proactive cybersecurity risk management strategy is vital. We guide you through this comprehensive process.
• ISO 27001 Risk Management: Achieve ISO 27001 certification with our specialized risk management services that align with the international standard for information security management.
• ISMS Risk Management: Our Information Security Management System (ISMS) risk management services help in setting up a resilient defense mechanism.

Why Choose DISC LLC?

Expertise: Our team consists of experienced professionals with extensive knowledge in infosec and compliance.

Customized Solutions: We provide tailored security solutions that align with your unique business needs.

Proactive Approach: Our proactive approach ensures timely detection and mitigation of security risks.

As one of the leading cyber security risk assessment companies in the United States, DISC LLC stands out due to our commitment to excellence and our personalized approach to every security challenge. Contact us today to build a security program that safeguards your future.

Build a secure future with DISC InfoSec

Revitalizing your cybersecurity program starts with building a strong case for change. A DISC vCISO can help guide you through this process.

What is CISO

A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is essential to leading an organization’s cybersecurity strategy, much like a captain steering a ship. Just as a ship’s captain coordinates diverse crew members to keep the vessel safe, a CISO oversees all security measures to ensure a company’s protection in an era of escalating cyber threats. While other security staff handle technical details, the CISO’s role is to assess risk and shape policies that secure critical systems, data, and identities. By aligning security strategies with business goals, CISOs help organizations navigate both present and future cybersecurity challenges.

The CISO is typically involved in:

• Development and implementation of processes and systems used to prevent, detect and mitigate cyberattacks.

• Monitoring, evaluating, and managing overall cybersecurity and technology risk in coordination with business leaders.

• Setting an all-encompassing cybersecurity strategy that guides technology investment.

• Overseeing cyber governance, risk, and compliance processes.

• Reporting to top management and the board of directors

With the surge in cyberattacks, phishing scams, and ransomware, the role of the CISO has grown increasingly vital, especially as remote work alters organizational risk profiles. CISOs must continually reassess risks, update policies, and ensure compliance with standards like NIST, ISO, and PCI, alongside regulations like HIPAA and GDPR. This role requires extensive experience, often backed by advanced degrees in IT or cybersecurity and certifications such as CISSP, CRISC, or CISM, making CISOs key figures in safeguarding organizational security.

Why vCISO

Two primary reasons for the rise of virtual CISO (vCISO) services are the scarcity of trained cybersecurity leaders and the high salaries full-time CISOs command. In the U.S., a CIO or CISO typically earns around $170,000, and this rate is climbing due to a shortage of skilled professionals in IT. Bidding wars for CISO-level talent have become common, particularly in regulated markets like New York, where CISO roles are mandatory. This demand has pushed the average CISO salary in the New York City area above $270,000, a figure often beyond the reach of most organizations—even if they manage to find a candidate amid this acute talent shortage.

The intense recruitment environment for CISOs and other high-ranking security executives has also led to frequent job changes, with the average tenure now ranging from 18 to 26 months. Security executives, tasked with safeguarding company data and systems, are highly sought-after and receive frequent, unsolicited offers from headhunters. Many report being inundated with LinkedIn messages and recruitment attempts, especially when attending industry events. Given the fierce competition and high attrition rates, many companies struggle to find or afford a dedicated CISO, leaving gaps in their cybersecurity leadership.

To address this, cybersecurity firms, MSPs, and MSSPs have introduced vCISO services, providing experienced security consultants on a subscription or retainer basis. Rather than a full-time hire, organizations gain access to senior-level security expertise virtually. These vCISOs “hold” the CISO role virtually, helping companies build comprehensive security programs, ensure compliance, and implement safeguards to prevent and mitigate cyber threats. This model is attractive to service providers for its repeatable value, as firms need ongoing assistance to manage their risk posture, address vulnerabilities, and continually update security strategies.

It's impossible to run a business today without a solid security strategy as its foundation.

Definition and scope of vCISO services

A Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) is a third-party cybersecurity professional who provides information security guidance and services to organisations on an as-needed basis.

The vCISO needs to ensure the technicalities of cybersecurity contribute to the goals of the business: compliance, operational efficiency, a competitive advantage, financial responsibility, and more. This not only helps build trust in security, it also ensures the right security decisions are being made for this specific business.

As a virtual CISO, one offer risk advisory, and not to make decisions on behalf of the company.

A vCISO, also known as a Virtual CISO, CISO as a Service, or Fractional CISO, is an external professional security expert that provides strategic security guidance and hands-on security services to organizations on a part-time or contract basis. This way, small businesses can access high-level cybersecurity expertise without incurring full-time expenses. 

While there are varying definitions of the vCISO role, there are underlying commonalities:

• Understanding goals and risks
• Creating the security strategy
• Assessing cybersecurity gaps
• Understanding the strategic vulnerabilities
• Implementing or overseeing the implementation of the remediation plan
• Overseeing compliance processes
• Reporting to top management

vCISO Services to SMBs

• Understanding goals and risks. Provide top-tier security expertise without the high costs and rigidity of a full-time C-suite executive.
• Gain greater flexibility in selecting a CISO based on specific business needs, industry experience, and the required scale of operations.
• Quickly meet regulatory compliance requirements with expert guidance.
• Fulfill cyber insurance requirements efficiently, ensuring better coverage and lower premiums.
• ​See immediate improvements in security posture and demonstrable progress in protecting your business.

The latest entry in the vCISO blog category

For more information, please reach out to us at info@deurainfosec.com or call us at +17079985164

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