DO I NEED A FULL TIME CISO ?

In the ever-evolving landscape of business operations, cybersecurity emerges not as a luxury, but as a necessity. With increased cyber threats and the integration of technology into every facet of business operations, the question arises: Do I need a full-time Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)?

Understanding the Role of a CISO

Before answering this question, one must understand the pivotal role a CISO plays.

A CISO is not merely an IT specialist confined to a singular domain. Instead, they must be a multidisciplinary professional, possessing extensive expertise across diverse areas of the cybersecurity landscape (Career development, computer operations security, cyber forensics, identity management, incident response, security architecture, telecommunications security, user education).

They’re an executive leader who should be as integral to a business's strategy as the Chief Operations Officer. Their role is to bridge the gap between business operations and cybersecurity, ensuring that every decision made is cognizant of potential risks.

Business Risks Beyond Technology

While our instinctual thought about risks is rooted in technology, like cyber-attacks or data breaches, it’s crucial to note that business operations expose companies to risks every day.

Whether you’re merging with another company, expanding your sales team, or even outsourcing a key component of your business, each decision comes with a risk. An effective CISO is not just concerned with technological decisions but needs to be informed about these core business changes to align cybersecurity measures adequately.

Full-Time CISO vs. IT Department

Elevating someone from the IT department to the role of CISO or considering IT with security can be an oversight.

Cybersecurity is a component of IT, not its entirety. IT specialises in the implementation and maintenance of systems, while a CISO's role is to strategise and oversee the broader picture of cyber risk in relation to business goals. Thus, understanding the difference is crucial.

Challenges in Hiring a Full-Time CISO

1. Shortage of Expertise: There's a limited pool of experienced CISOs in the market.
2. Budgetary Constraints: Hiring a CISO is a significant investment, not only in terms of salary but also in the resources they need to build an effective team.
3. Team Expectations: A CISO cannot manage alone all cybersecurity aspects. They need a competent team to execute strategies. Too often, companies assume that by hiring a CISO, all cybersecurity concerns will be addressed. This is a misconception, as the CISO will themselves rely on a team of experts to handle specific facets of the security landscape.

Exploring Alternatives

Given the challenges, some businesses opt for CISO As-a-Service (AAS). These services offer the expertise of a CISO without the long-term commitment, often at a fraction of the cost. They provide a tailored approach based on business operations, ensuring comprehensive risk management.

Furthermore, by leveraging CISO As-a-Service (AAS), organisation gets access to a multifaceted team adept in different cybersecurity domains. Such a service ensures comprehensive coverage across all cybersecurity areas, something that might not be achieved with a singular internal CISO.

In this context, CISO AAS might aptly be termed "CISO Team-as-a-Service.

However, outsourcing your CISO requirements isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Companies must be ready to invest time in understanding the role and integrating the CISO function into their operations.

How Ataya & Partners can help you externalise your CISO?

At Ataya & Partners, we offer a holistic approach to cybersecurity, align with our "ASSESS, PLAN, BUILD, RUN, GOVERN" methodology. The growing complexity of the cybersecurity landscape means that relying on a single individual with high expertise is no longer feasible. Instead, our methodology emphasises:

1. ASSESS: We commence by evaluating your current cybersecurity status, tapping into the expertise of specialists who understand the nuances of vulnerabilities, strengths, and areas of improvement.
2. PLAN: Post-assessment, our diverse team of experts draws up a strategic roadmap tailored to your business's distinct requirements.
3. BUILD: With specialists dedicated to designing and creating robust cybersecurity infrastructures, we ensure all identified gaps are filled with the best solutions.
4. RUN: A dedicated operations team takes the lead, ensuring the smooth execution and operation of the cybersecurity plans, guaranteeing continuous protection.
5. GOVERN: Our governance experts ensure compliance with regulatory standards, providing ongoing oversight with up-to-date monitoring systems.

The "ASSESS, PLAN, BUILD, RUN, GOVERN" approach is not just a process but a synergy of various cybersecurity specialists coming together.

So, Do You Need a Full-Time CISO?

The answer depends on your company's size, industry, and specific needs. If you're a large corporation with complex operations and significant cyber risks, a full-time CISO might be invaluable. However, for smaller businesses or startups, a CISO AAS could offer the expertise needed without the heavy price.

In conclusion, in a world where data is gold, and threats are ever-present, some form of CISO – be it full-time or outsourced – has become essential. The key is to choose the model that aligns best with your business goals and operational complexity.