5 reasons why CISO-as-a-Service is a game changer

Cyber attacks, regulatory requirements and the shortage of skilled labour pose immense challenges for companies. In this context, “CISO-as-a-Service” (CISOaaS) is becoming increasingly important – the outsourcing of the role of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to a specialised service provider. But what challenges does this address, and why is this a worthwhile model both strategically and economically?

CISO-as-a-Service – the answer to key cyber security challenges

• The ongoing rise of cyber threats
  Companies are facing increasingly sophisticated methods of attack such as ransomware, phishing and targeted attacks on critical infrastructures. An external CISO develops and optimises a comprehensive security strategy to proactively avert threats and minimise risks.
• Regulatory requirements and compliance
  Regulations such as NIS2, CRA, DORA, FINMA, SIG or revDSG/GDPR demand the highest security standards from companies. Violations can result in high penalties and loss of reputation. An external CISO ensures that all compliance requirements are met and continuously updated.
• Shortage of skilled labour and high personnel costs
  Experienced safety experts are scarce and expensive. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular, setting up an internal security department with continuous training can be prohibitively expensive. CISO-as-a-Service closes this gap and offers flexible, tailored support.

CISOaaS - strong, lean, customised: 5 convincing arguments

In view of these challenges, more and more companies are turning to an external service provider. But why does this option make economic and strategic sense?

1. Cost-effectiveness and scalability
   An external CISO as a service is often more cost-effective than a permanent manager. Companies only pay for the services they actually need instead of financing high salaries, social-security levies and CPD measures for an internal CISO. In addition, the service model can be flexibly adapted to the respective requirements – whether for a specific project or long-term support.
2. More experience and proven best practices
   External CISOs bring with them knowledge from countless projects in a wide range of industries. With access to an experienced team of experts, companies benefit from best practices, innovative approaches and a profound understanding of current threat scenarios.
3. Access to a team of experts instead of a single person
   While a company usually relies on a single person, an external CISO service offers access to a team of experienced security experts. These specialists not only bring with them extensive industry knowledge, but also experience from a wide variety of corporate structures.
4. Ensuring compliance and reducing liability risks
   An external CISO ensures continuous compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements. This minimises the risk of data breaches and the associated penalties. A professional security strategy also reduces the risk of reputational damage and financial losses due to cyber attacks.
5. Focus on the company’s core expertise
   With an external CISO, companies can focus their internal resources on their actual business objectives. In this case the company can leave the complex requirements of cyber security to an external service provider, which handles the tasks of a CISO and ensures that the company is optimally protected.

What disciplines must a CISO master?

The role of the Chief Information Security Officer is varied and demanding. From strategic planning and compliance management to incident response - a CISO covers numerous disciplines to ensure a company's cyber resilience.

Our CISO poster provides you with an in-depth overview:

The three models of CISO-as-a-Service: Tailored cyber security for every budget

Instead of creating an expensive, permanent full-time position, companies can use CISO-as-a-Service to get the targeted support they need. From strategic decisions and operational support to the management of specific security projects – there’s a suitable solution for almost every need.

In practice, there are three models for this:

1. CISO support – addition to the existing team
   Even if a company already has a CISO or its own security department, they will be pushed to their limits by increasingly complex security requirements and new regulations. CISO support provides targeted reinforcement to in-house teams for strategic projects or operational tasks without long-term commitment. This means that investments can be calculated and controlled in a streamlined manner.
2. Virtual CISO-as-a-Service – security expertise on demand
   The virtual CISO-as-a-Service is the cost-effective solution for small and medium-sized companies that do not have a permanent security department or CISO position. SMEs benefit from a virtual CISO who provides remote strategic advice, risk management and compliance monitoring. This enables companies to develop and implement a professional cyber security strategy without having a full-time employee in-house. The support is flexibly scalable – from a few hours a month to more intensive assignments.
3. Managed CISO-as-a-Service – comprehensive protection
   Companies that want to outsource their entire security strategy choose the Managed CISO model. The external service provider handles all security tasks, from strategic planning, implementation and monitoring of information security to protect data and systems from threats, through to compliance with security guidelines and regulatory requirements. This model is often combined with managed security services, giving companies access to advanced security experts, state-of-the-art security technologies and a 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC).

CISO-as-a-Service – the key to the digital future

Increasing threats, regulatory requirements and the shortage of skilled labour make CISO-as-a-Service an attractive solution. The combination of cost-effectiveness, flexibility and expertise enables companies to have a customised security strategy without the high costs and challenges of an internal CISO position.

Whether you need selective CISO support, a flexible virtual CISO or a holistic managed CISO model – we offer the right solution for your individual security requirements.

Assistance in the implementation of your cyber security strategy.

With our team of over 350 experienced security experts, state-of-the-art technology and two 24/7 SOCs in Switzerland and Germany, we ensure that your company is optimally protected at all times. You can rely on our expertise. Together, we’ll optimise your cyber security strategy and take you to the next level.

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