What is a virtual Information Security Officer (ISO) or Information Security Officer as a Service (ISOaaS)?

Solid security management is crucial for a modern company as digital transformation increases the vulnerability of the entire company. However, the industry-wide shortage of cybersecurity professionals means that qualified and affordable security officers are hard to find and easy to lose. High stress levels also promote turnover among information security officers, leading many to move from company to company. ISOaaS, or virtual ISO, offers a potential solution to staffing problems by providing access to cost-effective security officers on an as-needed basis.

By outsourcing information security management, a company gains access to personnel and resources it doesn't have in-house, enabling it to meet its information security and compliance requirements cost-effectively. If needed, I can access specialized experts through my professional network.

I offer my services both on-site and virtually remotely. I recommend a hybrid model, as important meetings and training sessions, as well as interaction with on-site employees, cannot always be replaced by online meetings. As with many service models, billing is based on a subscription or on a per-service basis. The most suitable model depends on the tasks to be performed.

Responsibilities

The external Information Security Officer typically has the same responsibilities as an internal ISO. These include the following:

• Protecting information and related business objectives;

• Developing a long-term security strategy;

• Developing security targets;

• Threat analysis and risk management;

• Security awareness and training;

• Monitoring and reporting on security measures;

• Integrating and managing security services

Information Security Officers must be able to adapt to the company's individual needs, understand them, and meet them. Information Security Officers should not create obstacles through rules, but rather clearly communicate the risks to achieving business objectives and address mitigation.

Qualifications

Information security officers should possess strong leadership skills and a comprehensive understanding of information systems and security. They should also be able to effectively communicate their complex knowledge of security and IT to colleagues from diverse technical backgrounds.

To demonstrate my expertise, I can present the following certifications:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP);

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM);

• Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO).

I am happy to share my expertise with their employees so that they can take my place and I become redundant.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Outsourcing

Using an external information security officer can have both advantages and disadvantages. The potential advantages include the following:

• Unbiased analysis. As an external consultant, I can evaluate a company's existing security measures more objectively than internal staff.

• Cost-effectiveness. By billing based on time and effort, companies only pay for the time and services they use.

• On-demand service. By identifying immediate risks, ad hoc measures can be initiated or existing security measures can be strengthened, and a long-term security strategy can be developed.

• In the long term, training and the gradual improvement of core processes and infrastructure can lay the foundation for a future internal security program.

• Experience. As an external information security officer, I have extensive experience working with a wide variety of companies.

One disadvantage of outsourcing is that I also support other companies. I can avoid conflicts of interest with competing companies through open communication and refusing new assignments. One open issue is responding in a timely manner and taking responsibility for breaches. An internal information security officer is the better option for companies that need an employee without other external obligations. However, I can support and train them.

Below are some scenarios that make an Information Security Officer as a Service cost-effective.

• Small and medium-sized companies with a manageable IT landscape can subscribe to an external ISO as a service instead of investing in a full-time position.

• Startups can also use an external Information Security Officer due to their expertise and cost-effectiveness.

• Companies looking for a new Information Security Officer can temporarily hire me as an external Information Security Officer to fill the gap.

• Companies looking to achieve security or compliance goals in the short term can benefit from the expertise and on-demand nature of the external Information Security Officer.

ISO-as-a-Service Offer

My offer is needs-based and billed based on time and effort. A framework agreement forms the basis. Exclusive on-site time and on-call availability are negotiated and limited to a specific number of days or hours per year. This depends on the needs of your company.