Rapid technological advancements have come with both benefits and threats. One of the biggest threats to businesses in our modern digital world is the threat of cyberattacks. Until recently, virus software was considered enough to deal with these threats, but as technology got more advanced, so did the methods of cybercriminals.
This has forced businesses to increase their focus on cybersecurity and hire staff, either CISO or vCISO, develop and implement strategies, and ensure the companies uphold GDPR, CCPA & CPRA.
The nature of modern cyber threats
Cyber threats have gotten more advanced and sophisticated in recent years. The access and development of tools and techniques targeting vulnerabilities and employees within the company infrastructure have led to a rise in data breaches and different types of threats.
Ransomware
The use of ransomware, with attackers encrypting data and demanding a ransom to release it, remains one of the predominant methods of cyber threats. The Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model has lowered the entry barrier for cybercriminals, increasing the frequency and scale of these attacks.
Phishing is one of the most common types of cyber threats, both for companies and private persons. The strength of this type of cyber attack is its aim at using human error by getting employees or others to click a link. This makes it a threat that can be hard to combat by using traditional security measures.
Advanced persistent threats (ATPs)
ATPs involve prolonged and targeted attacks, typically planned and orchestrated by groups that have significant funding. This includes states and governments. These threats aim to steal sensitive information or disrupt operations over a longer period.
Why small businesses hire vCISOs
Contrary to large corporations that have whole departments dedicated to cybersecurity, smaller businesses often can’t afford to create a dedicated position for a CISO. However, with a vCISO, it becomes possible for them to get the highest level of expertise and security. There are many benefits to a vCISO, but financial aspects are the most important.
The role of the VirtualCISO
As the complexity and sophistication of cyberattacks grow more profound, the focus on cybersecurity staff has increased in businesses of all sizes. For startups, smaller businesses, or family-owned businesses, the cost of hiring staff in this sector is often too high. This has caused an increase in the use of vCISOs, which comes with other benefits, too.
Strategic planning
VCISOs assist in the development and implementation of different cybersecurity strategies that are designed specifically for the specific needs and vulnerabilities of different companies and businesses.
Risk management
A vCISO also helps identify, assess, and mitigate different risks, which ensures that the business or company can respond fast and efficiently to different types of threats.
The need for cybersecurity can not be overlooked.
As the threat of cyberattacks is more significant than ever, businesses need to take steps to level up security. By doing this, they can protect both themselves and their customers against the risks of being online today.
