Every startup is highly dependent on technology to operate their businesses. With this dependence come a myriad of risks and vulnerabilities that can put the startups' sensitive data at risk. Similarly, every startup customer manages a growing sensitive data set. In addition, new and emerging data regulation make data both an asset and a risk. Coupled all of this with the fact that cybersecurity threats are more sophisticated than ever, and startups need to stay ahead of the curve to build trust and avoid data breaches.
Modern technology + more sensitive digital data + new regulation + increased threats = trust is essential to doing business.
Building trust required creating, implementing, and having evidence of a fully functional security and privacy program. Startups are challenged to build these programs for several reasons. Startups are under-resourced and have a mandate for growth. Startups do not have the time or resources to build security, privacy, internal audit, and GRC teams like larger companies.
A virtual Chief Information Security Officer, or vCISO, is an outsourced or fractional security expert, ideally with startup experience, who provides cybersecurity services to organizations. These services, which are essentially fractional team members, can include security, privacy, internal audit and GRC; these are the vCISO services we offer at Workstreet. vCISO services are especially valuable to startups that do not have the resources or time to hire a full-time CISO or build an in-house security, privacy, and compliance team.
A vCISO for a startup is a cybersecurity professional with both security and startup experience who provides security leadership and guidance to organizations. vCISOs are responsible for developing and implementing cybersecurity programs and functions that protect the organization from cyber threats and build trust in the market. vCISOs also ensure that the organization complies with relevant cybersecurity regulations and standards.
vCISO's for startups need to wear more hats than a typical CISO because startups typically do not have dedicated resources for areas such as privacy and compliance. A good, seasoned, and experienced vCISO can accelerate revenue by building trust and removing security blockers from deals.
At a typical startup, a vCISO's responsibilities include:
Startups face unique challenges when it comes to cybersecurity and trust building. One challenge not covered above is the requirement to be agile. Volatile market conditions and non-linear paths, both fairly standard for startups, require ease in making and unmaking decisions. vCISOs give startups everything they need to build trust without the long term commitment required with a full time employee.
Here are some of the benefits of using a vCISO at a startup:
A vCISO works closely with the existing IT, HR, and Ops team of a startup to ensure that security measures are implemented and procedures are followed. They collaborate with the IT team to identify vulnerabilities and threats, develop and implement policies and procedures, manage security incidents, respond to breaches, conduct security audits, and develop incident response plans. They work with the HR team to ensure personnel are documented and trained. And they work with Ops to ensure alignment between security policies and company workflows.
The vCISO can also provides guidance and support to the IT team in implementing security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, antivirus software, access controls, encryption techniques, among others. The vCISO ensures that these measures are up-to-date and effective in protecting the startup from cyber threats.
We are founders that have built, managed, and scaled security and compliance programs for growth-focused, cloud-first startups. For this type of company, we are a great fit as our experience and knowledge is exceedingly hard to find. We save you money and enable you to focus on growth. Without using any time, energy, or resources to hire and onboard, we give you a security and privacy program that builds trusts, passes audits, and makes you look great in the market.
If you want to talk about security and compliance, why we work with Vanta for our controls, GRC, and audits, or you are ready to get started building a world-class security and privacy program, schedule time with us today.
