Most Businesses Don't Have This Executive Role But Should

If your business falls under any data compliance regulations such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI, SOC 2, etc., you may have been told you need a security program for your business. Perhaps your IT Director has been pushing for a more advanced security program. Or maybe your cyber insurance carrier told you they are now requiring evidence of your security program.

But what the heck does that mean?

I will be the first one to admit the words "security program" are vague. So I thought it would be good to shed some light on this topic.

What is a security program?

A security program is a business strategy that addresses cybersecurity controls, data governance and cyber risk, and regulatory compliance. A security program protects your company's sensitive data and instills a culture of cyber safety in your organization.

See, the world of business information technology services really has three parts:

1. IT management and support
2. Cybersecurity tools and monitoring
3. Regulatory compliance

A good business security program addresses all three of these areas. It governs the way your company handles and stores data, responds to security threats, budgets technology upgrades, and manages risk.

Ideally, the person you want in charge of your security program is both technical and business-minded. They need the ability to see how technology and security impact business continuity, risk, and productivity. They also need to be highly concerned about employee and client safety. 

At TotalCare IT we offer a service called a virtual Chief Security Officer (vCSO). This position is designed to lead security programs for Idaho businesses. 

A vCSO is a true board-level advisor in charge of strategy and governance that protects your organization's sensitive data and capabilities. This includes security policies, procedures, tools, and controls. 

What does a vCSO do?

A vCSO is responsible for the overall security program of a company, including securing the organization's digital assets from cyberattacks.

On a day-to-day basis, your vCSO is attending to the following:

• Threat modeling
• Risk management
• Penetration testing
• System patching
• Regulatory compliance
• Security architecture
• Data protection
• Cybersecurity training
• C-Suite or Board presentations
• Security tabletop exercises

The vCSO position makes sure that the company's cyber strategy is producing results in line with the leadership team's acceptable risk tolerance level.

Do you have someone managing your security program?

Would your organization benefit from our vCSO service? If so, get in touch with us.