Readers Write: Virtual CISOs Bring New Hope to Orgs Without Dedicated Cybersecurity Officials

Virtual CISOs Bring New Hope to Orgs Without Dedicated Cybersecurity Officials
By Ryan Finlay

Ryan Finlay is principal chief information security officer, advisory services, at CereCore.

Healthcare CIOs are grappling with tight budgets, leading 71% of them to report their intent to seek alternative labor solutions for top priorities such as cybersecurity services. Virtual chief information security officers (VCISOs) offer a pragmatic solution for organizations that are seeking to enhance their cybersecurity resilience strategy.

VCISOs provide organizations with access to high-level cybersecurity expertise without the need to add a full-time executive to the payroll. This fractional leadership model is particularly beneficial for healthcare organizations that often struggle with limited resources and can also be leveraged in an advisory capacity to extend the resources of healthcare IT leaders. A VCISO brings specialized knowledge and strategic direction, helping to assess current security programs, define improvement strategies, and build resilience against cyber threats.

Organizations that lack a full-time dedicated security official could have growing cybersecurity concerns based on limited internal expertise and governance directed by a leadership team with competing priorities. Engaging a VCISO on a part-time basis introduces collaboration with various internal teams, such as a security council and IT security committee, to assess cybersecurity posture and develop a strategic plan for improvement.

A VCISO can help evaluate the effectiveness of existing security protocols, advising on compliance with HIPAA security rules, and implementing resilience-building measures. By leveraging VCISO expertise, organizations can enhance their cybersecurity posture, mitigate risks, and ensure ongoing readiness for future threats.

The value of VCISOs is further underscored by recent survey results of CHIME (College of Health Information Executives) CIOs. The survey highlights cybersecurity as the top IT priority for healthcare CIOs, with 30% of respondents identifying it as their primary focus. This consistent emphasis on cybersecurity reflects the growing recognition of the importance of robust security measures in protecting sensitive data and maintaining operational integrity.

Additionally, the survey revealed a trend towards adopting fractional and virtual strategies for IT leadership. With tight budgets and limited resources, many CIOs are turning to partnerships and outsourcing to address staffing challenges and enhance cybersecurity capabilities. This approach allows organizations to access specialized skills and expertise without the financial burden of full-time hires.

VCISOs can strengthen cybersecurity resilience and bring new confidence to cyber strategies with these best practices:

• Conduct regular security assessments. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of current security measures, identify areas for improvement and options for addressing them.
  Develop comprehensive security programs. Create detailed action plans that address identified gaps and align with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Foster collaboration. Encourage collaboration between VCISOs and internal teams to ensure a cohesive approach to cybersecurity.
• Stay informed on threat trends. Keep abreast of the latest cybersecurity threats and trends to proactively address emerging risks.
• Implement continuous improvement. Regularly update and refine security protocols to adapt to the evolving threat landscape.
• Assist during recovery efforts. In the event of an incident, healthcare leaders can need extra hands to prioritize what needs to be done and make informed recovery decisions.

By providing strategic direction, expertise, and capacity, VCISOs can enable organizations to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity without the need for a full-time executive.