Page 39 - Cyber Defense eMagazine August 2024

Reviewing contractual terms and service level agreements (SLAs) ensures that the scope of work,
deliverables, and engagement terms align with the organization’s expectations. Arranging an initial
consultation or project kick-off allows the organization to discuss its current security posture, challenges,
and goals, providing an opportunity to evaluate the vCISO’s approach to problem-solving and strategic
planning.

Additionally, verifying the vCISO’s legal and regulatory knowledge ensures they understand relevant
requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, NYCRR, CCPA/CPRA, and industry-specific standards, and their
experience in ensuring compliance and handling regulatory audits.

Confirming the vCISO’s availability and commitment to dedicating sufficient time and resources to the
engagement is crucial, as is ensuring their commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with
the latest cybersecurity trends and threats.

Finally, performing a trial engagement can provide a practical assessment of their performance and fit
within the organization before committing to a longer-term contract. By thoroughly vetting a vCISO
through these steps, an organization can ensure they select a qualified, experienced, and compatible
security leader who can effectively enhance their cybersecurity posture.

Day 1

On day one, a vCISO should focus on laying a solid foundation for their role by engaging in critical
introductory tasks.

The day begins with meeting key stakeholders, including executives, IT leaders, and security team
members, to understand their expectations and establish effective communication channels. This helps
the vCISO get acquainted with the organization's culture, mission, and values, ensuring that their security
strategy aligns accordingly.

Reviewing existing security policies, procedures, and incident response plans is essential to comprehend
the current security posture and identify immediate gaps or concerns. Additionally, examining recent
security audit reports, risk assessments, and compliance documentation provides insights into past and
present security issues.

Gaining a high-level overview of the organization’s IT architecture, including networks, systems,
applications, and data flows, allows the vCISO to identify key assets, critical data, and potential high-risk
areas requiring immediate attention.

Conducting a preliminary risk assessment to pinpoint the most pressing threats and vulnerabilities, and
prioritizing these risks based on potential impact and likelihood, sets the stage for a more detailed
analysis later. Addressing any urgent security issues or vulnerabilities that require immediate action helps
establish short-term goals and objectives for the first week, ensuring quick wins and building momentum
for longer-term initiatives.
Finally, developing a communication plan to keep stakeholders informed about the vCISO’s activities,
findings, and progress, and scheduling regular check-ins and status updates, ensures transparency and

Cyber Defense eMagazine – August 2024 Edition 39
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