Page 42 - Cyber Defense eMagazine August 2024

This initial period is critical for establishing a solid foundation, and any significant missteps or delays
could jeopardize the organization's security posture. In such cases, it might be necessary to consider
replacing the vCISO to ensure the organization is protected and that a more suitable candidate is in place
– someone who can effectively manage and enhance the cybersecurity program.

The first 10 days of a vCISO engagement are critical because they set the stage for the organization's
entire cybersecurity strategy. During this period, the vCISO conducts a comprehensive assessment to
identify vulnerabilities, engages with key stakeholders to align security efforts with business objectives,
and develops a strategic roadmap to prioritize actions and resources. Immediate attention to high-priority
risks demonstrates effectiveness and builds trust, while establishing governance and policies ensures a
strong framework for ongoing security management.

Successfully executing these tasks within the initial days not only enhances the organization's security
posture but also signals the vCISO's capability to lead effectively. The parable of the potter’s apprentice
is a way to visualize the effort that needs to be put into the practice of becoming an effective vCISO.
Failure to achieve these objectives may indicate misalignment, lack of direction, or inadequate risk
management, necessitating a reassessment of the vCISO’s approach or the overall strategy within 10
days.

About the Author

Pete Green is a Reporter for Cyber Defense Magazine and a well-respected
Cybersecurity Expert. Pete Green has over 20 years of experience in Information
Technology related fields and is an accomplished practitioner of Information
Security. He has held a variety of security operations positions including LAN /
WLAN Engineer, Threat Analyst / Engineer, Security Project Manager, Security
Architect, Cloud Security Architect, Principal Security Consultant, Manager /
Director of IT, CTO, CEO, and Virtual CISO. Pete has worked with clients in a
wide variety of industries including federal, state and local government, financial
services, healthcare, food services, manufacturing, technology, transportation,
and hospitality.

Pete holds a Master of Computer Information Systems in Information Security from Boston University, an
NSA / DHS National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance / Cyber Defense (CAE IA
/ CD), and a Master of Business Administration in Informatics.

Pete can be reached online at [email protected]%20, @petegreen,
https://linkedin.com/in/petegreen and through https://www.cyberdefensemagazine.com.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – August 2024 Edition 42
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