With Techellence Chief Security Officer (CSO) at your side, you will retain a board-level resource who can virtually sit inside your company and manage your security strategy, budget, review of risks, and regulatory programs.
Get the benefit of a highly specialized security talent for a fraction of the cost of a full-time staff member
Threat Intelligence. Provides context for decisions being made within the cybersecurity program
Risk Analysis. Prioritizes items for completion within the organization—provides a trustworthy place to start
Security Accountability. Creates oversight for the organization’s security—the executive team knows it is being proactively managed
Board-level Discussion. Communicate business security risk and outcomes to the board, now that it is a board-level expectation
Information Technology Meets Information Security. Someone on the team focused on making sure it gets done in a secure matter – not just done
Bringing a Chief Security Officer (CSO) onto a company's team is a significant decision that should be based on several factors. Here are some key considerations that indicate when a company should consider hiring a CSO:
Your company should consider bringing a Chief Security Officer onto its team when it faces growing security challenges, requires strategic oversight, and seeks to protect sensitive data, comply with regulations, and enhance overall security posture.
Are you looking for Cybersecurity Leadership to support your company? Speak with Dr. Sur to find out what Techellence can do for you.The Chief Security Officer (CSO) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding your company's security at an executive level. Depending on the agreement, the CSO may deliver the following key services:
Chief Security Officer DeliverablesThe CSO will meet with the relevant technical, finance/accounting, and executive team to gather current environment and plans established for the organization. Deliverables include:
The onboarding (kickoff) is a crucial first step in establishing a strong security foundation and aligning the organization’s security efforts with its overall business goals. Here’s why this phase is important:
The Onboarding process is essential for establishing a clear understanding of the organization’s security landscape, aligning security initiatives with business objectives, and setting a strategic direction for the engagement. This structured approach ensures accountability, regulatory readiness, and a proactive start to improving the company’s security posture.
The CSO will gather evidence that certain IT functions are happening and produce monthly audits confirming whether they are or not. These include:
IT Performance Analysis is critical for ensuring that key functions within your organization's IT infrastructure are operating effectively and securely. By conducting regular audits and performance checks, the organization can identify and address potential risks before they become serious issues. Here’s why it matters:
By implementing IT Performance Analysis, businesses can improve operational efficiency, reduce vulnerabilities, and demonstrate due diligence in safeguarding their systems.
The CSO will meet with your security team to review issue progress, vulnerability test results, security project status, plans for upcoming events, and review/edit deliverables as needed.
Regular IT Security Meetings play a crucial role in maintaining and strengthening an organization's overall cybersecurity posture. These meetings, led by the Chief Security Officer (CSO), ensure that the security team stays aligned on current challenges, upcoming risks, and ongoing projects. Here’s why they are essential:
By holding regular IT Security Meetings, organizations can stay ahead of potential risks, enhance their security strategies, and ensure that all stakeholders are working together to protect the organization's digital assets.
The CSO will deploy simulated phishing exercises and analyze results for frequent clickers or other signs and/or anomalies.
Simulated phishing exercises are essential for strengthening an organization's defense against one of the most common and dangerous cyberattacks: phishing. Led by the Chief Security Officer (CSO), these exercises involve sending mock phishing emails to employees to gauge their awareness and response to potential threats. Here’s why they are crucial:
Simulated phishing exercises foster a security-aware culture and help to significantly reduce the risk of data breaches caused by phishing attacks, ultimately strengthening the organization’s overall cybersecurity defenses.
The CSO will review the backup of all endpoint machines and servers to ensure that they are occurring on a timely basis and are within backup service level agreements (SLAs).
Backup review is a critical component of any organization's data protection and disaster recovery strategy. Led by the Chief Security Officer (CSO), this process involves regularly reviewing backups for all endpoint machines and servers to ensure that backups are being completed timely and in accordance with the organization's backup service level agreements (SLAs). Here’s why it’s essential:
By conducting regular backup reviews, organizations ensure the integrity, availability, and reliability of their data, which is crucial for maintaining business continuity and safeguarding critical information.
The CSO will review the list of Line of Business, M365, and domain users to ensure only necessary users have proper access. S/he will verify tickets created for user termination requests as well as any Human Resources changes.
User Privilege Review is a vital security practice that helps ensure that employees have the appropriate access to organizational resources based on their roles. Led by the Chief Security Officer (CSO), this review involves regularly auditing the access rights of users across critical systems like Line of Business (LOB) applications, Microsoft 365 (M365), and domain environments. Here’s why it is essential:
Conducting regular User Privilege Reviews ensures that the organization's data and systems are secure by granting access only to authorized personnel. It also reduces the risk of internal and external security threats, while maintaining regulatory compliance.
The CSO will meet with the executive team (CEO, COO, CFO, GC, and CAO) to provide updates on current trends in IT security, latest vulnerability analysis, and status of IT projects, and supplement with further updates as needed.
Executive Leadership Meetings are crucial for aligning IT security strategies with the broader goals of the organization. In these meetings, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) provides the executive team with essential updates on IT security and project developments. Here’s why these meetings are important:
By holding regular Executive Leadership Meetings, organizations ensure that IT security remains a top priority at the highest levels of leadership. This leads to better risk management, strategic alignment, and proactive security measures that protect the company’s assets and reputation.
CSO will select and initiate IT security training to all endpoint users.
IT Security Training is essential for safeguarding an organization’s digital assets by empowering employees with the knowledge and skills they need to recognize and respond to cybersecurity threats. The Chief Security Officer (CSO) selects and initiates tailored security training for all endpoint users, ensuring that everyone who interacts with company systems is equipped to protect sensitive data. Here’s why this training is critical:
By initiating IT Security Training for all endpoint users, the CSO ensures that employees become active participants in the organization’s security efforts, significantly reducing vulnerabilities and helping to maintain a secure IT environment.
The CSO will provide ongoing security analysis of network, provide/review report findings with leadership and assist in necessary remediation projects.
Vulnerability scans and security analysis are key components of a proactive cybersecurity strategy. The Chief Security Officer (CSO) conducts ongoing security analysis of the network, reviewing report findings with leadership, and assisting in remediation projects as needed. Here’s why these activities are critical:
By conducting regular vulnerability scans and security analysis, the organization can stay ahead of emerging threats, safeguard its network infrastructure, and reduce the risk of costly security breaches. This ongoing effort strengthens the organization’s overall security posture, ensuring long-term protection of critical assets and data.
The CSO will prepare and present updates for Bi-Annual Cyber Security Risk Board Update. S/he will confirm content with executive team and review discussion topics prior to the update.
Board Update Meetings are essential for keeping the organization’s leadership informed about the state of its cybersecurity posture and associated risks. Here’s why these meetings are important:
By holding regular board update meetings, the organization ensures that its cybersecurity efforts are prioritized at the highest level of leadership, enabling proactive decision-making and reducing the risk of serious security incidents.
The CSO will review the list of IT equipment to ensure it is up to date and all assets are accounted for.
A Physical Inventory Review is essential for maintaining control over an organization’s IT assets. The Chief Security Officer (CSO) regularly reviews the list of IT equipment to ensure it is up to date and that all assets are properly accounted for. Here’s why this process is crucial:
A thorough and regular Physical Inventory Review ensures that the organization’s IT assets are secure, compliant, and managed efficiently, reducing the risk of financial losses and security breaches.
The CSO will Schedule, coordinate and oversee third-party penetration testing. S/he will coordinate to remediate any findings from the testing.
Third-party penetration testing is a critical component of an organization’s cybersecurity strategy. The Chief Security Officer (CSO) is responsible for scheduling, coordinating, and overseeing these tests, as well as ensuring that any findings are promptly remediated. Here’s why this process is essential:
Third-party penetration testing is essential for identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance, and continuously improving security practices. The CSO’s role in overseeing this process is vital for maintaining a strong security posture and protecting the organization’s assets.
The CSO will review policies and make updates based on organizational changes. If changes are made to the Acceptable Use Policy, s/he will coordinate with Legal and incorporate into Employee Handbook as needed. S/he will create and implement new policies as needed.
Policy review is a crucial aspect of effective governance and risk management within an organization. The Chief Security Officer (CSO) is responsible for regularly reviewing and updating policies to reflect organizational changes, ensuring that the framework governing employee behavior and security practices remains relevant and effective. Here’s why this process is essential:
Policy review is a fundamental process that ensures organizational resilience, compliance, and security. The CSO’s role in regularly updating and creating policies is essential for fostering a culture of accountability and protecting the organization’s assets and reputation.
The CSO will review and update procedures as needed.
Procedure review is a vital process that ensures the effectiveness, efficiency, and relevance of an organization's operational guidelines. The Chief Security Officer (CSO) is responsible for regularly reviewing and updating procedures to adapt to changing circumstances, technologies, and regulatory requirements. Here’s why this process is essential:
Procedure review is a fundamental aspect of effective management and operational excellence. The CSO's role in regularly updating procedures is crucial for ensuring that the organization remains agile, compliant, and capable of effectively responding to new challenges and opportunities.
The CSO will conduct security review of vendors, including completion of Vendor Self-Assessment Questionnaires. S/he will initiate/oversee vendor security changes as needed. S/he will review most current contract to determine if updates are needed.
Vendor review is a critical component of an organization’s overall risk management and cybersecurity strategy. The Chief Security Officer (CSO) is responsible for conducting security reviews of vendors, including the completion of Vendor Self-Assessment Questionnaires, initiating and overseeing necessary security changes, and reviewing current contracts for updates. Here’s why this process is essential:
Vendor review is essential for managing third-party risks, ensuring compliance, and fostering secure and effective vendor relationships. The CSO's role in overseeing this process is vital for safeguarding the organization’s data and maintaining operational resilience in an increasingly interconnected environment.
The CSO will evaluate the various risks facing each business unit, prioritizing security and compliance initiatives based on the identified risk levels. The outcomes of this assessment will include a comprehensive risk register, detailed risk findings, and an executive summary. Additionally, a security roadmap will be developed or updated to address the identified risks and guide future security investments.
A Risk Assessment and Security Roadmap are critical components of a robust cybersecurity strategy. Here's why this process, led by the Chief Security Officer (CSO), is essential for your organization:
Risk Assessment and Security Roadmap are essential for identifying risks, prioritizing security initiatives, and ensuring the organization remains secure, compliant, and resilient in an evolving threat landscape.
The CSO will complete and save to file the annual self-assessment questionnaires for compliance purposes.
Compliance self-assessment is a crucial practice that ensures organizations meet regulatory and industry standards while maintaining robust internal controls. The Chief Security Officer (CSO) is responsible for completing and saving annual self-assessment questionnaires for compliance purposes. Here’s why this process is essential:
Compliance self-assessment is a vital process that helps organizations ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and internal controls. The CSO's role in completing and saving these assessments is essential for maintaining accountability, identifying improvement areas, and fostering a culture of compliance throughout the organization.
The CSO will perform annual table-top exercise of the disaster recovery plan/incident response plan with applicable IT vendors and company personnel.
Tabletop exercises are a crucial component of an organization’s disaster recovery and incident response planning. The Chief Security Officer (CSO) conducts these annual exercises involving applicable IT vendors and company personnel to simulate and evaluate the organization’s preparedness for potential incidents. Here’s why this process is essential:
Tabletop exercises are vital for assessing and improving an organization’s disaster recovery and incident response capabilities. The CSO's role in conducting these exercises ensures that the organization remains prepared to handle potential incidents effectively, ultimately protecting its assets, reputation, and operational continuity.
The CSO will Review the list of assets/vendors with the executive team on an annual basis, generally as part of quarterly IT executive meeting. S/he will review the list of key vendors to ensure it is up to date.
Inventorying data assets is a critical practice that helps organizations maintain a clear understanding of their valuable resources and the associated risks. The Chief Security Officer (CSO) is responsible for reviewing the list of assets and vendors with the executive team annually, typically during quarterly IT executive meetings. Here’s why this process is essential:
Inventorying data assets is essential for maintaining an organization’s security posture, ensuring compliance, and supporting effective risk management. The CSO's role in reviewing these assets with the executive team ensures that the organization remains informed and proactive in managing its valuable resources and vendor relationships.
The CSO will conduct in-person visits to organization’s sites to review on-site security practices and initiate necessary changes.
Site visits are a vital aspect of an organization’s security strategy, allowing the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to assess on-site security practices firsthand and implement necessary improvements. Here’s why these visits are essential:
Site visits are crucial for evaluating and enhancing on-site security practices. The CSO's role in conducting these visits ensures that the organization remains vigilant and proactive in addressing security concerns, ultimately safeguarding its assets and personnel.
The CSO will provide threat intelligence emails to organization as relevant.
Threat intelligence emails play a crucial role in an organization’s cybersecurity strategy by providing timely and relevant information about potential threats and vulnerabilities. The Chief Security Officer (CSO) is responsible for disseminating these emails to ensure that the organization stays informed and prepared. Here’s why this practice is essential:
Threat intelligence emails are vital for enhancing an organization’s cybersecurity efforts. The CSO's role in providing this intelligence ensures that the organization is informed, prepared, and capable of effectively mitigating potential threats, ultimately protecting its assets and reputation.
The CSO will represent you as a security executive to defend you and improve your security posture.
Audit representation by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) is a critical element of an organization’s cybersecurity and compliance strategy. By serving as a security executive during audits, the CSO plays a vital role in defending the organization and enhancing its security posture. Here’s why this function is essential:
In summary, audit representation by the CSO is essential for defending the organization’s security posture and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This representation not only enhances the effectiveness of the audit process but also contributes to the continuous improvement of the organization’s security measures, ultimately safeguarding its assets and reputation.
The CSO will lead your organization to bring your company to compliance with external regulations.
Leading an organization to achieve compliance with external regulations is a vital responsibility of the Chief Security Officer (CSO). This process involves ensuring that the company meets all relevant legal, regulatory, and industry standards. Here’s why this function is essential:
Bringing the company to compliance with external regulations is crucial for safeguarding the organization’s interests and reputation. The CSO's leadership in this process not only helps to mitigate risks and avoid penalties but also fosters a culture of responsibility and enhances the organization’s operational efficiency and business opportunities.
The CSO will take charge in getting employees back to work as usual while working with your technical team members to restore impacted systems and networks. This process encompasses several key phases. Initially, the CSO will conduct emergency triage as needed, followed by assembling a dedicated response team to implement the Incident Response Plan, which involves identifying, containing, and eradicating the threat. Once the threat has been addressed, the CSO will focus on recovering systems to restore normal business operations. Throughout the process, the CSO will provide regular updates, detailing their findings and offering actionable recommendations. The process will culminate in a comprehensive final presentation, summarizing the findings and lessons learned.
When a successful cyberattack occurs, the role of the Chief Security Officer (CSO) in remediating the situation is crucial for the organization’s recovery and future security. This process involves coordinating efforts to restore impacted systems and networks while ensuring that employees can return to work as efficiently as possible. Here’s why this function is essential:
In summary, the CSO's role in remediating a successful attack is vital for restoring operations, enhancing employee morale, and strengthening the organization’s overall security posture. By effectively managing the recovery process, the CSO helps ensure a swift return to normalcy while implementing critical improvements to safeguard against future threats.
The CSO will provide other security deliverables and best practices as needed.
The provision of other security deliverables and best practices by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) is a crucial component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. These deliverables can include unidentified policies, guidelines, assessments, and tools that enhance the organization's security posture. Here’s why this practice is essential:
The provision of other security deliverables and best practices by the CSO is vital for maintaining a robust and adaptive cybersecurity framework. This practice ensures that the organization is equipped with the necessary tools, knowledge, and strategies to protect its assets and respond effectively to security challenges.
With our CSO solution, see transformative changes. We will consistently deliver results for you. Below outlines the typical schedule of ongoing items to be provided as a part of this solution.
Audit monthly IT activities, document findings and initiate/request/validate any necessary changes.
Meeting to review issue progress, vulnerability test results, security project status, plan for upcoming events, and review/edit deliverables as needed.
Deploy simulated phishing exercises and analyze results for frequent clickers or other signs and/or anomalies
Review backup of all endpoint machines and servers to ensure that they are occurring on a timely basis and are within backup service level agreement.
Review the list of Line of business, M365 and domain users to ensure no unneeded users; verify tickets were created for user termination requests as well as any Human Resources changes.
Meet with executive team (C-Level leadership, GC and others) to provide updates on current trends in IT security, latest vulnerability analysis and status of IT projects; supplement with further updates as needed.
Select and initiate IT security training to all endpoint users.
Provide ongoing security analysis of network, provide/review report findings with leadership and assist in necessary remediation projects.
Prepare and present updates for Bi-Annual Cyber Security Risk Board. Confirm content with executive team and review discussions prior.
Review the list of IT equipment to ensure it is up to date and all assets are accounted for.
Schedule, coordinate and oversee third-party penetration testing; coordinate and remediate any findings from the testing.
Review policies and make updates based on organizational changes; if changes are made to acceptable use policy, coordinate with legal and incorporate into Employee Handbook as needed; create and implement new policies as needed.
Review and update procedures.
Conduct security review of vendors, including completion of Vendor Self-Assessment Questionnaires; initiate/oversee vendor security changes as needed; Review current contracts to determine if updates are needed.
Review the different types of risk facing the business units; prioritize security and compliance investments and initiatives based on risk findings. Update or initiate Security Roadmap.
Complete and save to file the annual self-assessment questionnaires for compliance purposes.
Perform annual table-top exercise of the disaster recovery plan/incident response plan with applicable IT vendors and company personnel.
Review the list of assets/vendors with the executive team, generally as part of quarterly IT executive meeting; review list of Key Vendors in IT security portal to ensure it is up to date.
Conduct in-person visits to organization’s sites to review on-site security practices and initiate necessary changes.
Provide threat intelligence emails to organization as relevant.
Proper C-level representation in the event of a formal audit.
Lead your organization to compliance with external regulations.
Get employees back to work as usual while working with your technical team members to restore impacted systems and networks.
Provide other security deliverables and best practices as needed.
