Our fractional Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a part-time security executive who provides strategic guidance and expertise to organizations that don’t need or cannot afford a full-time CISO.
Value Proposition of a Fractional CISO:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Access to high-level expertise without the full-time expense.
- Scalability: Flexible hours and services to adapt to organizational needs.
- Access to Expertise: Leverage specialized knowledge and industry insights.
A fractional CISO can effectively bridge the gap between technical security operations and business strategy.
At Magister Business Advisors we provide highly skilled Virtual / Fractional CISOs. Below you will find areas where our professionals can add value. The service is tailored to your needs, so consider this a general outline, not an all-inclusive list, nor a list that cannot be expanded beyond the outline.
1. Security Strategy and Governance
- Develop and implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy aligned with business goals.
- Create and manage security policies, standards, and procedures.
- Establish governance frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, CIS Controls).
- Conduct risk assessments and define risk management strategies.
2. Risk Management and Compliance
- Identify and assess cybersecurity risks across the organization.
- Guide compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, PCI DSS).
- Manage third-party risk assessments and vendor security evaluations.
- Develop risk mitigation plans and track remediation efforts.
3. Incident Response and Crisis Management
- Develop and maintain incident response plans (IRPs).
- Provide guidance and support during security incidents or breaches.
- Conduct tabletop exercises to test incident response readiness.
- Act as the primary point of contact during cyber crises.
4. Security Operations Oversight
- Provide oversight for security monitoring and threat detection.
- Assist in implementing Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools.
- Ensure regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
- Support security architecture and technology decisions.
5. Training and Awareness
- Lead cybersecurity awareness training programs for employees.
- Advise on phishing simulations and other social engineering tests.
- Help foster a culture of security within the organization.
6. Board and Executive Reporting
- Translate technical security risks into business terms for executives.
- Provide regular updates and briefings to the board and leadership.
- Assist with budgeting and resource allocation for security initiatives.
7. Vendor and Technology Assessment
- Evaluate and recommend security tools, platforms, and technologies.
- Manage relationships with security vendors and service providers.
- Review contracts and ensure vendor compliance with security requirements.
8. Program Development and Maturity
- Assess the current maturity of the organization’s security program.
- Create a roadmap for security improvements.
- Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure progress.
9. Cloud and Data Security
- Guide secure cloud adoption and migration strategies.
- Ensure data protection policies are in place for sensitive information.
- Manage encryption, data classification, and access controls.
10. Customized Services
- Tailor offerings to meet specific needs, such as supporting M&A due diligence, preparing for audits, or enhancing IoT/OT security.
- Offer specific expertise in niche industries or technical domains.