November 8, 2024 at 06:45AM
The rising demand for cybersecurity has led to increased interest in virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) services among small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The vCISO Academy was created to provide training and resources for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) to offer effective vCISO services.
### Meeting Takeaways: Cyber Resilience / Compliance Discussion
**Date:** November 8, 2024
**Focus:** The rise of virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs) as a service for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
#### Key Points:
1. **Rising Cybersecurity Demand:**
– There is an increasing demand for robust cybersecurity solutions due to rising cyber threats, particularly targeting SMBs.
– Many SMBs lack the resources to hire full-time CISOs, leading to the growth of the vCISO model.
2. **Impact on Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs):**
– Over 94% of service providers acknowledge the growing need for vCISO services.
– Despite the demand, over 25% of these providers lack the necessary cybersecurity and compliance expertise to offer vCISO services.
3. **Introduction of vCISO Academy:**
– The vCISO Academy was launched to equip service providers with the knowledge and skills essential for delivering vCISO services.
– This free, professional learning platform aims to help MSPs and MSSPs build and expand their vCISO offerings.
4. **Academy Features:**
– Provides expert guidance from industry leaders on diverse vCISO functions (risk assessments, cybersecurity strategy, etc.).
– Offers self-paced, accessible learning materials including videos, tools, and resources.
– Includes interactive exercises and real-world examples for practical understanding.
5. **Benefits of the vCISO Academy:**
– **Broaden Perspective:** Enhances understanding of the vCISO role and addresses cybersecurity shortages.
– **Professional Growth:** Aids in career advancement for professionals, positioning them as trusted advisors.
– **Revenue Opportunities:** Enables MSPs and MSSPs to create new revenue streams and strengthen client relationships through vCISO services.
6. **Call to Action:**
– Providers are encouraged to start their vCISO journey through the vCISO Academy to enhance their service offerings and contribute to overall cybersecurity resilience for clients.
By addressing the expertise gap and providing structured training, the vCISO Academy empowers service providers to meet the critical security needs of SMBs while positioning themselves competitively in the market.