Businesses face an increasing array of cybersecurity threats that can disrupt operations and compromise sensitive information. The role of the Chief Security Officer (CSO) has become essential, tasked with overseeing and implementing an organization’s security strategy. But as the demand for cybersecurity leadership grows, many businesses are now considering the benefits of a virtual Chief Security Officer (vCSO) over an in-house CSO.
So, how do you decide which option is right for your business in Western New York? Let’s explore the differences and help you determine which fits your company’s needs best.
1. Cost and Scalability
One of the biggest differences between an in-house CSO and a vCSO is cost. Hiring an in-house CSO typically comes with a high salary, benefits, bonuses, and overhead costs. For large enterprises, this may not be an issue, but for small to mid-sized businesses, this can stretch the budget thin.
- In-House CSO: Offers dedicated full-time attention but at a significant cost.
- vCSO: Allows you to access high-level expertise at a fraction of the cost, often through flexible, as-needed service models.
A vCSO is typically hired on a contract or subscription basis, making them scalable based on the specific needs of your business. This flexibility allows you to ramp up or scale down services based on your company’s growth and cybersecurity requirements.
Stay Safe While Shopping Online This Black Friday & Cyber Monday
With Black Friday just around the corner, online shopping scams are at an all-time high. Protect your financial and personal information with these essential safety tips:
✔ Shop with Trusted Retailers: Stick to well-known websites and verify URLs carefully to avoid fraudulent sites mimicking popular brands.
✔ Use Secure Payment Methods: Credit cards and payment platforms like PayPal offer better fraud protection than debit cards.
✔ Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your shopping accounts to keep hackers out.
✔ Watch for Phishing Scams: Be cautious of emails or ads promising unbelievable discounts. Always verify offers directly with the retailer.
✔ Keep Devices Updated: Regularly update your software and antivirus programs to protect against evolving threats.
Stay vigilant, shop smart, and enjoy the deals safely!
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MVP Partner Spotlight: Circuit Clinical
Circuit Clinical is an integrated research organization committed to transforming the clinical trial experience. Since our inception, we have focused on making clinical research more accessible. Maintaining the highest information security standards is critical as we expand geographically and collaborate with various healthcare partners. That’s where MVP steps in.
MVP provides invaluable virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) services. In an industry where IT security is constantly evolving, having a trusted partner like MVP aides us in complying with regulatory requirements, safeguarding sensitive data, and maintaining secure network structures. Their expertise lets our internal team focus on our core mission while feeling confident in our compliance and security posture.
“Working with MVP has been a seamless experience. Having previously collaborating with them for managed services, I was always impressed with their responsiveness and expertise,” states Kathy Bean, VP of Technology and Clinical Informatics “Navigating the complex landscape of various security frameworks and evolving cybersecurity risks can be very challenging and time consuming. Adding the vCISO option from MVP’s offerings was a game-changer for us. Cody has provided exceptional guidance, helping refine our IT security protocols this year.”
Partnering with MVP for information security oversight and collaboration has been one of our key successes this year.
Employee Spotlight: Sarah Bowback
Sarah Bowback has been with MVP since 2013 and is currently a Senior Developer, responsible for web development, data management, and coding initiatives. A graduate of Niagara University, Sarah earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with summa cum laude honors. Originally from Buffalo, NY, she married her high school sweetheart, John, in 2020. Outside of MVP, Sarah is an avid performer in the local theater community, bringing her passion for singing, acting, and dancing to numerous stage productions.