Temporary CISO: Weighing the Pros and Cons

In 2023, the average data breach cost hit $4.45 million. That’s a staggering number, and it’s rising every year. But here’s the kicker: most companies still don’t have a dedicated Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Why? Budget constraints, talent shortages, or just not knowing where to start.

That’s where a temporary CISO comes in. No fluff, no long-term commitment – just expert security leadership when needed. Think of it as having a seasoned security executive on-call, ready to tackle your most critical issues. Whether you’re dealing with a compliance audit, assessing your risk landscape, or responding to an active threat, a temporary CISO can immediately step in and make an impact.

Let’s break down why this flexible solution could be exactly what your business needs right now.

Cyberattacks are at an all-time high, yet 60% of businesses don’t have a dedicated Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

• Briefly introduce the concept of a temporary CISO (fractional/virtual CISO).
• State the goal of the article: to help the reader understand the pros and cons of hiring a temporary CISO and guide them in evaluating whether this option suits their organization’s needs.
• Mention that, by the end, they’ll be better equipped to make a decision and consider your company’s services for further discussion.

What is a Temporary CISO?

The role of a temporary CISO is to provide all the value of a full-time Chief Information Security Officer until such a role gets filled. Some people call that a fractional CISO, Virtual CISO, or vCISO. Sometimes such a temporary role is required if the CISO leaves the company unexpectedly for any reason or if a customer demands rapid security improvements and you don’t have the internal expertise to do it. 

A temporary CISO works by first auditing the company’s IT infrastructure and then generating a security program plan. That plan should be flexible and tailored to the audited company so that only the relevant and most effective security controls get implemented. 

• Highlight the types of businesses that might benefit the most from this option, such as mid-sized companies or those undergoing rapid growth.

Pros of Hiring a Temporary CISO

• Flexibility and Scalability

  • You can scale security needs based on project demands without the commitment of a full-time hire.
  • Example: A company going through an M&A might need short-term, high-level security leadership.

• Cost-Effectiveness

  • Any headhunting agency charges between one and two full salaries for finding the right candidate and placing them. Will the candidate stick? You don’t know. Will they perform? Will they fit in the company culture? How many times will you have to repeat this process, each time paying the headhunters their fee?
  • Full-time employees spend a lot of their time just ‘spacing out’, as they say in the movie “Office Space”. You’re paying for that time, but you’re not getting results while they’re not actively generating value. Services like virtual CISO don’t have that flaw – you only pay for active time invested directly in defending you. 
  • A full-time CISO can make between 100k per year and 250-300k per year, depending on business, location, skills and competition. A part-time CISO will charge hourly and their hourly rates are estimated to be between 40 and 80-100k per year. The effectiveness is often higher with part-time CISOs for the reasons listed above. So you end up paying less and getting more in return!

• Immediate Expertise

  • Temporary CISOs are seasoned professionals who bring immediate knowledge and expertise.
  • Emphasize how they can quickly assess risk, improve security posture, and implement policies, drawing from diverse industry experience.

• Faster Hiring and Deployment

  • Temporary CISOs are available immediately, unlike full-time hires that require lengthy recruitment processes.
  • Mention how this can be crucial during security emergencies or audits.

• Tailored Solutions and Strategic Insights

  • A temporary CISO offers a customized security roadmap aligned with the company’s unique business goals.
  • This isn’t a one-size-fits-all service.

Cons of Hiring a Temporary CISO

• Lack of Long-Term Commitment

  • While flexibility is a pro, it can also be a con. Temporary CISOs may leave when their contract is up, creating potential gaps in long-term security strategy.
  • Discuss how this could impact continuity in security management, especially for companies that require consistent leadership.

• Potential for Knowledge Gaps

  • Temporary CISOs might not be as deeply embedded in the company culture and operations as a full-time CISO.
  • Explain that while they bring expertise, they may need more time to fully understand all business nuances and internal team dynamics.

• Limited Time and Availability

  • Since a temporary CISO might be working with multiple clients, their availability could be limited.
  • Discuss potential issues with response times or prioritization of your company’s security needs during high-demand periods.

• Short-Term Focus

  • Temporary CISOs tend to focus on immediate or mid-term goals, which could limit the development of a long-term security strategy.
  • Highlight how this might not be ideal for companies looking for long-term, hands-on leadership.

• Dependence on External Resources

  • Companies might rely on the external temporary CISO’s network of resources, which can be both a pro and con.
  • While leveraging outside expertise can be beneficial, it can also create a dependency on third-party vendors or consultants.

How to Decide if a Temporary CISO is Right for You

• Here is a checklist of key factors to consider when deciding between a temporary or full-time CISO:

  • Size and stage of your company (e.g., are you scaling quickly or handling sensitive data?)
  • Budget constraints and what kind of security leadership you can realistically afford.
  • Urgency of your security needs (do you need immediate help or can you wait to hire full-time?)
  • Scope of work (are you looking for short-term project-based work, or a long-term security leader?)
  • Internal team structure (do you already have strong IT and security teams that a temporary CISO can complement, or are you starting from scratch?)

• Provide actionable insights, like recommending temporary CISO services for companies in transition, during crises, or those needing specialized security support for a limited time.

Case Study Example

• Provide a real or hypothetical case study demonstrating how a temporary CISO solved a critical security problem for a company.
• Focus on the tangible outcomes, like a compliance audit that was passed, risks mitigated, or cost savings achieved.
• Mention how this company made a smooth transition to a permanent CISO later on (if applicable), with the temporary CISO helping build a strong foundation.

Why a Temporary CISO Could Be a Smart Choice for Your Business

• Summarize the key points made in the article.
• Reiterate the flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and immediate expertise as major pros.
• Acknowledge that while there are some cons, for many companies, the benefits outweigh the risks, especially in times of rapid growth, transition, or heightened security threats.

 

We encourage you to take the next step in evaluating a temporary CISO for their company in the form of a Virtual CISO service. 

Our company is a trusted provider of temporary CISO services. Our team can provide tailored solutions and offer a free one-time consultation to discuss your specific security needs.

Contact us today to schedule a conversation and see how our CISO services can bolster your company’s security posture – without the full-time commitment.