There’s a golden opportunity to embrace the role of virtual Chief Security Officer waiting for you right now.
Actually, it’s more than an opportunity. It’s a responsibility.
SMBs are being targeted and they need your help.
Hackers have evolved. Their tools and techniques now target SMBs, not just because they perceive them as easier prey, but also as gateways to larger enterprises. With the rise of ransomware-as-a-service on the Dark Web, malicious actors don’t even need technical skills; they can simply purchase an attack, as easily as ordering a pizza.
Adding to this complication is the fact that SMBs are expanding their digital footprint at an unprecedented pace. From digitizing operations and embracing remote work to the increased use of AI and cloud services, SMBs are growing their "threat surface", providing numerous entry points for cyber attackers.
The 2023 Allianz Risk Barometer perfectly encapsulates this shift, ranking cyber incidents as the top threat, ahead of natural disasters and traditional business risks.
The Extreme Talent Crunch = Larger Opportunities
The challenge deepens when we consider the current shortage of talent. A 2022 ISC2 study revealed a staggering shortfall of 3.4 million cybersecurity professionals globally, with 700,000 of these positions vacant in the U.S alone.
Yet, it's not just about filling roles. What SMBs truly require is executive-level leadership that goes beyond basic IT protection. They need holistic strategies that align cybersecurity with business objectives, ensuring both efficiency and effectiveness.
Your Big vCSO Opportunity
Given the dearth of available CSOs and the pressing need for strategic cybersecurity leadership, the vCSO emerges as a compelling solution, and here’s why:
- Cost Efficiency: Leveraging economies of scale, a vCSO provides top-tier expertise without the hefty salary of an executive hire.
- Diverse Experience: Drawing from their engagements across various industries, vCSOs bring a rich tapestry of best practices and innovative solutions, ensuring SMBs get the best-in-class strategies.
- Consistency: The cybersecurity space is competitive, with many CSOs hopping between offers. vCSOs, in contrast, offer stability, ensuring SMBs aren't left in the lurch.
A vCSO is not just a stop-gap solution but a strategic decision that provides SMBs with the comprehensive cybersecurity strategy they desperately need, without the associated overheads and challenges.
In an era where digital threats are rampant and evolving, and where SMBs are continuously expanding their digital boundaries, having a robust cybersecurity strategy is paramount. For MSPs, this presents a clear directive: Integrate vCSO services into your offering.
Not only does it cater to a pressing market need, but it also establishes the MSP as a forward-thinking, strategic partner, capable of guiding SMBs safely through the treacherous digital landscape.
For SMBs looking to fortify their cybersecurity posture without breaking the bank, the vCSO is the future. And for MSPs, the time to embrace this future is now.
Interested in understanding how a vCSO can transform your cybersecurity approach? Get a copy of Bruce’s game-changing book on elevating your MSP to vCSO status here.
