Hitch Partners vCISO Matching Service

Hitch Partners curates vCISO introductions

You may be wondering why an executive search firm focused in the information security space would offer to curate vCISO (i.e. fractional CISO) introductions to companies at no charge?

Hitch Partners has always aimed to play our part as a true advocate and matchmaker in the security community.  With the continued growth of information security as a critical corporate function, the maturity of the vCISO market has also grown exponentially.  This uniquely skilled sub-community provides an agile, nuanced, and cost-effective service given the appropriate set of circumstances. As companies evolve, Hitch has learned not every company requires a full-time CISO in order to stand up and operate a proper security program.  

As a result, Hitch Partners has vetted dozens of vCISO organizations (and individuals) in terms of capabilities to ensure they are qualified service partners. Our matching service leverages years of industry-specific information security executive search capabilities to ensure that each introduction is tailored to your company’s specific needs: So whether you are a startup, mid-market company, or an enterprise building out your security program our curated introduction service will be able to assist you. 

What is the service and how does this work?

  • Hitch Partners will conduct interviews with key stakeholders at your company to assess technical, cultural,

    and business objectives

  • Hitch Partners will then provide a brief report with recommendations on the anticipated security program focus areas to address & introduce up to (3) qualified and vetted vCISO service providers.

  • Information about these prospective partners will be viewed through the Hitch Partners Customer Portal during the engagement.

  • This is a one-time engagement where the your company DOES NOT pay for the service. If a vCISO solution is engaged, the vCISO provider would pay Hitch Partners a finder’s fee for the connection. There is no monetization unless value is delivered.

What is the definition of a vCISO?

A vCISO is a fractional resource (as opposed to a full time CISO) that is a highly-trained cybersecurity expert contracted by an organization to handle its IT security expert contracted by an organization to handle its IT security and compliance programs.  Furthermore, this leader advises the company on information security and data protection matters as well as to ensure that the company’s privacy, compliance, and governance needs are met. (*Wikipedia)

A vCISO will often manage a varied scope and responsibilities.  Below is a sampling of these responsibilities:

  • Determine, prevent, detect and mitigate all evolving information security-related threats.

  • From a compliance perspective; will often lead efforts to ensure compliance frameworks for GDPR, SOC2, ISO2700x, PCI, HIPAA, HiTRUST, etc.

  • Works closely with business stakeholders, partner vendors, and cross-functional teams to ensure that security and compliance programs are aligned in order to achieve the desired information security outcomes.

  • Offers industry and company-specific organization information security strategies, identification

  • Provides information security risk and alignment to meet business objectives and show measurable results.

  • Often deploys an initial vision, roadmap, and design for the company’s security posture.

  • Organizes, acts upon, and provides oversight on information security incidents including remediation planning.

  • Provides assessment through data validation and stakeholder interviews

  • Develops policies and procedures that will define the company’s initial or sustained security posture.

  • Recommends and implements company-specific awareness and training.

What are the benefits of a vCISO?

Most companies today have a considerable amount of high-consequence data to protect and the one thing that can derail their growth, trust, and brand is the threat of a security compromise.  Even if your company does not intend to hire a full-time CISO and/or build a full security team it is vital to be protected. 

For organizations that do not ‘yet’ need a full time security leader, this vCISO option offers a cost-effective, rapid ramp up option while still gaining the protection needed to have a proper security posture.

Additionally vCISO resources offer experience and leadership combined with agility enabling them to step into most situations where they can add immediate value to an information security posture or program.  

Here are just a few other ways the vCISO option can help your organization:

  • A comprehensive view of the information security space from an industry expert that will include a deeper knowledge in incident response, vulnerability management, 3rd party data risk management, and acceptable use policies to name a few.

  • An economically viable option for budget constrained companies. Furthermore, the knowledge of your environment may be retained and transferred naturally to a full-time CISO when appropriate for your organization.

  • Ability to establish a clear vision and strategy around communication within the organization including with the Board of Directors and outside parties.

  • A flexible engagement model with both short and long term options.

  • Ability to rapidly orchestrate and lead investigations to prevent further loss

  • Swiftly provide protection and frameworks against potential sales options such as non-compliance or penalties.

  • Education & rapid roll out of security awareness and training to your team.