Outsourced Cybersecurity: What is an ESO & What are the Benefits?
With the influx of cyber-attacks in recent years, businesses are struggling to protect their data and create an updated strategic cybersecurity plan. That’s where an Executive Security team like Centurion ESO could be an organizational asset.
What is an ESO?
So, what is an ESO? ESO stands for Executive Security Officer, and the role has become increasingly critical in the workplace. ESOs ensure your company data and network are secured against cyber threats that would otherwise cripple your infrastructure and put vital information at risk.
Part of the purpose of an organization’s Executive Security Officer is to align security efforts with enterprise initiatives and company goals. These responsibilities must be accomplished to prioritize the protection of data, assets, and technology. Other essential purposes include:
•Oversight and management of security program processes and technology.
•Facilitating education and awareness throughout the organization.
•Effectively communicating with other executive leadership and the Board.
Types of ESOs
There are a few different types of ESOs. So, research before investing in this critical part of your cybersecurity strategy will go a long way. First, it is essential to note that an ESO can refer to various cybersecurity knowledge, skills, and executive leadership levels. When researching a cybersecurity ESO, you may find the term interchangeable with CISO, Chief Information Security Officer, or CSO, Chief Security Officer.
What to look for in an ESO
Executive security officers are traditionally associated with the role of head bodyguard for VIPs. So when seeking an ESO for your cyber protection and safety, you’ll want to look for some of the same qualities. Consider that you are protecting your most valued assets, your crown jewels, so your ESO needs to be strong, experienced, and able to adapt to changes and new challenges.
Despite their executive seating, ESOs are not dissociated from security team operations. The main objective of the office of the ESO is to support the success of cybersecurity operations by remaining informed about the latest transformations in the threat landscape and offering that knowledge to guide security initiatives. So the ability to adapt quickly to cybersecurity threats is critical.
Pros of Outsourcing Cybersecurity
•Budget Management
•Access to Experts
•Agile Scalability
Given the highly specialized nature of a cybersecurity ESO, engaging their engagement can help your organization ensure that its cybersecurity is in the right hands.
That said, building company security operations is an excellent investment for the future. It can grant flexibility and privacy concerning your security operations and help to insulate against the brand, reputation, and revenue risks from poor security. It’s an important investment!
Building an in-house cybersecurity team will require significant time and financial assets, so outsourcing the task is a great option.
Budget and Manage Costs
Hiring a team of specialists skilled in different facets of cybersecurity can help reduce the risk of a data breach occurring within your organization. However, hiring, training, and maintaining a cybersecurity team in-house can be an expensive proposition..
By outsourcing your organization’s cybersecurity management, you can rest assured that you are getting the most up-to-date service at a cost that fits within your budget. Even if ESO cybersecurity services seem expensive at first glance, the investment is well worth it in the long run. It will keep your organization’s data secure from potential breaches. Plus, with a dedicated outsourced ESO, you can allocate resources according to your organization’s needs without adding to your payroll overhead.
Immediate Access to Experts
Access to cybersecurity experts is a significant benefit of hiring an outsourced ESO. The amount of time spent on ongoing training updates for an internal CISO can be cost-prohibitive. When you hire an external ESO service, you get the benefits of a dedicated cybersecurity team without investing in a single person internally. This means that turnover and personnel changes won’t affect your cybersecurity plan since you’ll work with a dedicated organization focused solely on staying ahead of cybersecurity threats.
Scalability and Flexibility
Another benefit of outsourcing cybersecurity to an ESO is scalability. That’s because your security plans can scale up or down, depending on your company’s needs. ESO pricing models allow for flexibility, so you can invest more when your business is experiencing increased pressure for cybersecurity measures. An ESO can also help to determine when and where to invest in your cybersecurity efforts based on business needs and perceived cybersecurity threats.
Aligning with Industry Knowledge and Customization
Outsourcing cybersecurity to an ESO is a great idea, given the dedicated cybersecurity companies’ expertise and the reduction in costs for your organization.
However, depending on your sector or industry, you will need to find the right ESO to help you without unnecessary vulnerabilities due to a lack of industry knowledge. Be sure that the ESO you decide to go with can adjust to adapt to your industry’s rules, regulations and norms. You’ll also want to be sure you can customize how data is collected, stored, and protected in alignment with your industry’s best practices and local regulations.
Centurion ESO
Much like ancient centurions, your ESO will help ensure your company or entity is secured and defended against cyber threats that would otherwise cripple your infrastructure and put vital information at risk.
SCA’s Centurion ESO services are designed to help fill the gap where no official cybersecurity leadership position exists and are specific to individual client needs. As your ESO, SCA will act as part of your management team to identify and remediate deficiencies and provide ongoing management of your information security program (ISP).
Click to learn more about Centurion ESO. Or contact us directly, and we’ll answer all your questions!
