As organizations become more and more digitalized, they are starting to take into account the risks and vulnerabilities of information systems. It is no longer rare to see a cyber attack in the news and the terms "phishing", "Trojan horse", "ransomware", "intrusion" have become common.
However, the number of CISOs (Information Systems Security Managers) in France in 2023. The shortage of CISOs poses serious problems for companies. We explain.
Faced with today's threats, corporate CIOs seem relatively helpless. It is true that the frequency and scale of attacks, as well as the variety of organizations affected and the increasingly rapid adaptation of hackers are recent phenomena.
Even today, the CIO is often the sole guarantor of information system security within the company. However, security issues are becoming increasingly specialized and complex. Cybercrime is becoming more organized, with increasingly sophisticated attacks, and the consequences, both financial and technical, of restoring and re-securing systems or reconstituting data, are becoming critical. Not to mention the negative and even disastrous impact on image and reputation. That's why CIOs are increasingly looking to enlist the skills of a Information Systems Security Manager(ISSM) or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) whose mission is to guarantee the availability and reliability of the information system, preserve its confidentiality and integrity, and ensure the security of all digital operations.
But companies face a major challenge: there is a shortage of CISOs on the market. As mentioned above, the accelerated development of new forms of cyber-attack that are more complex to thwart or neutralize is a recent trend, and few specialists are truly trained and seasoned in this field. Indeed, cybersecurity teaching modules in higher education have only been available for a few years. As a result, experienced profiles are few and far between, even though demand is exploding from start-ups, digital service companies (ESN), major groups and government agencies.
We talk freely about :
→ Transitional CISO
→ Transitional CISO
→ Information Systems Security Managers
→ Chief Information Security Officer
The RSSI is an interim manager who temporarily takes on the role of CISO. "Temporarily" means within the framework of a mission with defined time limits. This profile is normally found in interim management companies.
A transitional CISO is an interesting solution to the shortage of CISO experts, for all types of organization, from IT companies to start-ups and major corporations. For the first type of company, he can intervene, for example, to secure developments when necessary, and enable continued growth in complete security. In the case of large groups, it may involve reinforcing information systems security or helping the company to obtain certifications that demonstrate the robustness of its information systems. Whatever the type of assignment (replacement or need for expertise), at IMfinity we have seasoned experts who we support throughout their time with the company.
A transitional CISO can intervene in a variety of ways:
A professional with strong leadership skills, in contact with all the company's players, the transitional CISO can drive the necessary changes and foster a culture of cybersecurity within the company. Familiar with the risks and vulnerabilities specific to any information system and emerging new threats, technical procedures, backup measures or even RGPD-related requirements, he or she is also skilled in compliance issues and can conduct the relevant tests and audits. In the event of a crisis, he is an experienced interlocutor bringing credibility and confidence to the various stakeholders including to "calm the game" in the case of listed companies. Last but not least, he or she has the global vision required for an effective policy at all levels.
More and more organizations are acknowledging that they have already been the victim of at least one major attack. More generally, today's businesses are faced with cybercrime on an unprecedented scale. It is becoming increasingly strategic to take into account the threats and vulnerabilities likely to affect information systems. IMfinity offers transitional CISO profiles profiles to meet these challenges.
Author: Alan Daifuku
Associate Director of DPO / IT at IMfinity.
