CISO-as-a-Service

More risks, more requirements… but no time and no people

Many organisations recognise the same pattern. Security and privacy are important, but there is no clear owner. The IT manager, CFO or operations gets responsibility for information security “on the side”. Fortunately incidents remain limited, but questions from the business pile up: new client contracts with heavy security clauses, questionnaires from large clients, audits for ISO 27001, NIS2 impact, DPIAs, pentest reports that need following up.

Without someone taking structural control of this, information security becomes reactive. Procedures sit on the shelf, measures are fragmented and the boardroom gets no clear picture of the real risks. New initiatives such as cloud migrations, integrations with chain partners or AI applications do get implemented, but important risks are overlooked. That increases the chance of incidents, fines, reputational damage and delays in projects.

What CISO-as-a-Service delivers for you

You work together with an experienced professional who helps your organisation get a grip on digital risks. Not as a stand-alone adviser, but as a structural role that strengthens your organisation. Someone who understands the interests of the board, IT and the business, who also sets priorities and makes sure agreements are turned into concrete actions and measurable results.

The main benefits:

• Strategic control over security and compliance
  Your CISO-as-a-Service translates laws and regulations (such as NIS2, ISO 27001 or sector-specific requirements) into a clear policy, roadmap and KPIs. The board and management get a concrete picture of risks, scenarios and the investments needed.
• Flexible, scalable deployment
  You scale the role up or down as needed: from a few days a month to intensive support during projects, implementations or audits. That way you always have enough seniority, without having to create a full-time position straight away.
• Access to broad, up-to-date expertise
  An external CISO brings experience from different organisations and sectors. We combine that practical experience with relevant certifications (such as RE, CISA, CISSP, CCISO, CIPP/E, ISO 27001) and our knowledge of assurance processes.
• Demonstrable control towards clients and regulators
  You put in place an Information Security Management System (ISMS) that is not only correct on paper, but also demonstrably works. That helps with audits, due diligence, client questions and certification processes.

How we embed CISO-as-a-Service in your organisation

We start with a short baseline measurement: where does your organisation stand right now in terms of information security, privacy and compliance? We look at strategy, policy, organisation, risks and ongoing projects. On that basis we determine together the level of ambition you want and the role of the CISO-as-a-Service: more strategic, more operational or a combination of the two.

Next we set up the CISO role in concrete terms:

• Organisation and roles
  We determine how the CISO relates to management, IT, risk/compliance and the business. Think of taking part in management team meetings, risk committees or project steering groups.
• Policy, frameworks and roadmap
  We work on a clear security and privacy policy, a risk picture and a multi-year roadmap. In doing so we build on existing frameworks such as ISO 27001, NEN 7510, NIS2 requirements or client requirements.
• ISMS and improvement programme
  Together we put an ISMS in place or bring structure to what is already there: processes for risk assessment, incidents, changes, supplier management, awareness, logging/monitoring and continuity. The CISO-as-a-Service steers the improvement programme and monitors progress.

In the ongoing phase the CISO-as-a-Service acts as the permanent point of contact for the board and management on digital risks. We report periodically on the status of security, current risks and progress on improvement actions. In audits, client assessments or incidents we make sure you go into the conversation well prepared and can take the right decisions.