We’ve heard countless times: the growing need for strong cybersecurity in the face of increasing cyber dangers is evident. Globally, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are more and more targeted by cyber assaults but frequently lack the means for full-time Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). This void is propelling the emergence of the virtual CISO (vCISO) model, providing a cost-efficient solution and granting SMEs access to strategic security guidance.
For Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), this transition signifies both a difficulty and a chance. More than 94% of service providers acknowledge the escalating demand for vCISO services; however, over a quarter of them reveal a deficiency in the cybersecurity and compliance proficiency required to offer vCISO services.
The reason behind this gap is precisely why the vCISO Academy was established —to enable service providers with the expertise and competencies essential to prosper in this shifting environment.
The vCISO Academy is a complimentary, specialized learning platform devised to equip service providers with the knowledge and education necessary to erect and broaden their vCISO offerings, aiding them in better serving their clients and reinforcing cybersecurity resilience.
The Increasing Demand for vCISO Services
The demand for vCISO services has surged in recent years, steered by the heightened occurrence and sophistication of cyber assaults on SMEs. The most recent State of the vCISO Survey (2024) involving 200 senior security executives, exhibited that 94% of service providers observe demand for vCISO services and 98% of service providers who do not currently feature vCISO services aspire to introduce them in the foreseeable future. This underscores the crucial significance of vCISO services for MSPs and MSSPs, not only as a means to abide by escalating demand but also to remain competitive in a domain where cybersecurity has evolved into a business necessity.
The Proficiency Gap in Offering vCISO Services
Even though the vCISO services market is rapidly widening, numerous MPSs and MSSPs battle to provide these services due to an insufficiency in-house expertise and resources. In reality, over 25% of service providers point out a scarcity of the indispensable expertise to offer all-encompassing vCISO services.
Service providers frequently hesitate to provide vCISO services due to the intricacy of the function, demanding a blend of technical proficiency, regulatory insight, and business strategy alignment. Moreover, they confront obstacles like resource restrictions, uncertainty about possessing the needed staff or budget, and concerns about scaling services without overstretching.
The vCISO Academy was formed to assist MSPs and MSSPs in tackling these concerns. It provides a straightforward, gradual strategy that eases the process, enabling service providers to boldly inaugurate and expand their vCISO offerings.
How the vCISO Academy Bridges This Crucial Gap
The vCISO Academy offers self-paced, practical learning crafted to empower service providers with the education and awareness necessary to evolve and amplify their vCISO services.
Main highlights of the academy include:
- Professional advice from industry specialists who convey their practical insight and experience on a broad spectrum of vital vCISO functions, involving risk and compliance evaluations, cybersecurity strategy formulation, and successful communication of risks to executive panels.
- Self-paced learning grants the opportunity to access videos, tools, and resources at any time and from anywhere.
- An engaging platform that provides exercises and real-life instances to reinforce comprehension.
The Academy enables MSPs and MSSPs not only to offer vCISO services confidently but also to establish fresh revenue channels, enrich client bonds, and ensure the cybersecurity resilience of their clients.
Empowering MSPs and MSSPs to Hasten Their vCISO Voyage
By addressing the scarcity of knowledge and supplying structured, reachable learning, the vCISO academy enables service providers to:
- Expand your horizon: The vCISO Academy furnishes a deeper comprehension of the roles of a vCISO with tailored training to tackle the cybersecurity deficiency. By aiding professionals in acquiring vCISO expertise, the Academy is bridging a critical industry gap, guaranteeing businesses have the access to the security leadership they require.
- Enhance professional advancement: The vCISO Academy is fashioned to propel professionals’ careers by honing their vCISO skills, positioning them as trusted advisors, and rendering them indispensable to their clients. Courses are crafted by industry specialists who dispense practical insight and real-world experience.
- Extend services lucratively and fortify client bonds: For MSPs and MSSPs, including vCISO services is a strategic step that unlocks fresh revenue streams and bolsters client connections.
With the vCISO Academy, MSPs and MSSPs are better poised to capitalize on burgeoning prospects in the vCISO market while catering to the critical security demands of SMEs.
Commence Your vCISO Expedition with the vCISO Academy
Given the evolving cybersecurity domain, the role of the vCISO is morphing into a cornerstone of success for MSPs and MSSPs. The vCISO academy offers an invaluable asset to assist service providers in attaining the expertise needed to flourish in this competitive landscape. Whether you are establishing your vCISO services or eyeing expansion, the vCISO Academy furnishes the tools, knowledge, and backing required to expand your business and better serve your clients.
Embark on your journey by exploring the vCISO Academy today and make the initial move towards amplifying your cybersecurity services and fueling business growth. Together, we can ensure that businesses of all sizes have the cybersecurity leadership requisite to remain secure.
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