If you’re implementing a cyber security programme into your organisation and don’t know where to start, a Security Manager service may be the solution for you.
We interviewed one of our consultants on the most common questions about using our Security Manager as a service offering to improve an organisation’s security, including responsibilities, benefits, and the value it brings to a business.
Can you introduce the role of a Security Manager and its responsibilities?
“The Security Manager is an operational role targeted towards organisations without the resources to hire full-time, or who need help running or starting their security programme.
Responsibilities very much depend on the business. They typically involve ensuring companies adhere to legal and regulatory requirements with regards to cyber security, and making sure they’re aware of evolving threats and reducing those risks. Organisations may also need help with risk assessments, incident response planning, coordination, creating security policies, or ensuring staff training is delivered and up to date. Additionally, they may also represent the company in meetings if required.”
Why should businesses consider hiring a Security Manager on a subscriptions basis?
“It’s important for businesses to understand their cyber security landscape and have appropriate controls in place. Having a Security Manager on a subscription service allows the business to use the time efficiently in the areas they have the greatest need, whilst providing the necessary oversight. This enables communication with the senior leadership team regarding security status, opportunities and threats.
Hiring on a subscriptions basis is a solution for businesses that don’t have the requirement or the budget for a full-time resource. Businesses probably don’t even think about the possibility of having a part-time security resource, because they don’t know it exists.
Security Managers also look at improving processes and identifying what’s best for a business. It’s one thing to implement and embed something, but if it’s not suited to the business, it’s not going to work long-term. That’s why we make sure anything we put in place fits the business’ requirements where they are, both from a capability and capacity perspective.”
How would a Security Manager integrate within the business?
“Integration very much depends on the customer. For example, I work with some customers whereby I’m fully integrated within their team, communicating with them almost daily. Whereas with others, it has been more project focused, looking at specific objectives. Each customer engagement is different.”
How much does a Security Manager cost, and how long do businesses need to hire one for?
“The cost very much depends on the requirements of the customer. We take a flexible approach – so this could be anything from one to four days a month, or even more.
When we gather requirements from the customer, we generally have an idea as to how much effort is required for the engagement, and we agree this at the beginning of discussions. The customer will ultimately decide how best they want to use their allotted days – we’re entirely flexible on this. If a customer decides they need two days one week and nothing the next, then that’s fine. We will book that in as required. At the end of the day, the customer is buying both flexibility and capability with this service, and that’s what we provide.”
Why should businesses consider Shift Key Cyber?
“I may be biased, but I think the main benefit is the wealth of experience that we have amongst our consultants. We have worked across different sectors and types of organisations, and with that comes a breadth of experience and knowledge we can apply to any organisation, regardless of size.
For us, it’s about both delivering real value and imparting knowledge. The expectation is that you’re not going to be with a customer forever. The team will evolve to a point where they feel ready to take over their security programme, or grow so that they can hire somebody directly. What we design and implement is the security programme, built on solid foundations that run within the organisation it has been built for.”
If you’re interested in extending your security capabilities in a cost-effective manner, visit our Security Manager as a Service page for more information.
Or alternatively, contact us to get started with a Security Manager today.
