Cynomi’s 2024 State of the Virtual CISO report highlights a significant gap between the high demand for virtual CISO (vCISO) services among small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) and the limited supply offered by service providers. With 75% of providers reporting demand but only 21% offering these services, there is a substantial growth opportunity. The report attributes the rising need for vCISO services to increasing regulatory compliance, escalating cyberattacks, and a growing cybersecurity skill gap. Service providers adopting vCISO services report improved margins and revenue-enhanced customer security and engagement. The majority of providers plan to offer vCISO services in the near future, recognizing the competitive advantage it provides.
A new study reveals that small businesses can significantly benefit from generative AI (GenAI) if employees are encouraged to use it. Despite job security and data privacy concerns, many employees recognize GenAI’s productivity advantages. To overcome hesitancy, small business owners should centralize data management and integrate GenAI into their operations, emphasizing its role in enhancing productivity rather than replacing jobs. Employees should be encouraged to experiment with GenAI to understand its capabilities and limitations, foster a collaborative environment, and prioritize data privacy.
Why do we care?
I’m highly skeptical that customers ask for a virtual chief information security office by name. I doubt they’re asking for generative AI by name, although broadly asking for AI, I would expect. It’s the services they understand and certainly need.
This is why I advocate for a holistic approach to technology advising. Customers want their technology needs addressed and look to you to guide them. We care about studies like this by identifying customers’ pain points. Customize your services to those needs, yet avoid the trap of branding to an offering customers would not recognize. Address the pain, not the buzzword.