External ISB - Outsourced Information Security Management
Our support for management in fulfilling their obligations regarding information security is based on our extensive experience and expertise. We can assist you in ensuring compliance with legal requirements, industrial standards, and internal policies and procedures. We offer consulting, training, and coaching, as well as the development of policies and procedures. We are also available to assist you in implementing measures to improve information security. Our goal is to identify, assess, and appropriately address risks, as well as to ensure compliance with policies.
Definition and Explanation
Definition and Explanation: What is an External Chief Information Security Officer?
An external Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a person who oversees and reviews a company's information security from an external position. They are responsible for the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies and procedures that ensure the security of the company and its data. The tasks of an external information security officer include:
- The implementation of security solutions
- Security Checks
- Investigation of Security Incidents
- Development of Training Materials
- The development and monitoring of policies and procedures for the company's security.
“In most companies, the Information Security Officer (ISO) and the CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) are usually the same person.”
Why Should One Opt for an External ISB?
An external information security officer has extensive experience and up-to-date expert knowledge from various industries. They act objectively and independently, free from internal operational blindness or conflicts of interest. Especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), they represent a flexible, needs-based solution that is often more cost-effective than an internal permanent position. The external perspective allows for an honest assessment of existing security measures and the rapid implementation of improvements.
- Advantage
Another advantage: The external ISB relieves internal resources, takes over communication with authorities, partners and auditors, and ensures compliance with all relevant standards and laws - for example, according to BSI basic protection, GDPR or industry-specific regulations.
- What are the challenges?
Collaborating with an external ISB requires close coordination with the management, the IT department, and other key areas. Integration into existing processes and acceptance by the staff are central success factors. Open communication, clear responsibilities, and regular meetings help to effectively integrate the external ISB and to strengthen the security culture in the company sustainably.
Custom Design
External CISO for Various Management Systems
An external security officer for ISO 27001, the NIST framework, or a proprietary ISMS is responsible for compliance with security standards. They can also assist in the development and implementation of internal security policies and procedures, the investigation of security incidents, and the creation of reports. In addition, they are responsible for monitoring and reviewing the system to ensure it meets the company's requirements and that it is regularly kept up to date.
Maintenance of ISMS
Management of Various Information Security Systems
We assist in the implementation and operation of an Information Security Management System.
Legal Basis and Obligation to Appoint an ISB
The central legal basis is the IT Security Act (IT-SiG) in conjunction with the Act on the Federal Office for Information Security (BSIG) and the BSI Critical Infrastructure Regulation (BSI-KritisV). According to § 8a BSIG, operators of critical infrastructures are obliged to take appropriate organizational and technical measures to prevent disruptions to the availability, integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality of their IT systems. These measures must comply with the "state of the art" and must be demonstrated every two years through audits, inspections, or certifications.
A crucial part of these requirements is the appointment of an Information Security Officer. Only for critical infrastructure companies is the designation of an ISO legally mandatory. The external Information Security Officer takes over the monitoring, coordination, and further development of information security and is the central contact person for the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).
- Reporting and Proof Obligations
KRITIS companies must designate a contact point to the BSI, report significant IT disruptions, and regularly provide evidence that they meet the legal requirements. The implementation of information security must be confirmed at least every two years by an auditing body (e.g., financial audit). From May 2023, there is also an obligation to operate attack detection systems.
- Relevant Laws and Standards
In addition to the IT Security Act and the BSIG, the following regulations and standards are relevant:
- BSI Critical Infrastructure Regulation (BSI-KritisV): Defines which companies are considered KRITIS operators and which sectors are affected.
- ISO/IEC 27001: Internationally recognized standard for information security management systems (ISMS), the implementation of which is recognized by the BSI as proof.
- BSI IT-Baseline Protection: National standard for information security, which specifies concrete measures and controls for the establishment of an ISMS.
- NIS2 Directive: The new EU directive on network and information security extends the scope from 2025 and tightens reporting and proof obligations also for medium-sized and large companies in further sectors.
- Industry-specific security standards (B3S): Sector-specific requirements that are checked and recognized by the BSI.
Contact
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