When most people think of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), they imagine someone stationed at the front lines, safeguarding against any potential threats. While that image isn’t entirely wrong, it’s far from the full picture. As a virtual CISO (vCISO) working with financial institutions across the country, I’ve seen firsthand how the role has transformed from being just the company’s “security person” to becoming a key enabler of business growth and innovation.
Traditionally, CISOs were tasked with saying “no” a lot. No to new technologies that might introduce vulnerabilities, no to partnerships that could expose the company to risks, no to anything that wasn’t tried, tested, and locked down. But in today’s fast-paced, digital-first world, that approach is a relic. Companies need to innovate to stay competitive, and they need to do it securely. That’s where the modern vCISO comes in.
The role of the vCISO is no longer just about building walls; it’s about building bridges. We’re not just protecting the business; we’re enabling it to thrive by ensuring security measures enhance, rather than hinder, business operations. This shift from a defensive to an enabling mindset is crucial, especially in the financial sector where trust and innovation are two sides of the same coin.
In the boardroom, security is often seen as a necessary expense, but when done right, it becomes a strategic asset. It builds customer trust, ensures regulatory compliance, and creates a competitive advantage. For example, as financial institutions adopt new technologies like AI, my role as a vCISO is to manage the associated risk, enabling innovation without compromising security. By integrating security early in the development process, we avoid costly issues later on.
Compliance is often viewed as a burden, but it can be a differentiator. Exceeding regulatory standards positions financial institutions as trustworthy stewards of client data. My approach as a vCISO is to create flexible security frameworks that not only satisfy regulators, but also build client confidence, turning compliance into a competitive edge.
The vCISO is more than just a guardian; we’re business partners. By shifting the perception of security from a roadblock to a catalyst, we enable financial intuitions to grow, innovate, and lead. Security isn’t just about preventing loss – it’s about created value and unlocking new opportunities. If you’re ready to turn security into a competitive advantage, drop us a line a support@bedelsecurity.com to start a conversation.