FAQ

 VCSPro Frequently asked Questions

VCSPro's vCISO services support and augment your security, risk, compliance, and privacy programs. We help you design, implement, and manage the various elements of your cybersecurity needs.

FAQ

What makes VCSPro different from other cybersecurity consultants ?

VCSPro uniquely focuses on democratizing expert-level cybersecurity for Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Our key differentiators include deep, integrated expertise across IT, Operational Technology (OT), and Internet of Things (IoT) environments, providing truly holistic solutions. We also offer reduced pricing models specifically designed to make advanced cybersecurity accessible and provide actionable, real-world insights, not just theoretical advice.

What is a cybersecurity maturity assessment ?

A cybersecurity maturity assessment systematically evaluates your current security capabilities, processes, and technologies against recognized industry standards and best practices. It provides a clear snapshot of your preparedness, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

What is penetration testing, and why is it important ?

Penetration testing is an in-depth evaluation of your entire IT infrastructure, including networks, cloud environments, applications, and user behavior. It's crucial because it actively simulates attacks to find and validate weaknesses before malicious actors do, helping you strengthen defenses, maintain compliance, and protect your reputation.

Why is Business Continuity Planning (BCP) essential for my business, especially with IT/OT convergence ?

BCP is paramount for ensuring your business can survive and recover from disruptions like cyberattacks or system failures. With IT and OT convergence, a unified BCP is vital to protect both digital assets and critical physical processes, minimizing downtime and safeguarding your entire operational ecosystem. 

Why is a strong Incident Response (IR) capability crucial for my business ?

In today's threat landscape, a cyber incident is a matter of when, not if. A robust IR capability is crucial for rapid detection, containment, and recovery, directly determining how quickly you can minimize damage and restore operations, protecting your data, finances, and reputation. 

How can I get started with VCSPro services ?

The best way to get started is to contact us after you have taken the assessment your interested in. In the contact form just give us a brief description on services your interested and we'll have  a no-obligation discussion about your unique needs. We can then recommend the most suitable services for your organization. 

What does "reduced pricing" mean for SMEs ?

It means we've structured our service models and fees to be accessible and cost-effective for small to medium-sized businesses, allowing you to benefit from enterprise-level cybersecurity expertise without the typical enterprise-level expense.

Which frameworks does VCSPro use for its maturity assessments ?

We conduct our assessments leveraging a variety of industry-leading frameworks, including NIS2, CMMC, ISO 27001, and STIGs, to best suit your organization's specific needs and compliance requirements. While the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a widely recognized and practical guide developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, we utilize it as a key component of our adaptable approach, complementing it with other robust frameworks to provide the most comprehensive and relevant assessment for your unique environment.

Does VCSPro work with larger organizations ?

While our primary focus and tailored pricing are designed for SMEs, our deep expertise, particularly in complex IT/OT converged environments, makes our services applicable and highly valuable to larger organizations facing similar challenges.

Why does my company need a cybersecurity maturity assessment ?

These assessments are crucial for moving beyond reactive security measures. They help you pinpoint blind spots, identify strategic areas for investment, and ensure your security posture is robust enough to effectively mitigate evolving risks and maintain operational continuity.

Does VCSPro's penetration testing disrupt business operations ?

No. All of VCSPro's penetration tests are conducted using non-invasive techniques. This means we identify vulnerabilities without disrupting your business operations, ensuring continuous performance and availability.

What expertise does VCSPro bring to Incident Response ?

VCSPro brings proven experience with ICS4ICS Certified and NIMS-trained Incident Responders who have a demonstrated track record of handling numerous "critical severity" cyber incidents. Our unique ability to handle complex IT/OT converged incidents ensures a seamless, integrated response that covers both your data and your critical physical operations.

How does VCSPro give back to the cybersecurity community ?

We are passionate about strengthening the global cybersecurity posture. Our commitment extends to actively contributing to community initiatives, sharing insights, participating in industry dialogues, and fostering the next generation of security professionals. We also actively participate as volunteers to help shape future security initiatives. 

Does VCSPro offer a way to get started with an assessment for free ?

Our comprehensive BCP engagements cover the full lifecycle: Program Establishment & Analysis (including Risk and Business Impact Assessments), Strategy & Plan Development (covering Disaster Recovery, Operational Recovery, Emergency Response, and Crisis Management), and Implementation, Validation & Continuous Improvement (including Training, Testing, Maintenance, and Maturity Assessments).

What types of penetration testing does VCSPro offer ?

Our services include Comprehensive Penetration Testing, Internal Network Security Assessments, External Digital Footprint Analysis, and Social Engineering Testing, all designed to uncover hidden vulnerabilities across your systems and human defenses.

Can VCSPro help us prepare for an incident before it happens ?

Our comprehensive BCP engagements cover the full lifecycle: Program Establishment & Analysis (including Risk and Business Impact Assessments), Strategy & Plan Development (covering Disaster Recovery, Operational Recovery, Emergency Response, and Crisis Management), and Implementation, Validation & Continuous Improvement (including Training, Testing, Maintenance, and Maturity Assessments).

What is a vCISO ?

A vCISO (Virtual Chief Information Security Officer) is an outsourced cybersecurity expert who provides strategic guidance and leadership to an organization on a part-time, fractional, or contractual basis.

What is a CISO ?

A CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) is a senior executive responsible for establishing and maintaining an organization's vision, strategy, and program to protect its information assets and technologies.

What is the difference between a CISO and a vCISO ?

The primary difference lies in their employment model and scope of engagement. A vCISO is an external consultant providing strategic oversight and expertise on a flexible, often remote, basis, making high-level cybersecurity leadership accessible to organizations that may not need or cannot afford a full-time executive.