Lynne Smelser Lynne Smelser

Using Risk Acceptance Documentation to Build a Resilient Cybersecurity Culture

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, organizations face unprecedented pressure to protect their data and operations. Yet fostering a robust cybersecurity culture often encounters resistance, from leadership hesitancy to employee pushback. For vCSOs (virtual Chief Security Officers), the challenge is clear: drive cultural transformation by emphasizing education, accountability, and strategic risk management. 

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Lynne Smelser Lynne Smelser

2024’s Biggest Cyberattacks: Lessons Every vCSO Must Learn for 2025

2024 was an unprecedented year for cybercrime. Hackers unleashed a series of large-scale, headline-grabbing attacks, leaving industries reeling and security experts on high alert. From crippling ransomware infiltrations, supply chain attacks, all the way to colossal data breaches, the year's cyber onslaught underscored the imperative for fortified defenses and proactive strategies.  

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Lynne Smelser Lynne Smelser

Overwhelmed by Compliance? Start Here with Cyber Insurance and Key Standards

Compliance is overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. For vCSOs feeling the pressure, the smartest move is to start with what matters most: Cyber Insurability. Meeting the requirements for cyber insurance gives you a strong baseline, providing protection while addressing fundamental cybersecurity controls. 

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Lynne Smelser Lynne Smelser

The Truth About User Training: What Every vCSO Needs to Know

Your organization’s most critical line of defense isn’t a firewall or the latest security tool.  It’s your people. Yet, despite years of security awareness campaigns, employees remain a prime target for cybercriminals. Phishing emails, voice scams, and smishing attacks continue to exploit gaps in user training, leading to breaches that cost businesses millions.

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Lynne Smelser Lynne Smelser

The Cybersecurity Showdown: Winning Over the Reluctant Executive

Persuading a skeptical executive to invest in cybersecurity is an art as much as a science. With ransomware attacks surging, regulatory scrutiny tightening, and generative AI lowering the barrier for malicious actors, no business is safe. Yet, some executives remain staunchly opposed to prioritizing cybersecurity budgets.

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Lynne Smelser Lynne Smelser

The vCSO’s 2025 Playbook: Securing Compliance and Building a Smarter Budget

As we approach 2025, Chief Security Officers (CSOs) face escalating pressures to navigate an evolving compliance landscape while justifying budgets that can protect and grow their organizations. Stakeholders expect more than reactive measures—they demand proactive solutions that align with business objectives, protect critical data, and meet rigorous regulatory standards.

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Lynne Smelser Lynne Smelser

Holiday Season Playbook for Chief Security Officers

Holidays present a very unique opportunity for hackers, which means organizations need to be strategic and vigilant. This is a time for Chief Security Officers (CSOs) to ramp up their efforts to protect their organizations from escalating seasonal threats. This guide offers actionable steps to ensure a secure holiday season, minimizing vulnerabilities and preparing for rapid response.

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Lynne Smelser Lynne Smelser

The Growing Threat of Deepfakes: How CSOs are the Hero in this Scary Story

The financial and strategic implications of deepfakes are increasingly critical. Beyond reputational harm, deepfakes can impose substantial financial losses on businesses, disrupt their operations, and even influence stock prices. The involvement of a Virtual Chief Security Officer (CSO) is essential to navigate these risks and protect an organization's economic interests.

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Lynne Smelser Lynne Smelser

Why Every CSO Needs a Compliance Program

In an increasingly hostile digital landscape, the CSO is no longer merely responsible for protecting IT infrastructure; they are now a key player in risk management, ensuring that their organizations remain resilient in the face of constant cyber threats.

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Lynne Smelser Lynne Smelser

Executive Buy-In for Cybersecurity as a Business Strategy Investment

The growing complexity and frequency of cyberattacks means that organizations must treat cybersecurity as an investment, not just a cost. By embedding cybersecurity into their overall business strategy, companies can protect their assets, build trust with clients, and ensure long-term success. 

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Lynne Smelser Lynne Smelser

Confidently Leading in an Age of Fear

No organization is immune to cyberattacks. Even those with robust security measures can be vulnerable to advanced threats that exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities. The challenge lies in staying ahead and ensuring that security measures are constantly updated and adapted. 

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Lynne Smelser Lynne Smelser

Threat Intelligence: The Key to Resilience

The role of the Chief Security Officer (CSO) has undergone a seismic shift in recent years. The once-insular function of safeguarding digital assets has evolved into a strategic imperative that intersects with every facet of an organization.

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