External Information Security Officer (ISO)

The Information Security Officer (ISO) serves as the central coordinator for all matters related to information security within an organization. This role includes advising on the development of security strategies and supporting the implementation of secure business processes.

Key Responsibilities of an Information Security Officer (ISO)

An ISO’s responsibilities include:

Establishing an Information Security Management System (ISMS)
Developing security policies and frameworks
Conducting audits and penetration tests
Creating threat and risk analyses
Reviewing and responding to security incidents
Collaborating on security-focused projects
Overseeing the security compliance of third-party Vendors

Maintaining security requires ongoing monitoring of compliance with established policies and procedures. To ensure sustainable results, the ISO collaborates closely with executive leadership, IT management, data protection officers, and other key stakeholders.

Who Needs an Information Security Officer?

Unlike the mandated role of a Data Protection Officer, there is no explicit legal requirement for organizations to appoint an ISO. However, both private companies and public sector entities have various incentives to do so.
Certain industries and critical infrastructure sectors (KRITIS) are required by law to adhere to IT security standards, often to maintain compliance with the “state of the art.” Implementing an ISMS, typically coordinated by an ISO, is a practical way to meet these standards.

Additionally, boards, executives, and supervisory bodies are accountable for ensuring prudent risk management, which is increasingly critical as operations rely heavily on IT. Appointing an ISO helps these leaders meet their responsibilities by proactively identifying, addressing, and managing potential security risks.

Our Role as Your External Information Security Officer

When engaged as an external ISO, we begin with an assessment of your organization’s current processes, IT systems, and security frameworks. Based on this review, we offer tailored recommendations to enhance your security. We then support your team in implementing these improvements, conducting risk analyses, and developing customized policies to ensure long-term information security.

Contact us

Schedule a consultation with us to discuss the current state of information security in your organization and how we can support you as an external Information Security Officer. Leverage our expertise to strengthen your security posture – reach out today!

If your inquiry concerns an organization based in Germany, these contacts will help you

Thomas Wennemann

ppa | Head of Information Security

Email: twennemann@re-move-this.datenschutz-nord.de

Phone: +49 421 69 66 32-346

datenschutz nord GmbH, Bremen

Annika Woitke, M.Sc.

Senior Information Security Counsel

Email: awoitke@re-move-this.datenschutz-nord.de

Phone: +49 30 308 77 49-24

datenschutz nord GmbH, Bremen

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Internal vs. External Information Security Officer: Pros and Cons

Choosing between an internal or external Information Security Officer (ISO) depends on the specific needs and structure of your organization. An internal ISO has the advantage of being closer to daily operations and, often, physically present on-site, which facilitates regular communication with colleagues and integration into the company’s processes. However, maintaining an internal ISO requires ongoing training and development, which can incur additional costs. Moreover, there is a risk of conflicts of interest if the role is taken on by someone like the IT manager, an administrator, or even the CEO.

In contrast, appointing an external ISO offers several benefits. Companies gain access to the expertise and experience of a specialized professional without bearing the costs of additional training or certifications. External ISOs also eliminate potential conflicts of interest, as they provide independent, impartial oversight. This can be a particularly cost-effective solution for small and medium-sized businesses that may not have the resources to support a full-time internal ISO.

For organizations that already employ an internal ISO, external support can enhance their work by offering additional expertise, a broader knowledge base, and independent assessments of risks and measures. This combined approach ensures comprehensive information security while balancing internal familiarity with external objectivity.

What Does an External Information Security Officer Cost?

The cost of an external Information Security Officer depends on the scope of the services required. We’d be happy to provide you with a customized quote – feel free to reach out to us!

Do I Need Both an Information Security Officer and an IT Security Officer?

In most cases, you don’t need both an Information Security Officer (ISO) and an IT Security Officer. The ISO typically identifies necessary measures as part of a comprehensive risk analysis, which can then be implemented by your IT department.

To ensure these measures are effective, their success can be verified through methods like penetration testing. This streamlined approach avoids duplication of roles while maintaining a robust security framework.

Can I Train My Employees to Become Information Security Officers?

Yes! We continuously expand our training programs to help you develop in-house expertise.

Also of Interest:

Discover more of our tailored information security services by clicking the buttons below. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re always here to assist you!

Information Security Check Risk Analysis Business Continuity Management System (BCMS)

External Information Security Officer (ISO)

If your inquiry concerns an organization based in Germany, these contacts will help you

We are here for you as a strong group!