You know how this story starts. A breach detonates. The security team locks down the network, scrambles to restore from backup, and works around the clock to piece together what happened. It’s chaos, but it’s controlled chaos—technical, tactical, and familiar. But while the CSO is firefighting, the CFO is walking into something far more destructive: the legal and financial storm that follows.

For years, cybersecurity has been considered an IT issue, a compliance concern, or a risk management discussion. But in 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made one thing clear: cybersecurity failures are now a financial and regulatory liability. 

Cyberattacks don’t just target data—they shatter trust, disrupt operations, and tarnish reputations. As a vCSO, engaging a third-party penetration testing provider isn’t just about compliance; it’s about staying ahead of the hackers, protecting customer relationships, and demonstrating that security is a top priority.