Smaller organisations often do not need a full-time information security role. They still have to meet customer requirements, legal obligations, internal security objectives and audit evidence requests.
An external Information Security Officer provides structured specialist support without permanently expanding internal resources. SITsolutions fulfils this role with a practical focus on implementation.
The role
What an external Information Security Officer does
The officer coordinates, assesses and supports information security, ensuring that requirements receive appropriate organisational oversight alongside technical consideration.
The officer does not replace the IT department or implement every operational measure personally. The role makes risks transparent, prioritises action and supports implementation with a clear record of progress.
- Advising management and relevant departments
- Coordinating information security activities
- Assessing risks, protection needs and required actions
- Supporting policies, processes and evidence
- Supporting audits, customer requirements and certification projects
- Reviewing the effectiveness of selected measures
The right time
When external support makes sense
External support is particularly useful when information security needs professional coordination but internal capacity or expertise is limited.
Customer requirements
Customers request security concepts, policies, evidence or structured risk assessments.
TISAX® and ISO 27001
An assessment, certification or other external review is approaching.
Limited internal resources
IT is occupied with operations and cannot also take on the coordinating security officer role.
A need for structure
Individual safeguards exist, but an overall view, documentation or central coordination is missing.
Working together
How SITsolutions helps
The scope depends on your organisation’s size, maturity, sector and objectives. Support can be ongoing or project-based.
- Taking on or supporting the Information Security Officer role
- Developing and maintaining an information security structure
- Regular liaison with management, IT and operational teams
- Assessing information security risks and protection needs
- Developing policies and work instructions
- Preparing for and supporting internal and external audits
- Supporting TISAX®, ISO/IEC 27001 and customer requirements
- Assessing providers, cloud services and relevant changes
- Supporting training and awareness
Clear responsibilities
Information security and IT work together
IT operates systems and implements many technical measures. The Information Security Officer assesses, coordinates, documents and reviews them from an information security perspective. Operational responsibility remains with IT, while the officer provides transparency for management, customers and auditors.
Outcomes
Typical results
- Overview of the information security position
- Action plan with priorities and owners
- Risk assessments and treatment measures
- Information security policies and work instructions
- Evidence for customers, audits and certification
- Regular management status reports
- Preparation for TISAX® assessments and ISO/IEC 27001 audits
Our approach
Four steps to effective support
- 01
Getting started
Review requirements, organisational structure, existing documentation and objectives.
- 02
Assessment
Establish the current position and prioritise key areas for action.
- 03
Implementation
Structure and develop policies, measures, risks and evidence together.
- 04
Ongoing support
Review information security regularly and adapt to new requirements.