What is an Information Security Officer?
The Information Security Officer (ISO) is the key operational role in an organization's information security. While the CISO is responsible for strategic direction, the ISO makes sure security measures are actually implemented in day-to-day operations.
The ISO coordinates measures, monitors their implementation, is the point of contact for employees and the IT department, carries out risk assessments, and prepares audits.
Why external?
For most SMEs, a dedicated in-house ISO position is neither economically sensible nor feasible from a staffing perspective. The requirements for an ISO are high — expertise in IT security, ISMS methodology, risk analysis, and regulatory requirements. This profile is rare and expensive on the job market.
An external ISO offers:
- Immediate availability without a ramp-up period
- Experience from other engagements — patterns are recognized earlier
- Independent perspective — no operational blind spots
- Scalability — the level of service can be adjusted
What does an external ISO actually do?
Risk assessment and management
The ISO identifies risks to the availability, confidentiality, and integrity of your information. They assess these risks by likelihood and potential damage, and recommend proportionate countermeasures.
Coordinating security measures
From password policies to access permissions to emergency plans — the ISO coordinates which measures are implemented, monitors progress, and documents the status.
Managing security incidents
When a security incident occurs, the ISO is the first point of contact. They coordinate the response, minimize the damage, and ensure the incident is correctly documented and evaluated.
Training and awareness
A significant proportion of security incidents have human causes — phishing, weak passwords, careless handling of devices. The ISO coordinates training measures that actually work.
Audit preparation
Whether BSI IT-Grundschutz, ISO 27001, or customer-driven audits — the ISO knows the requirements and prepares your organization in a structured way.
ISO and DPO: difference and collaboration
The Information Security Officer and the Data Protection Officer have distinct, complementary roles:
| ISO | DPO | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Information security (IT + organizational) | Data protection (GDPR) |
| Legal basis | ISMS standard, KRITIS where applicable | GDPR, German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) |
| Mandatory? | Depends on industry | Generally from 20 employees |
| Reports to | Executive management | Executive management (independent) |
In practice, the ISO and DPO work closely together — many measures (e.g. access control, encryption) serve both purposes. AGIDAT can take on both roles, creating valuable synergies.
Who especially benefits from an external ISO?
- SMEs without in-house IT security expertise
- Healthcare organizations (mandatory in many German states)
- Operators of critical infrastructure (KRITIS)
- Companies pursuing ISO 27001 certification
- Organizations whose customers require proof of an ISO
Our offering
We take on the ISO function as part of our information security portfolio — monthly, quarterly, or project-based. On request, combined with the external CISO function or the Data Protection Officer role.