What is a virtual CISO?

A virtual CISO (vCISO) is an information security professional who provides CISO services to businesses on a retainer basis. This gives instant access to senior security expertise, helping you examine your business objectively, make technology recommendations, and manage risk.

vCISO is flexible, scalable, and has specialist skills to help businesses navigate the complex landscape of information security strategy and risk management. With dedicated CISO hires being increasingly expensive and information security being a growing part of everyday business, a virtual CISO bridges the gap and provides a high-value service.

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Benefits of our vCISO service

Put simply, a vCISO is the best way to implement and manage your information security strategy, no for all business sizes and sectors.

Expert security strategy available as needed.

Flexible service that scales as you grow.

Unbiased information security insight.

Makes risk management & compliance easy.

Affordable solution to security management.

Ease of mind. We are looking after your security.

Virtual CISO FAQs

What does a vCISO do?

A virtual chief information security officer (CISO) is responsible for a business’ information and data security. A CISO’s responsibilities can include:

Analysing any immediate threats to the data and security of a business
Setting the security strategy for the business
Raising awareness with the board on any potential security issues with business decisions
Enforcing security best practice measures
Upon a breach occurring, investigating what went wrong and how the issue can be resolved to avoid the same outcome again
Ensuring staff handle data securely and IT infrastructure is designed with best security practices in mind
A virtual CISO will ultimately oversee the protection of both business and customer data, as well as protecting business’ infrastructure from malicious actors.
Who needs CISO as a service?

Small and medium-sized businesses often find they don’t have the volume of work to justify a full-time CISO, which makes a virtual CISO a viable option to still manage their information security requirements.

Mid-market and larger organisations often find that the cost of hiring a CISO full-time is prohibitively expensive. A CISO’s wealth of experience commands high salaries. This makes hiring a virtual CISO on a retainer basis a best-of-both-worlds option. You get as much security strategy and leadership as you need, in a cost-effective retainer basis.
How does a vCISO differ from an in-house CISO?

A vCISO provides the same level of expertise and strategic oversight as an in-house CISO but operates on a flexible, as-needed basis. This allows organisations to access high-level security leadership without the costs and commitments associated with a full-time executive role.
How can a vCISO help with compliance?

A vCISO can assist with compliance by developing and implementing policies and procedures that align with relevant regulations and standards, conducting regular compliance audits, providing guidance on regulatory changes, and helping prepare for external audits and certifications.