FAQs About vCISO Services
The vCISO concept has been gaining prominence as of late, particularly as small and medium-sized organizations face cyber threats that are growing in severity and sophistication. Without the resources to hire an in-house CISO and security team, businesses are increasingly turning to vCISOs for their cybersecurity requirements.
Given that this role has become so critical, below are the answers to frequently asked questions about the vCISO.
What is a vCISO?
A vCISO is a virtual Chief Information Security Officer. Where a traditional CISO is responsible for developing and implementing an organization’s information security program, a vCISO has the same role but for more than one company. They are not a full-time employee. CISOs and vCISOs have responsibilities that include compliance, security strategy and architecture, and communicating the organization’s cybersecurity posture to key stakeholders.
vCISO services can be provided by individual security practitioners, consultants, or by trusted partners such as MSPs and MSSPs.
Why Does an Organization Need a vCISO?
It’s one thing to buy and deploy cybersecurity technologies and tools. It’s quite another to ensure that your company is set up to deal with today’s most advanced threats. For a comprehensive security posture, you must take into account technology, processes, and people.
People: Attracting and retaining skilled security professionals and training employees on cybersecurity.
Process: Identifying and addressing gaps in security, including compliance.
Technology: Implementing the right tools and products to support people and processes.
Technological tools protect you to some extent, but the human factor is crucial to security and compliance. Without proper processes and policies—and alignment across the organization—technology can be ineffective. That’s why every organization needs a CISO to look at security holistically.
Most SMEs and SMBs can’t afford a full-time CISO, which costs between $208k and $337k annually. They also often don’t need a full-time person to fulfill this role. A part-time external resource can provide the same expertise. This is where a vCISO steps in, offering an objective perspective on the company’s security posture.
What is the Difference Between a vCISO, a Fractional CISO, and CISOaaS?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences:
Fractional CISO: Sometimes refers to a third-party CISO who spends time on-site.
vCISO: Usually provides services completely off-site.
CISOaaS (CISO as a Service): Typically refers to a company providing CISO services, rather than an individual.
What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of a vCISO?
A vCISO is accountable for cybersecurity from end to end. This includes ensuring that technology, processes, and people are optimized.
Key responsibilities include:
Assessing the current security posture of the organization.
Identifying gaps in security and compliance.
Creating a remediation plan.
Defining policies and monitoring their implementation.
Recommending or selecting security products.
Performing gap analyses and preparing plans to address results.
Reviewing internal controls, risk areas, and compliance requirements.
Is vCISO a Person, Service, or Technological Product?
A vCISO is a service. It can be provided by an individual, an MSSP, an MSP, or a consulting firm. Some providers use vCISO platforms to deliver services at scale. These platforms help automate and standardize tasks, enabling providers to serve more clients efficiently.
Is vCISO a One-Time Project or an Ongoing Service?
It can be either. Typically, it is an ongoing service beginning with a risk assessment, followed by a remediation plan and execution. However, it can also be delivered as a one-time or periodic engagement, such as a gap analysis or posture report.
What Types of Organizations Need a vCISO?
Almost any organization can benefit. SMBs, in particular, are increasingly targeted by sophisticated cybercrime. While enterprise-level companies usually maintain full-time CISOs and teams, organizations smaller than 1,000 employees often find a vCISO to be the right fit.
When Does an Organization Need a vCISO?
The answer is: as soon as possible. Being proactive is critical. A vCISO can assess the current posture, establish a vision and strategy, and build a foundation for long-term security and compliance.
Who Provides vCISO Services?
vCISO services are offered by individual professionals, MSPs, MSSPs, and consulting firms. This may include well-known firms as well as specialized cybersecurity providers. While services vary, they generally include assessments, remediation planning, and compliance support.
How to Choose a vCISO Service Provider
Look for a provider led by an experienced security professional or team. Consider:
Proven expertise in your industry.
Personalized, scalable, and cost-effective solutions.
Use of a vCISO platform to deliver efficient, standardized, and high-quality services.
Platforms modeled after top CISOs often provide AI-powered tools for risk assessments, compliance, remediation plans, and automated policy generation—helping reduce risks while maintaining best practices.
What is the Cost of a vCISO?
Costs vary based on scope, maturity of your security program, compliance requirements, and whether the engagement is ongoing or project-based. Typical costs range:
A few thousand dollars for a one-time project for a small business.
$30,000 to $120,000 annually for ongoing services.