Virtual CISO Services - Remote Security Leadership
Remote Security Leadership

Virtual CISO Services

Get experienced CISO leadership without the full-time commitment. A virtual CISO (vCISO) provides security strategy, compliance guidance, and risk management - working remotely with your team on a flexible basis.

Find a Virtual CISOWhat is a Fractional CISO?
$1,500-$3,000
Day Rate Range
1-3 days
Per Week
50-70%
Cost Savings vs FT
CISSP
Typically Certified

What is a Virtual CISO?

A virtual CISO (also called vCISO or virtual chief information security officer) is an experienced cybersecurity executive who provides strategic security leadership to organizations on a remote, part-time basis.

Virtual CISOs are essential for companies that handle sensitive data, pursue enterprise customers requiring security certifications (SOC 2, ISO 27001), or need to mature their security posture without the $250,000-$400,000+ cost of a full-time CISO.

Key Benefits of a Virtual CISO

  • Compliance Ready: Achieve SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA certification
  • Enterprise Sales: Pass security questionnaires and vendor assessments
  • Risk Reduction: Proactive security vs reactive firefighting
  • Expert Guidance: Access senior security talent on-demand

Virtual CISO Services

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Security Strategy

Develop comprehensive security roadmap aligned with business objectives and risk tolerance

✅

Compliance

Achieve and maintain SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and other compliance frameworks

⚠️

Risk Management

Identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks across the organization

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Incident Response

Develop and test incident response plans, lead response during security events

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Vendor Security

Assess third-party security, manage vendor questionnaires, review contracts

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Security Awareness

Implement training programs and build security-conscious culture

Virtual CISO Pricing & Engagement Models

Advisory

4-8 hours/month
$3,000-$5,000/mo

Policy review, risk oversight, compliance guidance

Best for:

Early-stage, low-risk data

Part-Time CISO

1-2 days/week
$6,000-$12,000/mo

Active compliance programs, security implementation

Best for:

SOC 2 journey, enterprise sales

Intensive

3-4 days/week
$15,000-$25,000/mo

Major compliance initiative or incident response

Best for:

Rapid SOC 2, security overhaul

Virtual CISO vs Fractional CISO

Virtual CISO (vCISO) and fractional CISO are the same role:

  • Virtual CISO emphasizes remote security leadership and is the most common industry term
  • Fractional CISO emphasizes part-time, shared resource model

The term "vCISO" has become standard in the cybersecurity industry. Both refer to experienced security leaders working with multiple organizations on a part-time basis.

When to Hire a Virtual CISO

Consider hiring a virtual CISO when:

  • Enterprise Sales: Customers require SOC 2, ISO 27001, or security questionnaires
  • Compliance: Need to achieve HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or industry certifications
  • After Incident: Recovering from breach or security event
  • Sensitive Data: Handle PII, PHI, financial, or other regulated data
  • Cyber Insurance: Need to qualify for or reduce insurance premiums
  • Board Requirements: Investors or board require security oversight

Virtual CISO Opportunities

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Virtual CISO FAQ

A virtual CISO (vCISO) is an experienced Chief Information Security Officer who provides strategic cybersecurity leadership remotely on a part-time basis. They deliver the same expertise as an in-house CISO - security strategy, compliance, risk management - without the full-time cost.
Virtual CISO day rates in the US typically range from $1,500-$3,000 depending on experience and certifications. Monthly retainers for 1-2 days per week range from $6,000-$12,000. This is 50-70% less than a full-time CISO with salary, benefits, and equity.
Virtual CISO and fractional CISO are the same role. 'Virtual' (vCISO) emphasizes remote work capability, while 'fractional' emphasizes part-time commitment. Both provide strategic security leadership without full-time cost.
Virtual CISOs provide: security strategy and roadmap, risk assessment and management, compliance (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI-DSS), security architecture review, incident response planning, vendor security assessment, and security awareness training.
Companies need a virtual CISO when: pursuing enterprise customers who require security certifications, preparing for SOC 2 or ISO 27001 compliance, after a security incident, handling sensitive data, or seeking cyber insurance.
Absolutely - SOC 2 compliance is a core virtual CISO service. They help define scope, implement controls, prepare documentation, manage auditor relationships, and maintain ongoing compliance. Most companies achieve SOC 2 Type I in 3-6 months with a vCISO.
Look for: CISSP, CISM, or CISA certifications, 15+ years security experience, previous CISO/VP Security roles, compliance experience (SOC 2, ISO 27001), incident response background, and industry-relevant experience.
The virtual CISO provides strategic direction and oversight while your IT team handles implementation. They define security policies, review configurations, conduct risk assessments, and ensure compliance - working collaboratively with IT rather than replacing them.

Ready for Virtual CISO Services?

Connect with experienced virtual CISOs who can transform your security posture. Achieve compliance, reduce risk, win enterprise deals.

Find Virtual CISOsWhat is a Fractional CISO?
Virtual CISO Services | Remote Security Leadership for US Businesses | Fractional Quest