vCISO Services

A fractional CISO who operates, not just advises. I build and run security programs that pass audits, satisfy insurers, and win enterprise deals. You get executive security leadership without the $250K-$400K salary.

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Quick Specs

Delivery Model: Embedded Executive or Strategy Partner

Investment: $5,000 – $14,000/month (depending on engagement level)

Credentials: CISSP, CCSP, SSCP, Security+

Track Record: 2,000+ clients protected, 25+ incidents as incident commander

Is This Right For You?

Organizations facing external pressure: cyber insurance renewals, enterprise customers, audits, regulatory inquiries
Companies where security is the visible gap blocking deals or creating compliance exposure
Leaders who need a security program built and run, not just assessed
PE portfolio companies needing security leadership across diligence and integration

Organizations only needing a one-time security assessment (consider 30-Day Executive Impact)
Companies looking for a security tool recommendation or vendor comparison
Hands-on penetration testing or security engineering (I lead the people who do technical work)
24/7 SOC operations or managed detection and response

What vCISO Leadership Includes

Security program build: policies, procedures, risk register, control frameworks (NIST CSF, CIS Controls, SOC 2)
Governance and oversight: security committee, vendor risk management, board reporting
Compliance readiness: HIPAA, SOC 2, cyber insurance requirements, enterprise security questionnaires
Incident response: planning, tabletop exercises, and leadership during actual incidents
Team development: hire, coach, and develop internal security capability

How vCISO Engagement Works

Embedded Executive

Full build and operation.

Strategy Partner

Strategic guidance and optimization.

Executive Advisor

Advisory and board prep.

Investment

vCISO services are delivered through the Guardantix Service Framework at the engagement level that fits your situation:

Embedded Executive ($10,000-$14,000/month): For organizations that need a security program built and run. 6-month minimum.

Strategy Partner ($5,000-$7,000/month): For organizations with existing security foundations that need strategic guidance. 3-month minimum.

Executive Advisor ($2,500-$4,000/month): For organizations needing on-demand security counsel. 3-month minimum.

Compare to a full-time CISO at $250,000-$400,000 loaded cost.

When Companies Need vCISO Leadership

Responding to External Pressure

Cyber insurance, auditors, or enterprise customers are asking questions you can’t answer confidently.

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Entering Enterprise or Regulated Markets

Security questionnaires are blocking deals. Build the program that unlocks revenue.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most MSSP vCISO offerings are thinly-veiled tool sales: they assess your environment and recommend their own products. I’m vendor-agnostic and focused on building programs that work for your business. I’ve held the CISO seat at an MSP; I know the difference between real security leadership and checkbox compliance.

Yes. I’ve led 25+ critical incidents as incident commander, mostly ransomware, double extortion, and data exfiltration in regulated environments. I handle planning, tabletop exercises, and leadership during actual incidents. For technical forensics and recovery, I coordinate with specialized partners.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework, CIS Controls, SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria, HIPAA Security Rule, and cyber insurance control requirements. I match the framework to your situation: regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and practical implementation capacity.

Yes. I build the security program and controls that satisfy SOC 2 requirements, prepare your team for auditor interactions, and coordinate with your audit firm. Most clients achieve SOC 2 Type 1 in 6-9 months from starting an Embedded Executive engagement.

Security Leadership That Builds, Not Just Advises

You don’t need another assessment that sits on a shelf. You need a CISO who builds and runs your security program. Start with The Operator’s Take to discuss your situation.