Security leadership, without the full-time hire.
A virtual Chief Information Security Officer who sets your security strategy, manages cyber risk, prepares you for regulators and reports to your board — part-time, interim or project-based.
Every organisation needs security leadership. Not every organisation needs it full-time.
Boards, regulators, investors and clients all expect someone to own cyber risk. For many organisations, a full-time CISO is more than the role demands — or more than the budget allows.
A vCISO gives you an experienced security leader for the time you actually need: setting direction, making decisions, managing risk and speaking for security at board level, with the experience of many organisations behind every recommendation.
When a vCISO makes sense.
Growing firms
Fintech, SaaS and scale-ups that need security leadership before they need a full-time CISO.
Regulated organisations
Firms facing DORA, FCA operational resilience or client due diligence without senior security expertise in-house.
Between CISOs
Interim leadership while you recruit, after a departure or during a transformation.
Boards needing assurance
Independent, senior advice for boards and executives on cyber risk and investment.
The full scope of security leadership.
Security strategy & roadmap
A prioritised, risk-based strategy aligned to the business, with a realistic roadmap and budget.
Governance & policy
Security governance, policies and standards that are proportionate and actually followed.
Cyber risk management
A clear risk register, risk appetite and treatment plans that the board understands.
Regulatory readiness
Preparation for DORA, FCA operational resilience and alignment to frameworks such as ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials.
Board & investor reporting
Plain-English reporting on cyber risk, progress and investment for boards, committees and investors.
Third-party risk
Supplier assurance for critical providers, proportionate to the risk they bring.
Testing programme
A threat-informed testing programme — penetration testing, red teaming and exercises — with findings tracked to closure.
Incident readiness
Incident response plans, exercises and leadership if an incident happens.
Client due diligence
Confident answers to security questionnaires, audits and due diligence from clients and partners.
Fast, visible progress.
Days 1–30 · Discover
Stakeholder interviews, current-state assessment, quick wins and an initial risk picture.
Days 31–60 · Prioritise
A risk-based strategy and roadmap, agreed with leadership, with governance in place.
Days 61–90 · Deliver
Roadmap under way, first board report delivered and a clear rhythm for ongoing leadership.
How the options compare.
| vCISO | Full-time CISO | |
|---|---|---|
| Time to start | Weeks | Often several months to recruit |
| Cost | Only the days you need | Full salary, benefits and recruitment fees |
| Experience | Lessons from many organisations | Deep knowledge of one organisation over time |
| Flexibility | Scale up or down as needs change | Fixed capacity |
| Best for | Growing, mid-sized and transitioning organisations | Large organisations with complex, full-time needs |
Many organisations use a vCISO to build the function, then help recruit and hand over to a permanent CISO.
Flexible ways to engage.
Every engagement is shaped around what you need now — and can change as you grow.
Fractional
A set number of days each month, giving you continuity of senior leadership at a fraction of a full-time cost.
Interim
Full-time or near full-time cover between permanent hires, during a transformation or after a departure.
Project-based
A defined outcome — a regulatory readiness programme, a strategy, a capability build — with a clear end point.
What you can expect.
Security strategy
A strategy and roadmap tied to business objectives and risk.
Risk register
Cyber risks assessed, owned and tracked to treatment.
Policy framework
Proportionate policies and standards, ready for audit.
Board reporting pack
Regular, plain-English reporting on risk and progress.
vCISO questions.
What is a vCISO?
A virtual CISO is an experienced security leader who performs the CISO role on a part-time, interim or project basis — setting strategy, managing cyber risk and reporting to the board — without being a full-time employee.
How many days a month will we need?
It depends on your size, risk and regulatory position. Many organisations start with a few days a month, often with more time at the start to build momentum. We’ll recommend a level after an initial conversation.
Can our vCISO report to the board?
Yes. Board and committee reporting is a core part of the role, in plain English and focused on risk and decisions.
Who holds regulatory accountability?
Regulatory accountability, such as under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime, stays with your designated senior managers. Your vCISO supports them with the expertise, evidence and reporting they need to discharge it.
Can you help us prepare for DORA or an ISO 27001 certification?
Yes. A vCISO can lead your DORA or FCA operational resilience readiness, and align your security programme to frameworks such as ISO 27001 ahead of certification by an accredited body.
Do you work with our IT provider or MSP?
Yes. We work alongside your internal team and providers, setting direction and holding providers to clear standards.
How quickly can you start?
Typically within weeks of agreeing scope.
Need a vCISO?
Tell us where you are and what you need to achieve. We’ll recommend an engagement that fits.