Add Security Leadership with a Virtual CISO
US Signal |
Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, yet they are often neglected when it comes to information security. While large businesses can afford to hire a chief information security officer (CISO) full-time, small businesses often cannot, leaving them vulnerable to data breaches and other cyberattacks.
However, there is a solution: hiring a virtual CISO (vCISO). A vCISO is a professional who provides information security leadership to an organization remotely. They are typically part-time and work with the business owner to advise on the business’s security. Is a virtual CISO right for you?
Why Consider Hiring a Virtual CISO
Ideally, every company would have experienced in-house information security leadership. However, even when a business has the budget, talent can be hard to come by. Virtual CISOs are a great solution to budget and talent concerns. They typically cost less than half of what a full-time CISO costs and are available when you need them.
That said, it’s important to understand what a virtual CISO brings to the table. Virtual CISOs serve as advisors that can help you develop and implement a security plan that meets your business needs. You can often find someone who has experience in your specific industry and can take into account regulatory standards like HIPAA.
Virtual CISOs also focus on bringing the right people on board and designing processes that keep your business secure. While an engineer can help you with the tactical implementation of your security program, people and processes are key to protecting data long-term. This focus is the sweet spot for CISOs.
The Limitations of a Virtual CISO
Since they are not a permanent member of the team, virtual CISOs serve as advisors rather than project owners. Therefore, a vCISO does not have the same level of authority as a full-time CISO. This difference can lead to communication issues between the virtual CISO and other team members.
Another difference between a virtual and full-time CISO is that your team will ultimately be responsible for the implementation and management of the budget. These limitations may cause problems for businesses with extensive attack surfaces or those who operate in heavily regulated industries. A final consideration is cost. While a vCISO is significantly cheaper than a full-time employee, the cost may still be too high for smaller firms to take on.
However, security is something businesses of all sizes need to take seriously. So, while the cost of information security leadership may seem steep, data breaches and legal action are much higher. That’s why many businesses bolster their organization’s security through CISO leadership. The key is analyzing your company’s needs and finding the right talent.
When hiring a virtual CISO, consider the individual’s experience and qualifications. The virtual CISO should have a deep understanding of information security in your industry. A CISO like that is more likely to be proactive and think outside the box when creating solutions to novel security challenges.
A vCISO should also be able to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization. Since the vCISO will be working with your team closely in a leadership role, they must be able to build relationships and establish trust. Hence, a vCISO should be a good fit for your company culture.
Six Questions to Ask Before Hiring a vCISO:
Beyond the initial considerations above, there are a few deeper, operational questions that can help you determine whether a virtual CISO engagement will truly deliver value for your organization:
- How will success be measured?
Ask how the vCISO defines progress. This could include improved risk scores, reduced incidents, audit readiness, or the maturity of your security program over time. - What will the first 90 days look like?
A strong vCISO should be able to outline early priorities, such as assessments, roadmap development, and quick wins that reduce risk right away. - How do you prioritize risks?
Not all security risks carry the same business impact. Understanding how a vCISO evaluates and ranks threats ensures alignment with your business objectives. - How will recommendations be documented and communicated?
Look for structured reporting, clear action plans, and executive-level summaries that translate technical risk into business language. - What tools or frameworks do you use?
Ask whether they rely on established standards such as NIST or ISO and how those frameworks are adapted for small or mid-sized organizations. - How do you collaborate with internal IT or third-party providers?
A vCISO should complement existing teams and vendors, not compete with them.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a virtual CISO is not just about filling a gap. It is about gaining the right level of security leadership for where your business is today and where it is headed next. The right vCISO partner will help you reduce risk, align security with business priorities, and build a more resilient organization over time.
If you are evaluating whether a vCISO is the right fit, US Signal can help assess your current security posture and guide you toward the right approach for your business. Contact us to learn more.
vCISO FAQs
How is a vCISO different from an MSSP or IT provider?
A vCISO focuses on strategy, governance, and leadership, not day-to-day technical tasks. While managed service providers handle tools and alerts, a vCISO defines what needs to be protected, why, and how your organization should approach security long-term.
How many hours per month does a vCISO typically work?
This varies widely based on company size, risk profile, and regulatory requirements. Many small and mid-sized businesses engage a vCISO for anywhere from a few hours per month to a dedicated weekly cadence.
Can a vCISO help with compliance and audits?
Yes. A vCISO often plays a key role in preparing for audits, aligning controls to regulatory frameworks, and coordinating documentation across teams.
Is a vCISO a short-term or long-term solution?
For some organizations, a vCISO is a transitional step toward hiring a full-time CISO. For others, it becomes a long-term model that provides senior-level expertise without the cost of a permanent executive hire.
When should a company consider moving from a vCISO to a full-time CISO?
This typically happens when the organization reaches a level of size, complexity, or regulatory exposure that requires constant, on-site executive security leadership.
