Risk Management, Security Operations, Securing Technology, Strategy, Leadership & Governance, Regulatory & Compliance

What is a vCISO? Why does your business need one?

 

A Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) offers an effective solution for organizations that need strategic cybersecurity leadership without the cost of a full-time executive.

A vCISO helps SMBs:

  • Develop and implement a tailored cybersecurity strategy aligned with business objectives.

  • Identify and mitigate risks through continuous assessment and prioritization.

  • Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards.

  • Build resilience by strengthening policies, incident response capabilities, and employee awareness.

With a vCISO, SMBs gain the strategic guidance, governance, and experience needed to stay secure, compliant, and competitive — all within budget.

Why SMBs Need a vCISO

 

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly in the crosshairs of cybercriminals.


While large enterprises often have the resources to absorb the financial and reputational impact of a data breach, most SMBs do not — making cybersecurity leadership a critical investment, not a luxury.

Recent data underscores the risk:

  • 61% of SMBs experienced a cyberattack in the past year.

  • The average cost of a data breach for small businesses in 2025 ranges from $120,000 to over $1.2 million.

  • 83% of SMBs report being unprepared to recover from a cyber incident.

  • 67% of SMBs lack in-house cybersecurity expertise.

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