In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for businesses of all sizes.
As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, organizations are seeking expert guidance to bolster their defenses.
This is where CISO as a service (CISOaaS) comes in – a versatile and cost-effective solution that delivers top-tier cybersecurity leadership without the expense of a full-time executive.
Let’s explore some of the leading providers in this space, ensuring your business remains resilient against potential cyber hazards.
🛡️ NEED EXECUTIVE-LEVEL SECURITY LEADERSHIP? START HERE 🛡️
No budget for full-time CISO? vCISO services start at $5K/month | Need compliance fast? Choose providers with your industry focus | Board asking tough questions? Get strategic leadership immediately | Want proven expertise? Look for former military/FBI backgrounds
🏢 Best vCISO & CISO as a Service ProvidersExecutive Security Leadership Without Executive Salaries
| vCISO Provider | Core Services & Strategic Value | Ideal Business Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Forestal Security Offensive Security | Proactive security through certified ethical hacking combining penetration testing with strategic vCISO guidance. Continuous threat monitoring with SIEM integration and real-time alerting for rapid incident response. ✓ Deep-dive penetration testing beyond automated scans ✓ Vulnerability management with risk-based prioritization ✓ 24/7 threat detection and security monitoring Location: Kokomo, IN (Nationwide service) | Organizations requiring hands-on security testing combined with strategic oversight, especially those handling sensitive data or facing active threat landscapes. |
| Eden Data Military Veterans | Elite cyber team with military and top-tier consulting backgrounds offering flexible subscription-based vCISO services. Transparent pricing with Seed, Sprout, and Sapling tiers replacing traditional hourly billing. ✓ Seasoned specialists from military cyber units ✓ Scalable security defenses that grow with business ✓ Subscription model eliminates contract rigidity Founded: 2021 | Austin, TX | +1 (737) 377-1880 | Fast-growing companies needing scalable security solutions with veteran-grade expertise, particularly those preferring subscription over project-based pricing. |
| CISOSHARE Governance Focus | Comprehensive CISOaaS with emphasis on governance and documentation providing complete security program establishment without headcount increases. Rapid response capabilities especially during sales processes. ✓ Complete security program implementation ✓ Third-party risk assessments and compliance ✓ Sales-process security support and documentation Founded: 2004 | San Clemente, CA | +1 (800) 203-3817 | Organizations needing comprehensive security governance, especially those in sales-driven environments requiring quick security documentation and compliance validation. |
| Evalian UK/EU Focus | Lead CISO supported by broader team approach ensuring personal interaction and collaborative environment. Strong focus on GDPR compliance and European regulatory frameworks. ✓ Risk-based approach to asset protection ✓ Security oversight committee leadership ✓ GDPR and European compliance specialization Founded: 2018 | Southampton, UK | +44 (0) 333 0500 111 | UK and European organizations requiring GDPR compliance expertise and collaborative security leadership with real human interaction rather than consultancy models. |
| FRSecure Structured Approach | Three-phase structured methodology starting with comprehensive risk assessment, followed by strategic roadmap development, and ongoing dedicated vCISO engagement with coaching and policy development. ✓ Administrative, physical, and technical risk evaluation ✓ High-impact security objective prioritization ✓ Ongoing coaching and asset management support Founded: 2008 | Edina, MN | +1 (877) 384-2069 | Organizations preferring methodical, phase-based security program development with clear roadmaps and measurable security improvements. |
| Pivot Point Security CREST Accredited | CREST-accredited security services combining vCISO strategic guidance with hands-on vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. Strong focus on proving security posture to stakeholders. ✓ CREST accreditation ensures testing expertise ✓ Vendor risk management and client questionnaires ✓ Demonstrable security and compliance proof Founded: 2000 | Hamilton Township, NJ | +1 (888) 748-6876 | Organizations requiring accredited security testing combined with strategic oversight, especially those needing to prove security posture for compliance or business development. |
| Kroll Global Enterprise | Global team including former FBI and Secret Service agents providing enterprise-grade vCISO services with crisis management expertise. Comprehensive 360-degree risk management approach. ✓ Former federal agents and cyber experts ✓ Board-level communication and investor relations ✓ Crisis management and incident response leadership Founded: 2018 | New York City | +1 (212) 593-1000 | Large enterprises and organizations facing complex cyber threats requiring federal-grade expertise and sophisticated crisis management capabilities. |
| Palo Alto Networks Technology Platform | Technology-enhanced vCISO capabilities through Cortex Xpanse for attack surface management and Prisma Cloud integration. Centralized oversight of internet-exposed risks and cloud security blind spots. ✓ Automated attack surface discovery and management ✓ Cloud asset discovery and security integration ✓ Third-party and M&A risk management tools Founded: 2005 | Santa Clara, CA | +1 (408) 492-1950 | Technology-forward organizations with complex cloud environments and attack surfaces requiring automated risk discovery and management capabilities. |
| CYFOR Secure SMB Focused | SMB-focused vCISO services providing seasoned professional expertise on as-needed basis. Specializes in audit planning, threat management strategy development, and IT incident response guidance. ✓ Objective risk and security maturity feedback ✓ Tool procurement and personnel training guidance ✓ Comprehensive cyber audits and vulnerability assessments Founded: 2017 | Manchester, UK | +44 (0) 330 1355 756 | Small to mid-sized businesses struggling to find qualified security leadership, particularly those needing strategic guidance for tool selection and team development. |
🎯 Organization Size & vCISO Provider Matching Guide
| Business Size | Typical Security Needs & Challenges | Recommended Providers |
|---|---|---|
| Startup 10-50 employees | Basic security frameworks, compliance prep for first enterprise clients, investor security due diligence, and cost-effective foundational controls. | Eden Data (subscription model) CYFOR Secure (SMB focus) |
| SMB 50-500 employees | Structured security programs, compliance management (SOC 2, HIPAA), vendor questionnaires, and board-ready security reporting. | CISOSHARE (governance) FRSecure (structured approach) Pivot Point Security (testing + strategy) |
| Mid-Market 500-2000 employees | Advanced threat detection, incident response capabilities, complex compliance requirements, and executive-level security communication. | Forestal Security (proactive testing) Evalian (EU/GDPR focus) Palo Alto Networks (tech platform) |
| Enterprise 2000+ employees | Crisis management, federal-grade security expertise, complex M&A security due diligence, and sophisticated threat landscape navigation. | Kroll (federal expertise) Palo Alto Networks (enterprise platform) |
| High-Risk Any size | Active threat environments, recent breaches, regulatory scrutiny, or handling of highly sensitive data requiring immediate expert intervention. | Forestal Security (offensive security) Kroll (crisis management) Eden Data (military veterans) |
Forestal Security
Forestal Security distinguishes itself through a proactive and holistic approach to cybersecurity, catering to organizations that demand robust protection and continuous vigilance.
Specializing in offensive security and comprehensive risk mitigation, Forestal Security offers a suite of services designed to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
- Penetration Testing: Forestal Security employs certified ethical hackers who simulate real-world attacks to uncover weaknesses in your systems, applications, and networks. Their penetration tests go beyond automated scanning, providing a deep dive into your security posture with actionable insights for remediation.
- Continuous Security Monitoring: Recognizing that threats evolve rapidly, Forestal Security offers continuous security monitoring services. This includes real-time threat detection, security information and event management (SIEM), and proactive alerting to ensure swift response to potential incidents.
- Vulnerability Management: Forestal Security’s vulnerability management program provides a structured approach to identifying, assessing, and remediating vulnerabilities across your entire IT environment. This includes regular vulnerability scans, patch management, and prioritization of remediation efforts based on risk.
By combining proactive security testing with strategic vCISO services, Forestal Security empowers organizations to build a resilient security posture that protects their assets, reputation, and bottom line.
Key Services:
✔ Penetration Testing
✔ Vulnerability Assessment
✔ Continuous Threating Monitoring
📍 Location: Kokomo, IN (Serving Clients Nationwide)
🔗 Website: Forestal Security
Eden Data
Ready to elevate your security posture without straining your budget? Look no further than Eden Data. They distinguish ourselves in the cybersecurity landscape through an unwavering dedication to our clients, a results-driven approach to security challenges, and a knack for pioneering strategies.
Here’s a glimpse into what sets Eden Data apart:
Elite Cyber Team
Comprised of seasoned cybersecurity specialists, including veterans of military cyber units and professionals from top-tier consulting firms, this team delivers the expertise needed to help businesses scale securely. Cyber defenses are designed to grow in tandem with business operations, ensuring robust protection at every stage.
Virtual CISO (vCISO) Services
Offers the benefits of a full-time Chief Information Security Officer at a fraction of the cost. The virtual CISO team conducts tailored risk assessments and develops security roadmaps aligned with each organization’s objectives. This service provides not just guidance, but a long-term, expert-backed cybersecurity partnership.
Client-Centric Philosophy
Treats clients as valued partners, fostering close collaboration to safeguard critical data while allowing organizations to focus on their core competencies.
Flexible Subscription Pricing
Moves away from traditional hourly and project-based billing, offering subscription-based tiers—Seed, Sprout, and Sapling. This approach delivers the value of a dedicated team member without rigid contracts or high overhead costs.
Unwavering Transparency
Operates with a commitment to client best interests, recommending only effective, cost-efficient solutions based on thorough assessments of the environment.
From security to compliance and data privacy, they’ve got you covered. Why wait to enhance your security? Stay ahead of the competition and protect your business from cyber threats.
Ready to embark on a secure digital journey? Here’s your roadmap:
- Explore our services.
- Review our pricing plans.
- Contact us to begin your cybersecurity transformation.
Step into the future of cybersecurity with Eden Data. They’re there to help you every step of the way!
- Headquarters: Austin, TX, USA
- Founded: 2021
- Email Address: support@edendata.com
- Website: https://edendata.com/
- Phone Number: +1 (737) 377-1880
- Address: Austin, Texas, 78734, United States
- Specialization: Cybersecurity Consulting Services
CISOSHARE
CISOSHARE offers a distinctive approach to CISO services, emphasizing the empowerment of organizations to strengthen their security programs. They provide two primary options:
- CISOaaS: This comprehensive service provides organizations with everything they need to establish, implement, and manage a robust security program. It encompasses governance, documentation, development, risk management, third-party assessments, and more. The focus is on rapid response to security needs, particularly during sales processes, and ensuring ongoing management.
- vCISO: Designed for organizations seeking strategic leadership, the vCISO acts as a guiding force, aligning the organization’s security program with its overarching business goals. This is particularly valuable for companies seeking to fill team gaps, whether on an interim or long-term basis.
CISOSHARE’s services are designed to provide a holistic solution, enabling businesses to establish, implement, and manage complete protective measures without increasing headcount or overburdening existing teams.
- Headquarters: San Clemente, CA, USA
- Founded: 2004
- Email Address: info@cisoshare.com
- Website: https://cisoshare.com/
- Phone Number: +1 (800) 203-3817
- Address: 1315 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, California 92672, United States
- Specialization: CISO Services Focusing on Governance, Documentation, Risk Management, and Third-Party Assessments
Evalian
Evalian offers a cost-effective solution for organizations requiring dedicated security resources. Their approach centers around a lead CISO supported by a broader team, ensuring clients interact with real individuals and fostering a collaborative environment.
Evalian’s CISOs provide assistance in key areas:
- Strategy: They assess an organization’s current security posture and develop a plan to enhance it, aligning with business and regulatory requirements.
- Risk Management: They prioritize the protection of a firm’s most valuable assets through a risk-based approach.
- Governance: Evalian can lead or contribute to an organization’s governance processes, from leading security oversight committees to analyzing past incidents and incorporating lessons learned into future plans.
- Compliance: They ensure adherence to regulations and standards, such as GDPR and other relevant frameworks.
Evalian provides advisory services, customized training programs, and ongoing support, making them a valuable partner for organizations requiring continuous vigilance and updates to their data protection measures.
- Headquarters: Southampton, UK
- Founded: 2018
- Email Address: hello@evalian.co.uk
- Website: https://evalian.co.uk/
- Phone Number: +44 (0) 333 0500 111
- Address: West Lodge, Leyland Business Park, Colden Common, Southampton, Hampshire SO21 1TH, United Kingdom
- Specialization: Outsourced and Virtual CISO Services
FRSecure
FRSecure’s vCISO program provides organizations with access to seasoned professionals who can guide and enhance their security programs. Their approach emphasizes understanding the organization’s current posture, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategies aligned with business goals.
Their vCISO program follows a structured approach:
- Comprehensive Risk Assessment: A thorough evaluation of administrative, physical, internal, and external technical risks to identify areas requiring targeted enhancements.
- Strategic Roadmap Development: A roadmap prioritizing high-impact security objectives to strengthen the overall security posture and support business objectives.
- Dedicated vCISO Engagement: Serving as the organization’s security champion, the vCISO provides ongoing support in areas such as coaching, policy development, and asset management.
With extensive industry experience, FRSecure offers valuable support to companies seeking to bolster their cybersecurity defenses.
- Headquarters: Edina, MN, USA
- Founded: 2008
- Email Address: info@frsecure.com
- Website: https://frsecure.com/
- Phone Number: +1 (877) 384-2069
- Address: York Ave. S, Suite 500, Edina, Minnesota 55345, United States
- Specialization: Tailored Virtual CISO Services With a Structured Approach to Risk Assessment, Roadmap Creation, and Continuous Engagement
Pivot Point Security
Pivot Point Security emphasizes the critical importance of protecting sensitive data, guiding organizations toward enhanced security through their vCISO service. This service enables firms to effectively strategize, plan, and execute a robust IT program.
The vCISO team collaborates with businesses to identify potential hazards, develop control measures to mitigate these risks, and establish policies and procedures aligned with relevant regulations. They also provide operational support, such as client questionnaire responses and vendor risk management.
Pivot Point Security underscores the importance of network protection, offering a suite of system services, including vulnerability assessments and penetration tests. Their CREST accreditation demonstrates their expertise in this area, ensuring organizations achieve a demonstrably secure web or cloud posture. Their process is designed to help organizations prove their security and compliance to stakeholders, enabling them to focus on business growth.
- Headquarters: Hamilton Township, NJ, USA
- Founded: 2000
- Email Address: info@pivotpointsecurity.com
- Website: https://pivotpointsecurity.com/
- Phone Number: +1 (888) 748-6876
- Address: 1245 Whitehorse Mercerville Rd, Hamilton Township, New Jersey 08619, United States
- Specialization: Expertise in vCISO Services
Kroll
Kroll’s vCISO services provide businesses with the leadership and expertise needed to navigate the complex landscape of cyber threats. They enhance organizational capabilities, set strategic objectives, and facilitate clear communication with stakeholders, including board members, investors, and government agencies. Their services encompass setting privacy and security policies, managing security teams, and crisis management.
Kroll’s vCISOs are supported by a global team, including former agents from agencies like the FBI and U.S. Secret Service, ensuring clients stay ahead in the cyber arena.
In addition to their vCISO offerings, Kroll’s numerous awards and recognitions validate their expertise and reliability. The company’s comprehensive services reflect a 360-degree approach to risk management and financial advisory, particularly beneficial for organizations requiring a multifaceted strategy to navigate the complexities of modern business.
- Headquarters: New York City, NY, USA
- Founded: 2018
- Email Address: social@kroll.com
- Website: https://kroll.com/
- Phone Number: +1 (212) 593-1000
- Address: 55 E 52nd St, 17 Fl, New York, NY 10055, United States
- Specialization: Tailored Virtual CISO Services
Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks provides solutions that significantly enhance the capabilities of a vCISO, particularly in attack surface management. Cortex Xpanse exemplifies how a vCISO can improve a firm’s security posture by identifying and managing internet-exposed risks. This tool offers centralized oversight of an organization’s risks, making it invaluable for those managing multiple clients or working with limited resources.
Traditional asset inventory methods can be cumbersome and error-prone. With Cortex Xpanse, a vCISO can ensure a business doesn’t inadvertently inherit risks during third-party collaborations or mergers and acquisitions. Palo Alto Networks recognizes that vendors and supply partners can often be a weak link in an organization’s security chain.
The solution’s integration capabilities enable a vCISO to seamlessly incorporate attack surface management into broader security strategies and workflows. For example, the integration between Cortex Xpanse and Prisma Cloud allows a vCISO to discover and secure an organization’s cloud assets, often a blind spot.
- Headquarters: Santa Clara, CA, USA
- Founded: 2005
- Email Address: socialmedia@paloaltonetworks.com
- Website: https://paloaltonetworks.com/
- Phone Number: +1 (408) 492-1950
- Address: 3000 Tannery Way, Santa Clara, California 95054, United States
- Specialization: Cybersecurity and vCISO Capabilities
CYFOR Secure
CYFOR Secure’s vCISO services allow firms to leverage the expertise of a seasoned professional on an as-needed basis. This is particularly beneficial for small to mid-sized businesses that often struggle to find an individual with the right combination of knowledge and leadership to develop and implement a successful information security strategy.
Their service can assist with:
- Planning audits and reviews
- Providing objective feedback on risks and security maturity
- Developing threat management strategies
- Guiding the procurement of new tools and products
- Supporting the recruitment and training of IT and security personnel
- Providing expertise in responding to and remediating IT incidents
A vCISO can also assist with various cyber assessment services, including comprehensive cyber audits that identify threats, vulnerabilities, and high-risk practices to help entities mitigate potential breaches.
- Headquarters: Manchester, UK
- Founded: 2017
- Email Address: contact@cyforsecure.co.uk
- Website: https://cyforsecure.co.uk/
- Phone Number: +44 (0) 330 1355 756
- Address: N/A
- Specialization: Provision of vCISO Services Focusing on Independent Strategic Advice, Security Audits, and Vulnerability Assessments
CyberSecOp
Cyber Security Operations Consulting, or CyberSecOp, is a cybersecurity firm based in the United States. Since 2001, the firm has been helping clients protect their businesses against evolving cyber threats, offering a comprehensive vCISO service.
Recognizing the critical importance of computer network security in today’s digital age, CyberSecOp has developed an end-to-end operations and response architecture to counter increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. This system leverages advanced technologies like dark web data detection to provide rapid and accurate.
FAQs
What is CISO as a Service (CISOaaS)?
CISO as a Service (CISOaaS) is a subscription-based service where organizations hire external cybersecurity experts to fulfill the role of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). This provides access to high-level security leadership and expertise without the cost of hiring a full-time executive.
What are the benefits of using CISOaaS?
CISOaaS offers several benefits, including cost savings, access to specialized expertise, improved security posture, enhanced compliance, and scalability. It allows organizations to focus on their core business while ensuring robust cybersecurity practices.
How much does CISOaaS cost?
The cost of CISOaaS varies depending on the provider, the scope of services, and the size and complexity of the organization. It is typically structured as a monthly or annual subscription fee, which is generally more affordable than the salary and benefits of a full-time CISO.
What services are typically included in a CISOaaS engagement?
Common services include security strategy development, risk assessments, policy creation, compliance management, incident response planning, vendor risk management, security awareness training, and ongoing security monitoring.
Is CISOaaS suitable for small businesses?
Yes, CISOaaS is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that may not have the resources to hire a full-time CISO. It provides access to enterprise-level security expertise at a fraction of the cost.
How do I choose the right CISOaaS provider?
When selecting a CISOaaS provider, consider their experience, expertise, industry certifications, client testimonials, and the scope of services they offer. Ensure they align with your organization’s specific needs and compliance requirements.
How does CISOaaS integrate with my existing IT team?
A good CISOaaS provider will work collaboratively with your existing IT team, providing guidance and support while leveraging their expertise to enhance your overall security posture. They should be able to seamlessly integrate into your organization’s operations.
Can CISOaaS help with compliance requirements like HIPAA or GDPR?
Yes, CISOaaS providers can assist with achieving and maintaining compliance with various regulations and standards, including HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS, and others. They can help you develop and implement policies and procedures to meet these requirements.
What happens during a security incident when using CISOaaS?
CISOaaS providers typically offer incident response services, including incident detection, containment, eradication, and recovery. They can help you develop an incident response plan and provide expert guidance during a security incident.
How does CISOaaS differ from traditional IT security consulting?
While IT security consulting focuses on specific projects or tasks, CISOaaS provides ongoing strategic leadership and guidance. A vCISO acts as a long-term partner, helping you develop and maintain a robust security program aligned with your business objectives.





