Virtual CISO Services (vCISO) for Modern Cybersecurity Leadership
Your scaling business needs expert security leadership, but the cost and complexity of hiring a full-time Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) can be a significant roadblock. You're left with the responsibility, but without the dedicated, strategic guidance you need to protect your company and satisfy your customers.
Atoro’s virtual CISO services provide the solution. We embed an expert virtual CISO into your team, giving you the benefit of senior cybersecurity leadership and a clear strategic roadmap, all at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire. We lift the burden of security strategy from your shoulders, so you can focus on growth.
Get Expert Security Leadership with Atoro’s Virtual CISO Services
For a scaling tech company, virtual CISO services are the smartest way to build a mature security program. You get immediate access to the cybersecurity leadership required to win enterprise deals, meet investor expectations, and manage risk effectively, without the lengthy and expensive executive search.
Our virtual CISO services are designed as a partnership. We act as a dedicated member of your leadership team, providing the information security strategy and hands-on guidance needed to build a resilient and compliant security posture that enables, rather than hinders, your business objectives.
What is a Virtual CISO (vCISO)?
A Virtual CISO (vCISO) is an experienced cybersecurity executive who provides strategic leadership through virtual CISO services, offered on a part-time, subscription basis.
Unlike a one-off consultant, a vCISO is a long-term strategic partner responsible for developing and managing your infosec program. They perform all the functions of a traditional CISO—from risk management to board-level reporting—providing the security governance needed to protect your business as it scales.
Why Your Scaling Business Needs Virtual CISO Services
As you grow, the ad-hoc security measures that worked for a startup are no longer sufficient. Enterprise customers, regulators, and investors all demand a mature and strategic approach to security.
- Solve the Talent Shortage: Gain immediate access to top-tier security talent without competing in a fierce and expensive hiring market.
- Cost-Effective Expertise: Get the benefit of a C-level executive for a predictable monthly fee, avoiding a six-figure salary and associated overheads.
- Achieve Regulatory Compliance: A vCISO provides the expert guidance needed to navigate complex frameworks like ISO 27001, SOC 2, and GDPR.
- Improve Security Posture: Move from a reactive to a proactive security footing with a clear, risk-based roadmap.
Our vCISO Responsibilities: Your Strategic Security Partner
Our virtual CISO services responsibilities are comprehensive, designed to build and manage a security program aligned with your business goals.
Security Strategy & Roadmap
We develop a security program development plan that prioritises actions based on your specific risks and objectives.
Risk Management
We establish a robust risk management framework to identify, assess, and mitigate security risks across the organisation.
Compliance Management
We oversee your compliance journey, ensuring you are prepared for audits and can meet customer requirements.
Security Governance:
We create and manage the policies, procedures, and controls needed for a mature security program.
Board & Leadership Reporting
We provide clear, concise updates on security posture, risks, and progress to your leadership team and board.
vCISO as a Service: Flexible, On-Demand Expertise
Our virtual CISO services are designed for flexibility, adapting to your business’s changing needs. We understand that the needs of a scaling company change rapidly. Whether you need a few hours a week for strategic guidance or more intensive support during an audit, our service adapts to you. This “CISO on demand” approach ensures you always have the right level of support without paying for idle time.
Transparent vCISO Pricing & Cost
We believe in transparent and predictable pricing. The virtual CISO cost is significantly lower than a full-time CISO. Based on industry data, a full-time CISO salary in the UK can easily exceed £150,000, not including benefits and recruitment fees. Our virtual CISO services pricing provides access to the same level of expertise through a flexible monthly subscription, making strategic security leadership accessible and affordable.
The Benefits of Atoro’s Virtual CISO Services
Partnering with Atoro for your vCISO services delivers tangible business benefits.
- Reduce Cybersecurity Risk: With virtual CISO services, proactively manage threats and reduce risk exposure.
- Build a Strategic Security Roadmap: Move beyond reactive fixes with a clear, long-term plan for your security program.
- Achieve and Maintain Compliance: Our virtual CISO services guide you through ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certifications.
- Increase Customer Trust: Demonstrate a mature commitment to security that helps you win and retain enterprise customers.
Why Choose Atoro as Your vCISO Partner?
You need a partner who understands the unique pressures of a scaling tech company. Our virtual CISO services are designed to be practical, business-focused, and empathetic to your challenges. We act as a true extension of your team, taking ownership of the security function to give you peace of mind. Our expertise in both strategic security and compliance automation with platforms like Vanta and Drata ensures you get a modern, efficient, and effective security program.
FAQ's
A Virtual CISO (vCISO) is an outsourced cybersecurity executive who provides strategic leadership, risk management, and security governance for an organization on a flexible, part-time or contract basis, without being a full-time internal employee.
The cost varies depending on the size of your organisation and the level of support required, but it is typically a fraction of the cost of hiring a full-time CISO. We offer flexible subscription packages to fit different needs and budgets.
A vCISO helps assess the current security posture, develop a security roadmap, guide compliance efforts, oversee policies and procedures, perform risk assessments, and act as a bridge between technical teams and executives.
A full-time CISO is an in-house executive dedicated solely to one organization, whereas a vCISO provides similar functions but works remotely or part-time, often for multiple clients, giving more flexibility and reduced overhead.
Hiring a vCISO offers executive-level security expertise faster and at lower cost than recruiting a full CISO. It helps smaller or mid-sized organizations mature their security posture before investing in a full internal team.
The cost of a vCISO varies depending on engagement scope, size of the company, regulatory complexity, and security maturity. It is generally more affordable than hiring a full-time CISO, often charged on a monthly retainer or hourly basis.
Look for providers with relevant industry experience, demonstrated certifications (CISSP, CISM, etc.), strong communication skills, a clear service model (scope, deliverables), and references showing prior success in security transformation.
Build Your Security Roadmap Today
Stop letting security be a source of stress and uncertainty. Partner with an expert virtual CISO to build a strategic, resilient, and compliant security program that accelerates your growth.
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