Virtual CISO
Executive-level security leadership on demand - strategic guidance, board reporting, and program oversight without the full-time cost.
A virtual CISO (vCISO), also called a fractional CISO, is an experienced security executive who leads your security program on a part-time or retained basis - setting strategy, reporting to your board, and owning compliance accountability without the cost of a full-time hire.
Not every organization needs - or can afford - a full-time Chief Information Security Officer. SOClogix Virtual CISO services provide executive-level security leadership on a flexible, fractional basis, giving your business the strategic direction it needs without the six-figure salary and benefits package.
Your vCISO becomes an extension of your leadership team, attending board meetings, developing security strategy, and overseeing your security program with the same accountability as an in-house executive. From building a security roadmap to managing vendor relationships and incident oversight, your vCISO ensures that security decisions align with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
Whether you are a growing company that has outgrown ad-hoc security, a mid-market firm that needs strategic guidance between CISO hires, or an organization looking to accelerate security program maturity, our vCISO service provides the experienced leadership to get you there. We measure progress against industry frameworks, report to your board in business language, and drive measurable improvement quarter over quarter.
What's Included
vCISO vs. a full-time CISO
| Dimension | SOClogix vCISO | Full-time CISO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost model | A fractional retainer scoped to the hours and board cadence you actually need. | A six-figure base salary plus benefits, bonus, and often equity. |
| Time to onboard | Days. We start with an assessment while the engagement is still being scoped. | A 3-6 month executive search before anyone is in the seat. |
| Breadth of experience | A team drawing on patterns seen across many client environments and industries. | One person's background, however deep, from a handful of prior employers. |
| Board reporting | Included from week one, in business language your board already speaks. | Typically a ramp-up period before the first meaningful board report. |
| Best fit | Organizations under roughly 1,000 employees, or bridging between CISO hires. | Large enterprises that need a dedicated full-time executive in the seat. |
Engagement models
Fractional Retainer
Ongoing monthly security leadership with a set number of hours and an agreed board cadence. Your vCISO owns the roadmap, the risk register, and the reporting rhythm month after month.
Project-Based
A defined outcome with a defined end: a security roadmap, a framework assessment, an audit or questionnaire response. Scoped to the deliverable rather than to a standing time commitment.
Interim CISO
Full coverage while you recruit a permanent hire. We hold the seat, keep the program moving, and hand over a documented program to your incoming executive.
Every model is scoped to your environment rather than sold from a price sheet, and we return a quote within one business day of the scoping conversation.
Your first 90 days
Days 1-30: Assess
- Baseline your posture against a framework that matches your obligations
- Build or rebuild the risk register with real owners
- Identify and close the quick wins that reduce exposure immediately
Days 31-60: Plan
- Turn findings into a prioritized, sequenced security roadmap
- Attach realistic budget figures to each initiative
- Deliver a board-ready risk report written in business language
Days 61-90: Execute
- Drive remediation against the roadmap with accountable owners
- Work through vendor evaluations and policy gaps
- Establish the ongoing reporting cadence for leadership and the board
Led by practitioners, not account managers
SOClogix vCISO engagements are led by people who have run the incidents, not just the slide decks. Founder and CEO Matt Johnson brings 15+ years in cybersecurity and more than 100 incident response engagements to the strategy work, which means the roadmap you get is shaped by what actually goes wrong in real environments.
Meet Matt Johnson, Founder & CEOFrequently asked questions
What is a vCISO?
A vCISO (virtual CISO) is an experienced security executive who leads your security program on a part-time or retained basis. The role covers security strategy, board and executive reporting, and ownership of compliance accountability, delivered without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire.
What is the difference between a vCISO and a fractional CISO?
In practice the terms are used interchangeably. Both describe part-time executive security leadership provided on a retained basis. An interim CISO is different: that is usually a full-time engagement for a fixed window, typically while an organization recruits a permanent executive.
How much does a vCISO cost?
Cost is scoped to the size of your environment, your compliance obligations, and how often you need board-level reporting. Engagements are typically structured as a monthly retainer that lands well below a full-time CISO's salary and benefits package. We scope your environment and quote within one business day.
When does a company need a vCISO?
The common triggers are external: customers, auditors, or cyber insurers start asking who owns security at your organization. Others are internal: you are pursuing SOC 2, CMMC, or HIPAA, your board wants structured risk reporting, or you need to bridge the gap between CISO hires.
Can a vCISO serve as our FTC Safeguards Qualified Individual?
Yes. The FTC Safeguards Rule permits designating a qualified third party to serve as the Qualified Individual responsible for your information security program. A SOClogix vCISO can fill that role, with your organization retaining overall responsibility as the Rule requires.
Does a vCISO replace our IT team or MSP?
No. The vCISO sets strategy, priorities, and accountability; your IT team or MSP executes the work. The two roles are complementary. If you also need the detection and response layer, SOClogix can provide the SOC and MDR coverage alongside the vCISO engagement.
Key Benefits
- Executive-level leadership at a fraction of the cost
- Bridge the gap until a full-time CISO is hired
- Gain strategic direction tailored to your business
- Improve board confidence in your security posture
- Accelerate security program maturity
Get Started
Talk to our team about how a virtual CISO can elevate your security leadership.
Request a ConsultationCall (443) 409-5426Free Risk Assessment
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Your security program starts with one conversation
No commitment. 30 minutes. We'll identify your biggest security gap and map out what a vCISO engagement looks like for your situation.
Board-ready risk report
Delivered week 1
Security roadmap
Within 2 weeks
No long-term contract
Month-to-month
Get vCISO Pricing
We scope every engagement to your environment and team size. Get a written quote within one business day - no obligation, no lengthy sales process.
Quote delivered within 1 business day. Annual and monthly terms available.