10 Best Virtual CISO Providers in 2025

In today’s digital world, strong cybersecurity leadership is a must-have. But hiring a full-time Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) can be very expensive. Their six-figure salaries and benefits are often out of reach for many companies. This is where a Virtual CISO, or vCISO, comes in. A Virtual CISO (vCISO) gives you expert security advice on a flexible, monthly plan, offering the same skills at a much lower cost.

So, why is a vCISO better than a CISO you hire yourself? Instead of one person, you get a whole team of security experts with different skills. This gives you more knowledge and allows you to scale up as needed. Plus, you don’t have the high costs of a full-time executive. As online threats get smarter, more companies are turning to vCISOs to stay safe and follow complex rules. We looked at over 25 providers and checked reviews on Gartner and G2 to find the best of the best. This guide will show you the top 10, breaking down their prices, features, and who they’re best for. We are trusted technology advisors, providing Virtual CISO (vCISO) services to help you establish, manage, and strengthen your cybersecurity program. Contact us today to engage a vCISO and ensure strategic, expert oversight of your security posture.

Comparison of Top vCISO Providers for 2025

Provider	Starting Price	Key Features	Best For	Rating
Secureworks	Custom Quote	Threat intelligence Service, 24/7 advisory, Taegis™ XDR platform	Large Enterprises	4.7/5
SideChannel	Custom Quote	CISO-led teams, flexible retainers, practical roadmaps	Small to Mid-Sized Businesses (SMBs)	4.9/5
Fortinet	Contact for Pricing	Security Fabric integration, compliance expertise, incident response	Companies using Fortinet products	4.6/5
AT&T Cybersecurity	Custom Quote	Unified security management, threat detection, MSSP integration	Mid-Market & Enterprise	4.5/5
Cynet	Custom Quote	All-in-one platform (XDR, EDR), incident response automation	Lean IT Teams	4.7/5
Cyvatar	Starts ~$1,500/mo	Subscription-based, guaranteed outcomes, compliance focus	Startups & Small Businesses	4.8/5
Pivot Point Security	Custom Quote	ISO 27001 & CMMC focus, cyber risk assessments, policy development	Defense & Regulated Industries	4.6/5
V-CISO	Project-based	On-demand expertise, security awareness training, audits	Businesses needing project-based help	4.5/5
ThreatLocker	Contact for Pricing	Zero Trust endpoint security, application whitelisting	Organizations prioritizing endpoint security	4.8/5
Cyber-arch	Custom Quote	Privileged Access Management (PAM), identity security, risk reduction	Enterprises focused on identity security	4.6/5

Top 10 vCISO Providers 

1. Secureworks

Overview:

Secureworks is a huge name in cybersecurity. Their vCISO service is for large companies that need serious, ongoing security guidance. They use their top-notch threat research and powerful Taegis™ XDR platform to lead your strategy.

• Key Features:
  • Strategic security roadmap development and execution.
  • Board-level reporting and risk communication.
  • Access to world-class incident response teams.
  • Continuous risk assessment and management.
• Integrations: Integrates seamlessly with the Secureworks Taegis™ platform and a vast ecosystem of third-party security tools for comprehensive visibility.

Pros

Cons

Top-Notch Threat Information: The service uses a world-famous team, the Counter Threat Unit™ (CTU). They give you useful tips to help you stay ahead of new online threats.All-in-One Platform: You get the Taegis™ XDR platform. It gives you a single, clear view of all your security, which helps find and stop threats much faster.Great for Leaders: The experts are very good at explaining complex security topics in simple business terms. They know how to present to executives and the board.

High Cost: This is a top-tier service with a high price tag. It might be too expensive for companies with smaller security budgets.Difficult Setup: Getting started with the Taegis™ platform can be a complex job. It may take a lot of time and effort from your own IT team.Less Flexible: The way they work is very structured. It might not feel as personal or flexible as the service from smaller vCISO companies.

• Best For : Large enterprises and mid-market companies in regulated industries that require a mature and comprehensive security program.
• Unique Selling Point (USP) : Direct access to the Counter Threat Unit™ (CTU) research team, providing unparalleled insights into emerging threats.

2. SideChannel

Overview:

SideChannel is focused on bringing great security leadership to small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). They create security plans that actually work for smaller companies, without the high cost and complexity of enterprise solutions.

• Key Features:
  • Dedicated vCISO with a supporting team of specialists.
  • Flexible monthly retainer model.
  • Practical, business-focused security roadmaps.
  • Vendor risk management and security questionnaire support.
• Integrations: Technology-agnostic, working with a client’s existing security stack to maximize its value rather than forcing new tools.

Pros	Cons
Real, Usable Plans: They create security plans that are practical and easy to follow, even if you have a small budget.A True Partner: You get a dedicated vCISO who joins your leadership team. This helps them deeply understand your company’s needs.Clear Pricing: They charge a simple monthly fee. This makes budgeting easy because you always know what to expect.	Not for Huge Companies: Their service is designed for small to mid-sized businesses. It may not be enough to handle the needs of a large, global corporation.No All-in-One Tool: They don’t provide their own technology platform. If you want a single company for both your security tools and expert advice, you will need to look somewhere else.

• Best For: Small to mid-sized businesses that need a dedicated, hands-on security leader to build their program from the ground up.
• Unique Selling Point (USP): Their “Real vCISOs, not just consultants” approach ensures every client gets a dedicated leader with extensive, real-world experience.

3. Fortinet

Overview: If you already use Fortinet products, their vCISO service is a perfect fit. They use the Fortinet Security Fabric to give you a complete view of your security, managed by people who know the system inside and out.

• Key Features:
  • Deep integration with the Fortinet Security Fabric.
  • Expertise in regulatory compliance (HIPAA, PCI DSS, etc.).
  • Proactive risk assessments and policy development.
  • Advanced incident response and readiness planning.
• Integrations: Natively integrates with all Fortinet products (FortiGate, FortiSIEM, etc.) and offers broad API support for third-party tools.

Pros

Cons

Get More from Your Tools: This service helps you get the most security and value out of the Fortinet products you already own.See Everything in One Place: You get a single, clear view of your entire security setup because all the Fortinet tools work together so well.Expert Knowledge: The vCISOs are true experts on Fortinet products. They know the best way to set up your system for maximum protection.

Best for Fortinet Users: You get the most benefit if your company mainly uses Fortinet products. It’s less helpful if you use tools from many different security brands.May Focus on Their Tech: Their advice might be centered on what Fortinet’s technology can do, rather than looking at your business risks from a completely neutral point of view.

• Best For: Organizations that have standardized on the Fortinet Security Fabric and want expert guidance to optimize its configuration and strategy.
• Unique Selling Point (USP): The ability to translate insights from the Security Fabric into actionable, board-level strategy.

4. AT&T Cybersecurity

Overview: AT&T Cybersecurity offers a powerful vCISO service backed by a global company. It’s a scalable solution that can handle everything from high-level strategy to 24/7 security monitoring.

• Key Features:
  • Unified Security Management (USM) platform integration.
  • Strategic guidance aligned with business objectives.
  • Access to a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC).
  • Comprehensive compliance and risk management services.
• Integrations: The USM platform integrates with hundreds of cloud and on-premise technologies, including AWS, Azure, and popular endpoint solutions.

Pros

Cons

All-in-One Security: You can get all your security services from one place. This includes vCISO advice and other options, like a 24/7 security monitoring team (SOC).Grows With You: The service is built to grow with your business. It works well whether you are a mid-sized company or a large enterprise.Special Threat Information: They see threats across AT&T’s giant global network. This gives them unique and valuable insights into online dangers.

Less Personal Service: Their process can feel less personal than a smaller company’s. It follows a more standard, “big corporation” model.Confusing Options: They offer a very long list of services. It can be difficult to look through and choose the exact ones your business needs.

• Best For: Mid-market and enterprise clients looking for a reliable, all-in-one security partner that can provide both strategic advice and managed services.
• Unique Selling Point (USP): Leveraging AT&T’s global network visibility for unique threat intelligence and context.

5. Cynet

Overview: Cynet does something different. They combine their vCISO service with their all-in-one Extended Detection & Response Solution. This gives you a “CISO-in-a-box” where the advice you get is directly linked to the technology protecting you.

• Key Features:
  • Includes access to the Cynet 360 AutoXDR™ platform.
  • 24/7 monitoring and response from the CyOps team.
  • Automated incident response playbooks.
  • Proactive threat hunting.
• Integrations: While centered on its own platform, Cynet integrates with key infrastructure like Active Directory, Microsoft 365, and major cloud providers.

Pros

Cons

Simpler Security: The all-in-one platform combines many security tools into one. This makes managing security much easier, especially for small IT teams.Saves Time with Automation: The platform automatically finds and responds to threats. This greatly reduces the amount of manual work for your team.Experts Included: A 24/7 team of security experts (called CyOps) is built right in. They provide a fast, human-led response when you need it most.

You Must Use Their Platform: The vCISO service is tied directly to the Cynet 360 platform. This makes it a poor choice if you want to keep using your existing security tools.Fewer Custom Options: Because it is a single, unified system, you have less control over the fine details. You can’t customize it as much as you could by using separate, best-in-class tools.

• Best For: Small to mid-sized enterprises with limited IT staff who want a single, unified solution for both security technology and expert guidance.
• Unique Selling Point (USP): The seamless fusion of an autonomous XDR platform with a human-led, 24/7 managed detection and response (MDR) service.

6. Cyvatar

Overview: Cyvatar wants to make cybersecurity easy and affordable. They offer a fixed-price monthly plan that guarantees results. They are great for startups and small businesses that need to become compliant with security rules.

• Key Features:
  • Subscription-based pricing with guaranteed results.
  • Focus on achieving  SOC 2 compliance and ISO 27001 Compliance.
  • Continuous remediation and security health scoring.
  • Includes a curated stack of security tools.
• Integrations: Integrates with a pre-vetted set of security solutions, simplifying the technology procurement process for clients.

Pros

Cons

Clear, Fixed Price: You pay a simple monthly fee. This removes the risk of surprise costs, making it easy to budget for security.Guaranteed Results: The service is built to deliver specific goals. For example, they can guarantee they will help you pass a security audit and get certified.Built for Compliance: Their entire service is designed to help startups and small businesses meet key security rules (like SOC 2) quickly and easily.

You Can’t Choose Your Tools: Their plan includes a set of security tools that they have already picked. This means you have little to no flexibility if you want to use different ones.Not for Complex Needs: Their standard, results-based plan is great for common goals, but it may not be deep enough for companies with very complex or unique security problems.

• Best For: Startups and small businesses that need to quickly become compliant for sales or funding purposes and prefer a predictable, all-in-one monthly fee.
• Unique Selling Point (USP): A fixed-price, outcome-based subscription model that removes the guesswork and financial risk from building a security program.

7. Pivot Point Security

Overview: Pivot Point Security is an expert in handling complex security rules. Their vCISO service is built for companies where compliance is the main goal, such as those working with the government.

• Key Features:
  • Deep expertise in major compliance frameworks.
  • Security program development and policy creation.
  • Third-party risk management.
  • Internal and external audit preparation.
• Integrations: Works with client’s existing GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) platforms and security tools to align them with compliance goals.

Pros

Cons

Experts in Security Rules: The team has deep knowledge of complex compliance rules like CMMC, ISO 27001, and HIPAA.Helps You Pass Audits: They are very good at preparing you for security audits and will guide you through the entire process of getting certified.A Clear, Step-by-Step Plan: They use a proven method to build your security program, making sure it’s designed to be compliant and easy to audit from day one.

Focused Only on Compliance: They put a lot of focus on rules and governance. This may not be the right fit if your main need is help with active threat hunting or responding to live attacks.Can Be Slow and Rigid: Their detailed, step-by-step approach can feel slow or too strict for fast-moving companies that value speed more than paperwork.

• Best For: Government contractors, healthcare organizations, and any business that needs to achieve and maintain a specific security certification.
• Unique Selling Point (USP): A laser focus on compliance, turning regulatory burdens into a demonstrable security posture and competitive advantage.

8. V-CISO

Overview: V-CISO is all about flexibility. You can hire them for a long-term plan or just for a short project. Their model lets you get expert help right when you need it.

• Key Features:
  • On-demand and project-based engagements.
  • Security awareness training programs.
  • Penetration testing and vulnerability management oversight.
  • Merger and acquisition (M&A) security due diligence.
• Integrations: Works as a strategic overlay, providing guidance on how to best integrate and manage a client’s chosen security technologies.

Pros

Cons

Very Flexible Plans: They offer many ways to work together. You can hire them for a single project, on an as-needed basis, or for a monthly fee, so you only pay for the help you need.Many Different Experts: You get access to experts in a wide range of security topics, from checking a company’s security before a merger to training your employees.Saves Money on Short Projects: The project-based option is a great value. It’s perfect if you need expert help for a short time and don’t want to sign a long-term contract.

No Technology Platform: They do not provide their own security software. Unlike other companies, you only get the expert advice, not a technology tool to manage threats.Less In-Depth Knowledge: Because you can hire them on-demand, the vCISO may not get to know your company’s culture and history as well as an advisor who works with you full-time.

• Best For: Businesses that have fluctuating security needs or require expert assistance for specific projects like audits, M&A, or security program overhauls.
• Unique Selling Point (USP): Ultimate flexibility, allowing clients to access CISO-level talent without being locked into a long-term, fixed-scope retainer.

9. ThreatLocker

Overview: ThreatLocker is mainly a Zero Trust endpoint security platform, but they also offer vCISO services. Their advice is focused on helping you lock down your computers and servers by controlling what software can run.

• Key Features:
  • Expertise in implementing Zero Trust principles.
  • Application whitelisting and ringfencing.
  • Storage and network access control policies.
  • Guided policy creation and management.
• Integrations: Deeply integrated with the ThreatLocker platform, but the strategic principles can be applied across an organization’s entire infrastructure.

Pros

Cons

Great at ‘Zero Trust’ Security: They provide expert help to build a security model where nothing is trusted by default. This greatly shrinks the number of ways attackers can get in.Detailed Control Over Computers: You get very specific control over what happens on your company’s computers. This includes which applications can run and what files they can access.Stops Threats Early: Their approach is proactive, meaning it’s designed to block threats before they can cause damage, rather than just cleaning up after an attack.

Tied to Their Software: The expert service is completely linked to the ThreatLocker platform. It’s not a good fit if you aren’t ready to commit to their specific tool.Can Cause Slowdowns at First: A strict security model that blocks unapproved software can create some headaches when you first set it up. It requires a big change in how your employees and IT team work.

• Best For: Organizations in high-risk sectors like legal, finance, and healthcare that want to adopt a stringent Zero Trust model focused on endpoint control.
• Unique Selling Point (USP): A vCISO service built entirely around the philosophy of Zero Trust, enforced through their powerful endpoint security platform.

10. CyberArk

Overview: CyberArk is the leader in Privileged Access Management (PAM). Their vCISO service focuses on securing user accounts, especially powerful admin accounts, which are a top target for hackers.

• Key Features:
  • Identity-first security strategy development.
  • Privileged access management program design.
  • Cloud identity security best practices.
  • Reducing identity-related attack surface.
• Integrations: Built around the Cyber-arch Identity Security Platform, but provides guidance that applies to Azure AD, Okta, and other identity providers.

Pros

Cons

The Best Experts on Identity: You get access to top experts in protecting user accounts, especially powerful admin accounts (called PAM). This is a key way to stop major data breaches.Lowers a Major Risk: Their main focus is on protecting your most important admin accounts. This directly stops one of the most common and dangerous types of cyberattacks.Helps Build Your Whole Program: They are excellent at helping large companies design and build a complete identity security program for the entire organization, right from the very start.

Very Specific Focus: They are laser-focused on protecting user identities. If your biggest security problems are with your network or computers, this service may not be the right fit for you.Best for Large Companies: The service and its related platform can be complex and costly. It is typically designed for large, mature companies rather than small businesses.

• Best For: Large, complex enterprises struggling to manage and secure thousands of user and machine identities across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
• Unique Selling Point (USP): An unmatched, identity-centric approach to cybersecurity strategy, built on a foundation of market-leading PAM expertise.

How to Choose the Right vCISO Provider

Feeling overwhelmed by the options? Don’t be. Choosing the right vCISO partner comes down to evaluating a few key factors against your unique business needs.

• Services and Responsibilities: What do you actually need? Some businesses need a strategist to create a three-year roadmap and speak to the board. Others need a hands-on expert to help them pass a SOC 2 audit. Scrutinize the provider’s service catalog. Demand a clear Service Level Agreement (SLA) that defines responsibilities, from policy creation to incident response leadership.
• Pricing Models: vCISO pricing varies widely. Common models include a monthly retainer for ongoing access, a project-based fee for specific outcomes (like an audit), or a fully managed subscription. Beware of one-size-fits-all pricing. The right provider will customize a quote based on your company’s size, complexity, and desired outcomes.
• Support and Communication: How will you interact with your vCISO? Ask about their communication cadence. Will you have weekly strategy calls? Who is your primary point of contact? What is their process for emergency situations? The vCISO is a leadership role, and clear, consistent communication is non-negotiable.

Best vCISO Providers for Specific Use Cases

For Small Businesses: Companies like SideChannel and Cyvatar are clear winners. SideChannel offers practical, CISO-led guidance tailored to SMBs, while Cyvatar provides a predictable, subscription-based model perfect for startups needing to achieve compliance quickly.

For Large Enterprises: Global players like Secureworks and AT&T Cybersecurity are built for scale. Secureworks offers unparalleled threat intelligence and board-level gravitas. For companies deep in specific ecosystems, Fortinet (for network security) and Cyber-arch (for identity) provide specialized, high-impact expertise.

Verdict: Which vCISO Provider Should You Choose?

Navigating the cybersecurity landscape in 2025 requires more than just tools; it requires expert leadership. A vCISO provides this leadership, making your security program more strategic, effective, and business-aligned. The right choice depends entirely on your specific needs, size, and goals.

For a final recommendation, consider these top three:

Secureworks (Best Overall): For enterprises that need best-in-class threat intelligence and a mature, comprehensive security partner.

SideChannel (Best for SMBs): For small and mid-sized businesses that need practical, affordable, and dedicated security leadership to build a strong foundation.

Fortinet (Best for Ecosystem Integration): For organizations already using Fortinet products who want to maximize their investment with perfectly aligned strategic guidance.

This guide was brought to you by Defend my Business. We know that choosing the right security partner is a big decision, and our mission is to make it easier for you. We help you cut through the noise and get the best solution that fits your company’s unique needs and budget. Let us help you find the perfect vCISO to protect your business and support its growth.

FAQs

• What is the best vCISO provider for small businesses? SideChannel is frequently cited as the best for SMBs due to its practical, hands-on approach and flexible pricing. Cyvatar is another excellent choice for startups focused on achieving compliance on a predictable budget.
• How much does a vCISO cost? Costs can range from $2,000 to $15,000+ per month. The price depends on your company’s size, the complexity of your environment, regulatory requirements, and the scope of services you need. A simple advisory retainer will cost less than a comprehensive program that includes hands-on remediation and 24/7 support.
• Can I switch providers without changing my number? This question often applies to services like VoIP, but the principle of a smooth transition is vital for vCISOs. Switching providers involves transferring strategic knowledge, security roadmaps, and system access. A professional vCISO service will ensure a seamless handover with detailed documentation to bring the new provider up to speed quickly.
• Is a vCISO service secure for business communication? Absolutely. A core function of a vCISO is to ensure all business communications and data are secure. They advise on and help implement secure configurations for your email, collaboration platforms (like Slack or Teams), and VoIP phone systems to protect against breaches and eavesdropping.
• Do I need special hardware for a vCISO? No, a vCISO is a human-led service, not hardware. They work with your existing technology stack. A key part of their job is to assess your current tools (firewalls, servers, software) and advise on whether they are adequate, maximizing your current investments before recommending new purchases.