vCISO & Fractional Security Team

(Virtual Chief Information Security Officer)

Get enterprise-grade cybersecurity strategy — without the enterprise overhead.

Our Virtual CISO (vCISO) services go beyond strategic leadership. We deliver a full suite of IT security capabilities that can stand in for an entire team of cybersecurity engineers — all tailored to your business needs.

  • A Real CISO, Not a Rotating Nameplate
    You’ll work directly with a senior member of our team—one consistent expert who knows your environment and presents confidently to your board and leadership, just like an in-house executive. Backed by a full team of our security experts.

  • Replace an Entire Security Team with One Partner
    We deliver strategy, implementation, assessments, and ongoing oversight — all under one roof.

  • Compliance-Aligned, Audit-Ready Security Programs
    Build and maintain controls aligned with NIST, ISO 27001, HIPAA, SOC 2, and other key frameworks.

  • Skip the Hiring Struggles — and the Retention Battle
    Hiring and retaining cybersecurity talent is difficult and expensive — Tier 5 delivers consistent, scalable vCISO support.

Modern conference room with a wooden oval table, tan leather chairs, a potted plant, and an abstract painting on the wall. Glass walls and a curtain are also visible.

Full-time CISOs often cost $250,000 to $350,000 annually. With Tier 5, you get expert security leadership and program development—for a fraction of that cost.

Virtual CISOs offer real benefits for SMBs, helping them significantly reduce costs while delivering effective risk management and strategic planning. They enable small businesses to keep pace with cybersecurity needs—without the overhead of full-time executives

Source: BizTech Magazine

Illustration of stacked dollar bills and gold coins with dollar signs.
Illustration of a businessperson carrying a briefcase walking towards an exit door.

A 2023 workforce report confirms this range, noting 18–26 months as the norm for CISOs, largely due to stress, burnout, and lack of executive support

Source: CyberCrime Magazine

Strategy

We define clear security milestones and align them with your business objectives so every step moves you forward with purpose.

Quarterly Reporting

Receive concise, executive-ready summaries every quarter, highlighting progress, risks, and next steps in your security program.

Can be presented to your board, virtually or in-person.

Guidance

Our security experts provide hands-on guidance to strengthen your overall cybersecurity posture. This includes vulnerability management, risk remediation, threat response, and strategic improvements.

Assessment

We evaluate your current security posture, identify gaps, and deliver a clear action plan aligned with your business goals.

Oversight

Add your pricing strategy. Be sure to include important details like value, length of service, and why it’s unique.

Response

We lead or assist in preparing for, managing, and recovering from security incidents with expert guidance and clear communication at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

    • A vCISO provides expert cybersecurity leadership without the cost of a full-time executive.

    • Guides your organization’s security strategy, compliance efforts, and risk management.

    • Works on a fractional, project-based, or retainer model — ideal for growing businesses that need top-tier oversight with flexibility.

    • Cost-Effective Expertise
      A vCISO provides senior-level cybersecurity leadership at a fraction of the cost of hiring a full-time, in-house CISO.

    • Scalable and Flexible
      Engage a vCISO on your terms — fractional, project-based, or retainer — without long-term overhead or HR constraints.

    • Broader Industry Perspective
      vCISOs work across multiple organizations and industries, bringing fresh insight, real-world threat knowledge, and proven strategies.

    • Lower Cost – Avoid the high expense of full-time salaries, benefits, and training.

    • More Expertise – Get access to specialists with broad, up-to-date experience across industries.

    • Greater Flexibility – Scale support as needed without long-term staffing commitments.

    • Security focuses on protection; compliance focuses on requirements.
      Security is about actively defending systems and data, while compliance ensures you meet specific industry or legal standards.

    • Security is continuous; compliance is point-in-time.
      Security requires ongoing monitoring and response, whereas compliance is often measured through periodic audits or assessments.

    • Security adapts to threats; compliance follows rules.
      Security evolves based on risk and technology, while compliance adheres to fixed frameworks like HIPAA, PCI, or ISO 27001.