April 11, 2025
How to Choose the Right Penetration Testing Services Provider for Your Business?
How to Choose the Right Penetration Testing Services Provider for Your Business?
Fiza Nadeem
New Update: Our new blog is updated.
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43% of cyberattacks of cyberattacks target small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), but only 14% of these businesses are ready to defend against such threats. SMBs encounter the same cyber risks as larger companies, yet they often lack the resources to respond or recover effectively. Additionally, 60% of SMBs that experience a cyberattack end up shutting down, most closing within six months of the incident.
A virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) can be an excellent option to deal with such threats. It provides the same expertise and leadership as a traditional CISO but in a more flexible and affordable way.
In the following sections, we will examine the critical role a vCISO plays in improving the security practices of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). We will also discuss the key benefits, costs, and factors to consider when deciding if a vCISO suits your organization.
A virtual CISO, vCISO, or CISO-as-a-service provider, serves as an outsourced security specialist. This role can be taken on by either an individual or a team of experts. While vCISOs usually work as remote, part-time contractors, they offer many advantages of a full-time CISO without the high costs associated with a full-time position.
A vCISO performs the same important roles as a full-time Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) but without the cost of a full-time executive salary. This arrangement allows companies of all sizes, especially small and medium-sized businesses, to access high-level security expertise even if they cannot afford to hire a full-time CISO.
Key responsibilities of a vCISO include:
The 2024 State of the vCISO Report, which surveyed 200 senior security leaders from managed services providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs), shows a notable increase in the adoption of vCISO services.
Over 20% of MSPs and MSSPs currently offer these services, with an additional 98% planning to implement them. This marks a significant change from five years ago when vCISO services were mainly seen as an experiment. It is now evident that the vCISO concept is becoming a permanent fixture in the industry, with its adoption rate rapidly growing.
Studies show that businesses can experience up to a 30% decrease in cybersecurity incidents within the first year of using vCISO services. These professionals not only spot vulnerabilities but also recommend customized solutions and practices to address each business's unique requirements.
Service providers expect several advantages from the growth of vCISO services across different areas:
By the end of 2025, it is expected that almost all Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) will include vCISO in their complete security offerings. This trend is driven by the growing number of advanced cyber threats and the more demanding regulatory standards being put in place.
A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and a virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) oversee a company's cybersecurity. Still, they vary in terms of dedication, expenses, and responsibilities. It's better to evaluate which option best fits your company's goals and financial resources.
Here, we outline important factors to consider when making this choice:
A vCISO offers professional security leadership services at a lower cost than hiring a full-time in-house CISO. With flexible pricing options like hourly or project-based fees, companies can benefit from expert advice without the financial commitments of a full-time employee, such as salary, benefits, and other related expenses.
Conversely, employing a full-time CISO can be costly because of high salaries and additional expenses. For companies that have changing security needs and don't require a full-time CISO, a virtual CISO can be a more practical and affordable solution.
vCISOs provide on-demand support for security audits, compliance readiness, or high-priority projects. On the other hand, a full-time CISO provides consistent leadership but may not be as adaptable to changing security demands. This leads to potential inefficiencies, like underutilization of expertise during lower security activity.
One major advantage of using a vCISO is their extensive experience gained from working with clients across different industries. This background allows them to offer useful insights, creative strategies, and the best practices in the industry.
Unlike an in-house CISO who may know only one industry, vCISOs offer new perspectives and flexible strategies from different sectors that help companies respond effectively to changing threats and remain competitive.
You may want to Read: vCISO vs In-house CISO: Which is Better for Your Business?
VCISO services offer continuous support and stability without the concern of staff turnover. Companies can work with them on a contractual basis to prevent interruptions from employee transitions, a frequent problem with in-house CISOs. This guarantees consistent strategic advice and minimizes gaps in leadership resulting from frequent turnover.
Full-time CISOs provide constant leadership daily but are at higher risk of exiting their roles due to market demand or exhaustion. These shifts can have adverse effects on security measures and team spirit.
By using a virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO), businesses can quickly obtain expert security advice without the time and costs associated with hiring. This fast access to specialized knowledge helps ensure that security weaknesses are addressed without delay.
On the other hand, recruiting a full-time CISO demands a significant investment of time and resources, as it can take several months to identify the right candidate.
Moreover, the onboarding process for a permanent hire can be lengthy, impeding the company's ability to implement its cyber security strategy effectively.
Many virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs) are employed by Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs). This setup gives them access to a large pool of security professionals. With this network, vCISOs can offer a wider variety of skills and tools without requiring more staff and expenses.
vCISO services may not be ideal for every company. Businesses that need continuous, dedicated support might benefit more from having a full-time CISO. However, the benefits of a vCISO are evident for many companies, especially SMEs and private equity firms with a range of portfolio companies.
Here are some key situations where a vCISO may be the best choice:
Bringing on a full-time CISO comes with high salaries, benefits, and recruitment costs, which can burden smaller companies or those with tight budgets for cybersecurity. In contrast, a vCISO provides a clear, fixed fee structure that can be used as needed. This removes financial uncertainty while ensuring that your company gets expert support at a much lower cost.
The demand for skilled CISOs is currently very high. This makes the hiring process lengthy and unpredictable. Even when companies present competitive offers, they may find it difficult to attract candidates with the right mix of skills and experience. A vCISO avoids these issues by giving immediate access to experienced professionals who create and implement effective security strategies.
Security risks do not wait for lengthy hiring processes. Companies that go without leadership during these periods are at risk of breaches or failing to meet compliance requirements. vCISO services provide timely support for essential security needs, which ensures that help is available during audits, incidents, or leadership changes.
Unlike a single in-house hire, a vCISO works with a team of specialists and offers knowledge in compliance, threat detection, and incident response areas. This wide range of expertise helps companies tackle various security issues without raising overhead or staffing expenses.
Not all vCISOs are the same. Here’s how to tell the difference between a strong hire and one that could be a liability.
If you're thinking about hiring a vCISO, it's necessary to examine your needs carefully and select someone who matches your business's goals and values. Bringing someone into this role shows that you are making efforts to improve your organization's cybersecurity and are dedicated to protect your confidential data and IT resources.
At ioSENTRIX, a team of experts is present 24/7 to:
We focus on assessing and strengthening your defenses, to help you concentrate on what matters most: growing your business.
For reliable vCISO services that suit your needs, contact us today.
A vCIO is responsible for IT strategy, infrastructure, and overall technology management. In contrast, a vCISO focuses on cybersecurity strategy, risk management, and data protection.
vCISOs develop and put in place security policies, procedures, and training programs that match your organization’s values and goals. This ensures that all employees understand their responsibilities in keeping a secure environment.
Cybersecurity is a fast-growing industry with many investment opportunities worldwide. It is essential for organizations, particularly in sensitive areas like healthcare and government, to prioritize their cybersecurity to protect themselves against threats.
Suppose your organization does not have in-house cybersecurity experts, is dealing with rising security threats, or needs to meet regulatory requirements. In that case, a vCISO can offer important security leadership and guidance flexibly and cost-effectively.
