Fractional CISO / CIO (vCISO / vCIO)
Part-time senior IT and security leadership without a full-time executive hire
What it is
A fractional CISO or CIO provides senior-level technology and security leadership on a part-time or retainer basis. This executive-level advisor develops your security strategy, presents to your board or leadership team, evaluates vendors, manages risk assessments, oversees compliance programs, mentors your IT team, and provides the strategic perspective that operational staff typically lack the time or positioning to deliver. Fractional engagements typically range from a few hours per week to a few days per month, scaled to your organization's size and needs.
Why it matters
Most mid-market organizations need strategic IT and security leadership but cannot justify a full-time executive salary of $200,000 or more. A fractional engagement provides the same strategic value at a fraction of the cost, with the added benefit of cross-industry experience from serving multiple clients.
What to expect
Engagements start with an assessment of your current environment, risk profile, and strategic objectives. A roadmap is developed and reviewed with leadership. Ongoing engagement includes regular meetings, board-ready reporting, and advisory availability for strategic decisions and incidents.
Where this fits
Business concerns
Relevant industries
Supports compliance with
Common questions
How is a fractional CISO different from an MSP?
An MSP handles day-to-day IT operations. A fractional CISO provides strategic leadership: security strategy, risk management, board reporting, vendor evaluation, and compliance oversight. They complement each other rather than competing.
How many hours per month is typical?
Most fractional engagements range from 10 to 40 hours per month depending on organizational size and complexity. The engagement can scale up during projects like compliance audits or incident response and scale down during steady-state periods.
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Ready to explore fractional ciso / cio?
Add it to your list and schedule a call with our advisory team. We will match you with the right provider, not the most expensive one.