What is a Fractional CISO?

A Fractional CISO is a cybersecurity expert who, rather than being a full-time employee, is hired on a part-time or project basis. They offer expertise, guidance, and strategic leadership for developing and implementing tailored information security practices based on an organization’s unique needs.

“Virtual CISO” and “CISO-as-a-Service” are often used interchangeably to describe Fractional CISO offerings, but they have distinct nuances. While a Fractional CISO operates on a part-time or project-specific basis, serving multiple clients, a Virtual CISO typically denotes a remote, contractual role, irrespective of its tenure. “CISO-as-a-Service,” meanwhile, broadly encompasses both concepts.

Working with a Fractional CISO provides organizations with affordable and flexible access to expert guidance and enhanced security practices to help mitigate cyber risk. While they oversee cybersecurity initiatives, companies can focus on growing their business and running smooth operations.

The Need for a Fractional CISO

As cyber threats’ sophistication and frequency increase, organizations face a higher risk of financial losses, business operation disruptions, and reputational damage. Many smaller companies facing financial constraints have limited resources to create and maintain a cybersecurity program. They can also not hire a full-time CISO or build a dedicated cybersecurity team to stay ahead of complex cyber threats.

The importance of cybersecurity is indisputable; falling victim to a cyberattack can lead not only to significant financial losses but also to reputational damage. Although every company has diverse security risks and needs, we have identified common situations where organizations can benefit from Fractional CISO services:

• Limited resources – companies with limited resources may not have the budget or need for a full-time CISO
• Transitional periods – during periods of significant change, such as mergers, acquisitions, or technology transitions, organizations may require temporary security leadership
• Compliance requirements – organizations operating in highly regulated industries may need assistance to meet stringent requirements
• Specific projects or initiatives -businesses undertaking special projects and initiatives may require specialized cybersecurity expertise
• Interim CISO needs – organizations are experiencing a temporary gap in CISO leadership.
  
  

Role and Responsibilities of a Fractional CISO

Although every company and industry has its unique cybersecurity challenges and needs, the roles, and responsibilities of Fractional CISOs tend to focus on the following:

• Strategic leadership in developing and implementing cybersecurity programs – a Fractional CISO starts by evaluating an organization’s cybersecurity health. Based on the findings, they provide a strategy based on the organization’s vulnerabilities and security goals.
• Risk assessment and management – after identifying a company’s cybersecurity risks, Fractional CISOs develop strategies and security protocols to ensure they are monitored and managed on an ongoing basis.
• Compliance guidance and support – because every industry has its compliance requirements, Fractional CISOs help organizations ensure they align with the regulatory protocols. They can also assist with industry-specific policy and procedure development as well as navigate compliance audits.
• Collaboration and communication with existing security teams and stakeholders – Fractional CISOs work cohesively with external and in-house security teams, the IT department, C-suite executives, and the legal team. Their integrated approach ensures that cybersecurity initiatives are not only robust but also strategically aligned with business objectives and compliant with legal standards.
  
  

How a Fractional CISO Works

Fractional CISOs adapt to organizational needs to help manage cybersecurity needs. Here’s an overview of how they work:

• Engagement model – a Fractional CISO provider and organization establish a mutual understanding of the engagement scope, objectives, duration, and expected outcomes
• Customization – a Fractional CISO works with an organization to create a customized and industry-specific strategy to improve its cybersecurity standing. This usually involves an evaluation of the existing cybersecurity infrastructure and processes to help identify weaknesses, opportunities for improvement, and an overall stronger cyber protection system.
• Remote and on-site collaboration – depending on the company’s needs, Fractional CISOs have the flexibility to provide expertise on-site or remotely. Working virtually can offer companies cost savings for the organization and working at the office might be necessary for in-person interactions.
• Engagement duration and flexibility in cost structure – As an organization’s cybersecurity needs evolve, companies can choose to engage with a Fractional CISO on a part-time or project basis. This helps them stay close to their budget and adapt to their project needs.
  
  

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fractional CISO

Before starting a Fractional CISO search, organizations need to think about the following factors to select an expert who fits and understands their cybersecurity posture and needs:

• Self-awareness of needs – organizations should conduct their in-depth evaluation of cybersecurity needs, priorities, and weaknesses. They also need to consider their budget, CISO expertise level, and the length of the project
• CISO expertise, experience, and track record – the selected Fractional CISO needs to have industry experience along with a successful track record of designing and implementing cybersecurity programs. Their client portfolio should include companies in the same industry, and size, with similar security challenges.
• Organizational culture and values compatibility – A fractional CISO should be adaptable and align with the company’s work culture, values, and communication style to work effectively with internal teams and stakeholders.
  
  

Conclusion

A Fractional CISO plays an invaluable role in protecting organizations from cyber-attacks. They offer cost-effective and flexible solutions for organizations of all sizes lacking financial resources, in-house expertise, or needing assistance with a one-off security-related project. Working with a Fractional CISO equips organizations with executive-level, industry-specific cybersecurity expertise, thereby helping to safeguard assets, reputation, and customer trust.

Vistrada’s Fractional CISO services provide organizations with top-level cybersecurity experts specialized in creating and implementing programs to guard against attacks. By working with Vistrada’s Fractional CISOs, organizations can outsource their cyber security and compliance needs while focusing on scaling their business. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a fractional CISO?

A fractional CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) is a senior-level cybersecurity professional hired on a part-time or project basis. They provide expertise, guidance, and strategic leadership in developing and implementing information security practices based on an organization’s unique needs. A fractional CISO provides organizations with a flexible and affordable solution to strengthen their security posture, protect themselves from cybersecurity threats, and navigate security audits and special projects.

How can a fractional CISO improve an organization’s cybersecurity program?

A fractional CISO can improve an organization’s cybersecurity standing by providing expert leadership and guidance. Conducting an initial risk evaluation helps them understand an organization’s cybersecurity posture and design responsive strategies and policies to ensure they can protect themselves from existing and future threats. In addition, they provide security training, help manage vendor risk, and design incident response plans in case a cyber threat occurs.

What are the benefits of hiring a fractional CISO compared to a full-time CISO?

Hiring a fractional CISO provides organizations with cost-effective and targeted expertise without filling a costly full-time CISO role. Fractional CISOs are a great solution for small companies and start-ups seeking project-based cybersecurity leadership. Because they work across different industries, fractional CISOs have wider access to the latest cybersecurity tools and are well-equipped to guide organizations through cybersecurity initiatives or unique projects. Working with fractional CISOs gives organizations access to top-level experts without the long-term financial commitment of an in-house CISO.

What are the main responsibilities of a fractional CISO?

While the role of a fractional CISO can differ based on an organization’s cybersecurity needs, their main responsibilities include the following:

• Provide strategic leadership in the development and implementation of cybersecurity programs
• Conduct risk assessments to identify cybersecurity risks and recommend respective solutions
• Provide compliance guidance and support to help organizations align with regulatory protocols and undergo compliance audits
• Collaborate with internal security teams and stakeholders
  
  

What’s the difference between a virtual CISO and a fractional CISO?

While virtual and fractional CISOs offer flexible cybersecurity expertise, there are some differences between their roles.

How does a fractional CISO help in risk assessment and compliance support?

Fractional CISOs leverage their extensive expertise and experience to help organizations identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks. They do so by conducting an in-depth risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities and threats. The assessment serves as a roadmap to design and implement risk mitigation processes along with continuous monitoring mechanisms to help flag and prevent new risks.

Fractional CISOs also play an important role in helping organizations understand the regulatory landscape, fulfill their compliance requirements, and prepare for audits.

Can a fractional CISO provide expert guidance in implementing a cybersecurity program?

Yes. Fractional CISOs possess industry-specific knowledge and experience to provide organizations with expert guidance and cybersecurity program implementation. After an initial security assessment, they work with an organization to create a tailored strategy that aligns with its goals and risk tolerance. They then collaborate with internal and external technology teams to implement security initiatives.

What is the typical cost of hiring a fractional CISO?

There is no fixed cost to hiring a fractional CISO. It depends on the length and type of engagement, required services, industry and expertise level, and company size. While it’s difficult to provide potential customers with an actual cost, hiring a fractional CISO is a cost-effective solution for organizations with budgetary constraints compared to employing a full-time CISO.

How does a fractional CISO contribute to building a modern cybersecurity culture?

A fractional CISO helps build a modern cybersecurity company culture by educating internal teams and promoting cybersecurity awareness and best practices. By instilling proactive security practices, they empower employees to be vigilant and responsible custodians of the organization’s digital assets. This helps foster a security-conscious mindset throughout the workforce.

How does a fractional CISO prepare an organization for compliance audits such as SOC 2 and ISO 27001?

Before undergoing an actual audit, a fractional CISO conducts a security gap assessment to identify where an organization is non-compliant. If gaps are discovered, a fractional CISO creates an action plan and works with relevant teams to implement the required security solutions to resolve the issues.

For the actual audit, fractional CISOs provide guidance and support to help organizations meet the necessary compliance requirements.

What type of businesses or industries can benefit most from a fractional CISO?

Small and mid-sized companies (SMBs) that handle sensitive customer information, such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, can significantly benefit from a fractional CISO. Fractional CISOs offer a cost-effective solution to strengthen cybersecurity measures and protect digital assets. Given the need to protect sensitive data, startups in these sectors can greatly benefit from cybersecurity expertise, making engagement with a fractional CISO a viable option.

What is the role of a fractional CISO in the face of increasing cyber threats?

Due to the increasing cyber threats, a fractional CISO brings specialized knowledge and experience to assess and review the organization’s approach to security, identify vulnerabilities, and implement effective strategies to combat evolving threats. Because fractional CISOs stay updated on emerging cyber risks and technologies, they help create resilient solutions so that organizations do not fall victim to evolving cyber-attacks.

What free resources might a fractional CISO recommend for building a cybersecurity program?

To build an effective cybersecurity program, fractional CICOs might recommend the following free resources:

• The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity provides a framework with an outline of best practices helping organizations decide where and how to focus their time and money on cybersecurity protection.
• The Center for Internet Security (CIS) is a globally recognized and community-driven non-profit known for IT systems and data best practices.
• OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) is an open-source security resource that provides insights into web application security.
  

What are the characteristics to look for in a high-quality fractional CISO service?

When looking for a high-quality fractional CISO service, organizations should consider the following key characteristics to find the right candidate:

• A proven track record of experience in cybersecurity leadership, risk management, compliance, and regulatory knowledge
  
• Industry-specific expertise along with a deep understanding of risks and compliance requirements
• Experience in designing customized solutions
• Well-versed in relevant regulations and standards
• Soft skills such as effective communication, collaboration, and adaptability

What specific services does a fractional CISO provide that can help an organization avoid the high costs of a data breach?

To avoid the high cost of a data breach, fractional CISOs provide the following services:

• Assessment of risk to identify an organization’s cybersecurity weaknesses and vulnerabilities
• Tailored security strategy and planning that aligns with the goals and budget of the organization
• Training programs to help staff recognize and manage cyber threats
• Vendor risk management to ensure they meet appropriate security standards
• Incident response planning to minimize the impact and costs of a possible cyberattack
• Compliance management to ensure alignment with data protection laws and industry standards
• Ongoing monitoring and assessment process of emerging threats
• Prioritization of encryption and data protection strategies to mitigate the broader implications of potential data breaches
• Cyber incident response coordination and remediation support