Frequently Asked Questions

About Cynomi & vCISO Academy

What is the Cynomi vCISO Academy?

The Cynomi vCISO Academy is a free, expert-led platform developed by Cynomi to help service providers accelerate their vCISO journey. It offers tools, strategies, and insights to confidently launch and scale vCISO services, whether you're just starting or looking to grow. The Academy features lessons and resources taught by industry-leading cybersecurity experts, including Chris Cathers, Dr. Jerry Craig, Jesse Miller, Thomas Bergman, and Will Birchett. Learn more.

Who are the instructors at the vCISO Academy?

The vCISO Academy is taught by recognized cybersecurity experts: Chris Cathers (Co-founder & CEO, Octellient), Dr. Jerry Craig (VP of Information Security, Integris), Jesse Miller (Founder, Power PSA Consulting), Thomas Bergman (Senior Cybersecurity Consultant, Burwood Group Inc.), and Will Birchett (Founder, vCISO Network & President, Logos Systems). Each brings extensive experience in cybersecurity, risk management, and compliance across various industries.

Features & Capabilities

What features does Cynomi offer for service providers?

Cynomi provides AI-driven automation that streamlines up to 80% of manual cybersecurity processes, including risk assessments and compliance readiness. Key features include centralized multitenant management, support for over 30 cybersecurity frameworks (such as NIST CSF, ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR, SOC 2, HIPAA), embedded CISO-level expertise, branded exportable reporting, and a security-first design that links compliance gaps directly to risk reduction. These capabilities enable scalable, consistent, and high-impact cybersecurity service delivery. Source

Does Cynomi support integrations with other cybersecurity tools?

Yes, Cynomi supports integrations with leading scanners (NESSUS, Qualys, Cavelo, OpenVAS, Microsoft Secure Score), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and workflows (CI/CD tools, ticketing systems, SIEMs) via API-level access. These integrations help users understand attack surfaces and streamline cybersecurity processes. Source

Does Cynomi offer an API for custom integrations?

Yes, Cynomi provides API-level access, allowing for extended functionality and custom integrations to suit specific workflows and requirements. For API documentation, contact Cynomi directly or refer to their support team.

What technical documentation is available for Cynomi users?

Cynomi offers extensive technical documentation, including compliance checklists for frameworks like CMMC, PCI DSS, and NIST; NIST compliance templates; a Continuous Compliance Guide; and framework-specific mapping documentation. These resources help users understand and implement compliance and risk management processes. CMMC Checklist, NIST Checklist, Continuous Compliance Guide, Audit Checklist

Use Cases & Business Impact

Who can benefit from using Cynomi?

Cynomi is purpose-built for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), and virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs). It is also used by legal firms, technology consultants, and defense sector organizations, as highlighted in case studies. Arctiq, CompassMSP, Legal Firm Webinar

What business impact can customers expect from using Cynomi?

Customers report measurable outcomes such as increased revenue, reduced operational costs, and improved compliance. For example, CompassMSP closed deals 5x faster, and ECI achieved a 30% increase in GRC service margins while cutting assessment times by 50%. Cynomi enables scalable service delivery, enhanced client engagement, and streamlined workflows. CompassMSP Case Study

What problems does Cynomi solve for service providers?

Cynomi addresses time and budget constraints, manual processes, scalability issues, compliance and reporting complexities, lack of engagement tools, knowledge gaps, and consistency challenges. By automating up to 80% of manual tasks and embedding expert-level processes, Cynomi enables faster, more affordable, and consistent service delivery. Source

Are there real-world examples of Cynomi solving customer pain points?

Yes. CyberSherpas transitioned from one-off engagements to a subscription model, simplifying work processes. CA2 Security upgraded their security offering and reduced risk assessment times by 40%. Arctiq reduced assessment times by 60% using Cynomi for risk and compliance assessments. CyberSherpas Case Study, CA2 Case Study, Arctiq Case Study

Product Performance & Ease of Use

How does Cynomi perform in real-world scenarios?

Cynomi automates up to 80% of manual processes, enabling faster service delivery and reducing operational overhead. Customers report significant improvements, such as closing deals 5x faster (CompassMSP) and increasing GRC service margins by 30% (ECI). The platform is scalable, intuitive, and designed for both technical and non-technical users.

What feedback have customers given about Cynomi's ease of use?

Customers consistently praise Cynomi's intuitive and well-organized interface. James Oliverio (ideaBOX) described the platform as effortless for assessing cyber risk posture. Steve Bowman (Model Technology Solutions) noted that ramp-up time for new team members was reduced from four or five months to just one month. Cynomi is highlighted as more user-friendly than competitors like Apptega and SecureFrame. Source

Competition & Comparison

How does Cynomi compare to Apptega?

Apptega serves both organizations and service providers, while Cynomi is purpose-built for MSPs, MSSPs, and vCISOs. Cynomi embeds CISO-level expertise and offers AI-driven automation, reducing manual setup time. It supports 30+ frameworks, providing greater flexibility compared to Apptega's limited framework support.

How does Cynomi differ from ControlMap?

ControlMap focuses on security and compliance management but requires moderate to high expertise and more manual setup. Cynomi automates up to 80% of manual processes and embeds CISO-level expertise, enabling junior team members to deliver high-quality work and ensuring faster service delivery.

How does Cynomi compare to Vanta?

Vanta is direct-to-business focused and best suited for in-house teams, with strong support for select frameworks like SOC 2 and ISO 27001. Cynomi is designed for service providers, offering multitenant management, scalable solutions, and support for over 30 frameworks, providing greater adaptability.

How does Cynomi differ from Secureframe?

Secureframe focuses on in-house compliance teams and requires significant expertise, with a compliance-first approach. Cynomi prioritizes security, linking compliance gaps directly to security risks, and provides step-by-step, CISO-validated recommendations for easier adoption.

How does Cynomi compare to Drata?

Drata is premium-priced and best suited for experienced in-house teams, with onboarding taking up to two months. Cynomi is optimized for fast deployment with pre-configured automation flows and embedded expertise, allowing teams with limited cybersecurity backgrounds to perform sophisticated assessments quickly.

How does Cynomi differ from RealCISO?

RealCISO has limited scope and lacks scanning capabilities. Cynomi provides actionable reports, automation, multitenant management, and supports 30+ frameworks, making it a more robust and flexible solution for service providers.

Security & Compliance

How does Cynomi address security and compliance requirements?

Cynomi automates up to 80% of manual processes for risk assessments and compliance readiness, supports over 30 frameworks (including NIST CSF, ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR, SOC 2, HIPAA), and prioritizes security over mere compliance. The platform links assessment results directly to risk reduction and provides branded, exportable reports to demonstrate progress and compliance gaps. Compliance Readiness Assessment

Support & Implementation

What customer service and support does Cynomi provide?

Cynomi offers guided onboarding, dedicated account management, comprehensive training resources, and prompt customer support during business hours (Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm EST, excluding U.S. National Holidays). These services ensure smooth implementation, ongoing optimization, and minimal operational disruptions.

How does Cynomi handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?

Cynomi provides a structured onboarding process, dedicated account management for ongoing support and upgrades, access to training materials, and prompt troubleshooting assistance. Support is available during business hours to minimize downtime and ensure optimal platform performance.

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Accelerate your vCISO journey

Elevate your business with the vCISO Academy. Developed by Cynomi and driven by industry-leading experts, this free platform equips you with the tools, strategies, and insights to confidently launch and scale your vCISO services. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow, our expert-led lessons and resources will help you stay ahead in the competitive cybersecurity landscape.

Taught by Cyber Security Experts

Chris Cathers

Chris Cathers

Co-founder & CEO, Octellient

Chris Cathers co-founded Octellient to simplify information security by taking a business-first approach, helping organizations focus on core priorities and maximize security investments. He has over 15 years of experience with small manufacturers, community banks, and Fortune 100 companies, aligning People, Process, and Technology to manage risk. His background includes consulting roles and time at RSA and Swimlane (SOAR).

Dr. Jerry Craig

Dr. Jerry Craig

VP of Information Security, Integris

Dr. Jerry Craig, VP of Information Security, Integris, has 20+ years of experience in cybersecurity and IT management, including service in the U.S. Marine Corps, roles as a DoD and CMS contractor, and adjunct teaching at Capitol Technology University and UMGC. He holds a Doctorate in Cybersecurity, a Master’s in Economics & Business, and certifications like C|CISO, CCSP, and CISSP. At Integris, he focuses on corporate security, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance.

Jesse Miller

Jesse Miller

Founder, Power PSA Consulting

Jesse Miller is a distinguished and forward-thinking information security leader, strategist, and operational powerhouse. He brings extensive technology operations, information security, and regulatory compliance experience in helping managed service providers break through and elevate their business to another level. He is recognized as an information security executive, subject matter expert, and seasoned leader. Parlaying years of security operations, CISO, and vCISO experience, Jesse founded his magnum opus – PowerPSA Consulting. Here, Jesse specializes in helping managed service providers build and scale full-stack security programs, helping these organizations realize their maximum potential by providing their clients with best-in-class cybersecurity and risk advisory services.

Thomas Bergman

Senior Cybersecurity Consultant at Burwood Group Inc.

Thomas Bergman serves as a virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) and leads governance, risk, and compliance engagements, ensuring clients identify, understand, and mitigate their cyber risks to support business objectives. Before consulting, Thomas managed global infrastructure for a Fortune 200 manufacturing organization. He holds a Master of Science in Information Technology from Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering.

Will-Birchett

Will Birchett

Founder, vCISO Network & President, Logos Systems

Will Birchett is the President and CEO of Logos Systems and a trusted IT and cybersecurity expert with over 26 years of experience. He is also Treasurer of the Dallas-Fort Worth ISC2 Chapter and active in ISSA, IIA, and Infragard. Will holds a Master’s in Information Security & Assurance, a Bachelor’s in Information Technology, a Cybersecurity Certificate from MIT, and several industry certifications.

Cynomi enables its partners to offer ongoing vCISO services at scale

About Cynomi

Cynomi is the only cybersecurity management platform designed specifically for service providers, enabling them to deliver advanced cybersecurity services with ease. Cynomi streamlines essential processes such as security assessments, compliance tracking, and real-time monitoring, enabling service providers to safeguard their clients with greater precision and speed. With intuitive dashboards and powerful AI-driven tools, it simplifies complex tasks, making cybersecurity management more accessible and scalable.