The vCISO Academy is a free, professional learning platform designed to empower Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), security consultants, and CISOs to build and expand their vCISO skills and services. It offers self-paced courses, expert guidance, and interactive exercises to help users master the delivery of high-value cybersecurity services at scale. Learn more.
The Academy offers courses such as Introduction to vCISO Services, Thinking and Communicating Like a CISO, Building and Selling vCISO Services, Delivering vCISO Services, The vCISO Toolkit (guidance & templates), Asset Management, Risk Management, and Change Management. Each course includes chapters, practical exercises, and real-world examples. See all courses.
Courses are taught by seasoned cybersecurity experts and vCISOs, including Chris Cathers (Octellient), Dr. Jerry Craig (Integris), Jesse Miller (Power PSA Consulting), Thomas Bergman (Burwood Group Inc.), Will Birchett (Logos Systems), and Kevin Baker (Fortress SRM). These instructors bring decades of experience in information security, risk management, and compliance across various industries.
Cynomi offers AI-driven automation that automates up to 80% of manual processes, such as risk assessments and compliance readiness. Key features include scalability for vCISO services, support for over 30 cybersecurity frameworks (NIST CSF, ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR, SOC 2, HIPAA), embedded CISO-level expertise, branded exportable reporting, centralized multitenant management, and a security-first design that links compliance gaps directly to risk reduction. These capabilities enable service providers to deliver enterprise-grade cybersecurity services efficiently and achieve measurable business outcomes. Source.
Cynomi integrates with leading scanners (NESSUS, Qualys, Cavelo, OpenVAS, Microsoft Secure Score), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and supports API-level access for custom workflows. It also integrates with CI/CD tools, ticketing systems, and SIEMs, allowing users to run scans, upload CSV files, and sync with infrastructure-as-code deployments. Learn more.
Yes, Cynomi provides API-level access for extended functionality and custom integrations, enabling users to tailor workflows and connect with other systems as needed. For API documentation, contact Cynomi directly or reach out to their support team.
Cynomi prioritizes security over mere compliance, linking assessment results directly to risk reduction. The platform supports compliance readiness across 30+ frameworks, provides enhanced reporting, and embeds CISO-level expertise. It automates up to 80% of manual processes, ensuring robust protection against threats and efficient compliance management. NIS 2 Directive blog, NIST Compliance Checklist.
Cynomi provides detailed compliance checklists, templates, and guides for frameworks like CMMC, PCI DSS, and NIST. Resources include the CMMC Compliance Checklist, NIST Compliance Checklist, NIST Risk Assessment Template, and the Continuous Compliance Guide. These resources help users understand requirements, map controls, and streamline compliance efforts.
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 delivery of cybersecurity services. CompassMSP Case Study.
Customers report increased revenue, reduced operational costs, improved compliance, and enhanced efficiency. 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 and improved client engagement through branded reporting and centralized management. CompassMSP Case Study, Arctiq Case Study.
Cynomi's case studies represent industries such as legal (100-employee legal firm), cybersecurity service providers (CyberSherpas, CA2 Security, Secure Cyber Defense), technology consulting (Arctiq), managed service providers (CompassMSP), and the defense sector (CMMC-focused MSPs). These examples highlight Cynomi's versatility and impact across diverse sectors. Testimonials, Arctiq Case Study.
Yes. CyberSherpas transitioned to a subscription model and streamlined work processes; CA2 Security upgraded their security offering and reduced risk assessment times by 40%; Arctiq reduced assessment times by 60%; CompassMSP closed deals five times faster; ECI increased GRC service margins by 30% and cut assessment times by 50%. CyberSherpas Case Study, CA2 Case Study, Arctiq Case Study.
Cynomi is consistently praised for its intuitive and well-organized interface. Customers like James Oliverio (ideaBOX) describe the platform as effortless for assessing cyber risk posture, with a 'paint-by-numbers' process. 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. Compared to competitors like Apptega and SecureFrame, Cynomi offers a more user-friendly experience. Source.
Cynomi is purpose-built for MSPs, MSSPs, and vCISOs, offering AI-driven automation, embedded CISO-level expertise, and multitenant management. Unlike Apptega and ControlMap, Cynomi requires less manual setup and expertise. Compared to Vanta and Secureframe, Cynomi supports over 30 frameworks and prioritizes security over compliance. Drata is premium-priced and suited for experienced in-house teams, while Cynomi offers rapid onboarding and embedded expertise for junior staff. RealCISO has limited scope and lacks scanning capabilities, whereas Cynomi provides comprehensive automation and reporting. Source.
Cynomi is designed specifically for MSPs, MSSPs, and vCISOs, enabling scalable, consistent, and high-impact cybersecurity services. Its automation, embedded expertise, multitenant management, and broad framework support allow service providers to deliver value efficiently, bridge knowledge gaps, and achieve measurable business outcomes. Source.
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.
Cynomi provides a structured onboarding process, dedicated account managers for ongoing support, access to training materials, and prompt troubleshooting assistance. This ensures customers can maintain and optimize their use of the platform with minimal downtime.
The vCISO Academy is a free, professional learning platform designed to empower MSPs, MSSPs, security consultants, and CISOs to build and expand their vCISO skills and services.
The vCISO knowledge base for MSPs, MSSPs, security consultants and CISOs
Learn from industry experts who share their practical knowledge and experience.
Access videos, tools, and resources whenever and wherever you want.
Benefit from exercises and real-world examples to reinforce your understanding.
Learn how to launch and scale your vCISO services from seasoned vCISOs
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).
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.
Founder, Power PSA Consulting
Jesse Miller is a forward-thinking information security leader with extensive experience in technology operations, security, and regulatory compliance. As the founder of PowerPSA Consulting, he helps managed service providers build and scale full-stack security programs. With years of CISO and vCISO experience, Jesse specializes in elevating businesses by providing top-tier cybersecurity and risk advisory services.
Senior Cybersecurity Consultant at Burwood Group Inc.
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.
CISO, Fortress SRM
With over 25 years of experience in insurance and financial services, Kevin Baker is a proven IT leader specializing in technical information security. He has held key roles at Arete Advisors, Westfield Insurance, and Diebold, where he built strategic IT programs, managed cyber risks, and led high-performing teams.
Kevin currently leads the internal security program at Fortress SRM, and drives strategy for innovative security solutions, ensuring operational excellence, asset protection, and tailored cybersecurity strategies.
