Frequently Asked Questions

Costs & ROI of vCISO Services

What are the hidden costs of offering vCISO services?

Hidden costs include increased salaries and ongoing training for skilled cybersecurity professionals, upfront investments in tools and software, and significant time spent on client education. Manual tasks such as risk assessments, compliance checks, and policy creation are especially time-consuming, with activities like creating security policies taking an average of 14.3 hours, generating security reports 14 hours, and conducting risk assessments 13.9 hours. These costs can impact profitability and ROI, especially for MSPs and MSSPs starting with intermediate or advanced vCISO offerings. (State of the Virtual CISO 2024 Report)

How can MSPs and MSSPs reduce the costs associated with vCISO services?

MSPs and MSSPs can reduce costs by leveraging automation tools like Cynomi, which automates up to 80% of manual processes such as risk assessments and compliance readiness. This significantly cuts down on operational overhead, reduces time spent on repetitive tasks, and minimizes the need for extensive personnel and training investments. Automation also helps avoid errors and improves service delivery efficiency. (Cynomi)

What is the recommended approach for starting a vCISO service offering?

It is recommended to start with basic security services (Tier 1) and gradually move to more advanced service tiers as your team gains expertise and experience. This approach allows MSPs and MSSPs to manage costs, build skills, and scale offerings in line with client needs and budgets. Automation tools like Cynomi can help accelerate this progression by reducing manual workload and enabling faster ramp-up. (Cost of vCISO services blog)

Features & Capabilities

What features does Cynomi offer to MSPs, MSSPs, and vCISO service providers?

Cynomi provides AI-driven automation for up to 80% of manual processes, centralized multitenant management, compliance readiness across 30+ frameworks (including 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. The platform is purpose-built for service providers, enabling scalable, consistent, and high-impact cybersecurity services. (Cynomi Features)

What integrations does Cynomi support?

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

Does Cynomi offer API access?

Yes, Cynomi offers API-level access for extended functionality and custom integrations, allowing service providers to tailor workflows and connect with other systems as needed. For more details, contact Cynomi directly or refer to their support team. (Source: Cynomi documentation)

Pain Points & Problems Solved

What problems does Cynomi solve for service providers?

Cynomi addresses time and budget constraints, manual process inefficiencies, scalability challenges, compliance and reporting complexities, lack of engagement and delivery tools, knowledge gaps among junior team members, and consistency issues in service delivery. By automating up to 80% of manual tasks and embedding expert-level processes, Cynomi enables faster, more affordable, and consistent vCISO service delivery. (vCISO Toolkit)

How does Cynomi help with manual, time-consuming vCISO tasks?

Cynomi automates tasks such as risk assessments, compliance checks, and security policy creation, which traditionally take over 13-14 hours each when performed manually. This automation reduces human error, speeds up service delivery, and allows MSPs and MSSPs to focus on higher-value activities. (Source: State of the Virtual CISO 2024 Report)

Use Cases & Business Impact

Who can benefit from using Cynomi?

Cynomi is designed for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), and virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs) seeking to deliver scalable, consistent, and high-impact cybersecurity services. Industries represented in case studies include legal, technology consulting, defense, and cybersecurity service providers. (Cynomi Case Studies)

What measurable business impact can customers expect from Cynomi?

Customers report increased revenue, reduced operational costs, and improved compliance. For example, CompassMSP closed deals 5x faster after adopting Cynomi, and ECI achieved a 30% increase in GRC service margins while cutting assessment times by 50%. These outcomes demonstrate Cynomi's ability to accelerate sales cycles, improve margins, and streamline service delivery. (CompassMSP Case Study)

Are there real-world case studies demonstrating Cynomi's effectiveness?

Yes. For example, CyberSherpas transitioned from one-off engagements to a subscription model, CA2 Security reduced risk assessment times by 40%, and Arctiq cut assessment times by 60%. CompassMSP closed deals five times faster, and ECI increased GRC service margins by 30%. These case studies highlight Cynomi's versatility and measurable impact across industries. (Cynomi Partner Case Studies)

Competition & Comparison

How does Cynomi compare to competitors like Apptega, ControlMap, Vanta, Secureframe, Drata, and RealCISO?

Cynomi is purpose-built for MSPs, MSSPs, and vCISOs, offering AI-driven automation, embedded CISO-level expertise, and multitenant management. Compared to Apptega and ControlMap, Cynomi requires less manual setup and expertise. Vanta and Secureframe focus on in-house teams and have limited framework support, while Cynomi supports over 30 frameworks. Drata is premium-priced and has longer onboarding times; Cynomi offers rapid setup and embedded expertise. RealCISO lacks scanning capabilities and multitenant management. Cynomi's strengths include automation, scalability, and flexibility for service providers. (Source: Cynomi_vs_Competitors_v5.docx)

What makes Cynomi easier to use compared to competitors?

Cynomi features an intuitive, well-organized interface praised by customers for its ease of use. The platform guides non-technical users through assessments and reporting, reducing ramp-up time for junior analysts from several months to just one month. Compared to competitors like Apptega and SecureFrame, Cynomi offers a more user-friendly experience with streamlined workflows and accessible design. (Source: Cynomi_vs_Competitors_v5.docx, Customer Testimonials)

Support & Implementation

What customer support and onboarding services 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 assistance, and minimal operational disruptions. (Source: Cynomi documentation)

How does Cynomi handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?

Cynomi provides structured onboarding, dedicated account management, access to training materials, and responsive customer support for troubleshooting and resolving issues. This ensures customers can maintain and optimize their use of the platform with minimal downtime. (Source: Cynomi documentation)

Technical Documentation & Compliance

What technical documentation and compliance resources are available for Cynomi users?

Cynomi provides compliance checklists for frameworks like CMMC, PCI DSS, and NIST, NIST compliance templates, continuous compliance guides, and framework-specific mapping documentation (crosswalks, control-to-requirement matrices). These resources help users understand requirements, streamline compliance, and prepare for audits. (CMMC Compliance Checklist, NIST Compliance Checklist, Continuous Compliance Guide)

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When was this page last updated?

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Building and Selling vCISO Services
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Chapter 1: Building a vCISO offering
Chapter 2: Selling vCISO services
Chapter 3: Costs of offering vCISO services
Building and selling vCISO services: Key Takeaways & Conclusion

    Chapter 3: Costs of offering vCISO services

    Offering virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) services can be a lucrative addition for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs). 

    However, hidden manual costs can impact profitability and ROI. For many MSPs and MSSPs, the main challenge is the lack of immediate ROI, as initial investments in tools and personnel are often required before seeing returns. Understanding these costs is crucial for optimizing service delivery and financial performance.

    Key hidden costs

    Increased cost of salaries and training to gain the necessary expertise and skills

     

    Many service providers struggle to offer vCISO services because they lack the personnel or expertise to deliver this level of consulting. vCISO services require in-depth knowledge of risk management, compliance, and cybersecurity strategy—skills that are often beyond the scope of traditional IT teams. Without seasoned security professionals or the right tools, many MSPs and MSSPs find it difficult to meet the complex, high-level needs of their clients in this area. Therefore, one of the primary hidden costs of offering vCISO services (specifically the intermediate and advanced buckets) is the significant expenditure on salaries for skilled cybersecurity professionals. Additionally, ongoing training is essential to keep these professionals up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats, regulations, and best practices. This continuous investment in human resources can quickly add up, impacting the overall profitability of vCISO services.

    Up front costs of tools and software
    Increased time spent on client education
    Time-consuming manual tasks

    The good news

    Many MSPs and MSSPs recognize the growing demand for vCISO services as businesses seek more strategic cybersecurity solutions. However, many struggle to offer these services because they lack the personnel or expertise required for high-level cybersecurity consulting. The good news is that when it comes to offering vCISO services, you don’t have to dive in all at once—you can start small. Begin by offering basic security services to your clients (see Tier 1), and as you gain more expertise, skills, and experienced personnel, you can gradually move to more advanced service tiers. 

    Additionally, using automation tools like Cynomi can save you hours of manual, time-consuming tasks, making the process more efficient. While offering vCISO services can involve hidden costs, using the right tools to automate and streamline these tasks can greatly reduce those expenses. In addition, by setting clear expectations with clients and properly tiering your offerings to match their needs and budgets, the benefits of providing vCISO services will greatly outweigh the costs.

    Suggested reading:

    • Cost of vCISO services blog
    • To learn more about how to scale your vCISO revenue, check out Jesse Miller’s PowerGRYD vCISO System and build a vCISO program capable of growing to 7 figures and beyond. Cynomi partners get $250/month off for the first 12 months.
    Chapter 3 Key Takeaways

    The main hidden costs of offering vCISO services are:

    1. Limited security or compliance knowledge: Starting with basic vCISO offerings often involves a low level of knowledge and skills. The real challenge and associated costs arise when transitioning to more advanced engagements that require deeper expertise.
    2. High upfront costs: Initial investments in tools and personnel can be substantial without an immediate return on investment (ROI). Achieving quick ROI requires rapid expansion and scaling of services to justify these costs.
    3. Customer education and maturity: Many customers, especially those without prior experience with a CISO, may not understand the role or its importance. The challenge lies in educating these customers about the risks and helping them recognize the value of having a CISO.
    4. Hidden costs and risks: In regulated industries, failing to meet compliance requirements can result in severe penalties. Additionally, inaccuracies in cyber insurance questionnaires can lead to denied claims. Hidden manual costs, such as salaries, training, and the expenses associated with acquiring and maintaining tools and software, can significantly impact profitability and ROI. Manual tasks are time-consuming and prone to human error, further complicating the delivery of vCISO services.

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