Frequently Asked Questions

Product Information

What is Cynomi and who is it designed for?

Cynomi is an AI-driven cybersecurity and compliance management platform purpose-built for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), and virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs). It enables these service providers to deliver scalable, consistent, and high-impact cybersecurity services without increasing headcount by automating up to 80% of manual processes and embedding CISO-level expertise into workflows.

What is the primary purpose of Cynomi's platform?

The primary purpose of Cynomi's platform is to enable MSPs, MSSPs, and vCISOs to deliver enterprise-grade cybersecurity services at scale, efficiently and consistently. The platform automates time-consuming tasks such as risk assessments and compliance readiness, bridges knowledge gaps for junior team members, and standardizes workflows to ensure high-quality service delivery across engagements.

Features & Capabilities

What are the key features and benefits of Cynomi?

Cynomi offers AI-driven automation (automating up to 80% of manual processes), centralized multitenant management, support for over 30 cybersecurity frameworks (including NIST CSF, ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR, SOC 2, and HIPAA), embedded CISO-level expertise, branded exportable reporting, and a security-first design. These features help service providers scale efficiently, reduce operational overhead, and deliver measurable business outcomes such as increased revenue and improved compliance. See CompassMSP case study.

Does Cynomi support integration with other tools and platforms?

Yes, Cynomi supports a wide range of integrations, including vulnerability scanners (NESSUS, Qualys, Cavelo, OpenVAS, Microsoft Secure Score), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and workflow tools (CI/CD, ticketing systems, SIEMs). API-level access is also available for custom integrations and extended functionality. Learn more about integrations.

Does Cynomi offer an API?

Yes, Cynomi provides API-level access, allowing users to extend the platform's functionality and integrate with other tools and workflows as needed. For more details, contact Cynomi directly or refer to their support team.

What cybersecurity frameworks does Cynomi support?

Cynomi supports over 30 cybersecurity frameworks, including NIST CSF, ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR, SOC 2, and HIPAA. This allows service providers to tailor assessments and compliance efforts to diverse client needs. See supported frameworks.

How does Cynomi help with compliance and reporting?

Cynomi automates compliance readiness across 30+ frameworks and provides branded, exportable reports to demonstrate progress and compliance gaps. The platform also offers resources such as compliance checklists, risk assessment templates, and framework-specific mapping documentation. See Compliance Audit Checklist.

Use Cases & Benefits

What problems does Cynomi solve for service providers?

Cynomi addresses common challenges such as time and budget constraints, manual and error-prone processes, scalability issues, compliance and reporting complexities, lack of engagement tools, knowledge gaps among junior staff, and inconsistent service delivery. By automating up to 80% of manual tasks and embedding expert-level processes, Cynomi enables faster, more affordable, and higher-quality service delivery.

What business impact can customers expect from using Cynomi?

Customers can expect increased revenue (e.g., CompassMSP closed deals 5x faster), reduced operational costs (by automating up to 80% of manual processes), improved compliance (support for 30+ frameworks), enhanced efficiency (ECI increased GRC service margins by 30% and cut assessment times by 50%), scalable service delivery, and improved client engagement through branded reporting and centralized management. See CompassMSP case study.

Who can benefit from using Cynomi?

Cynomi is ideal for MSPs, MSSPs, vCISOs, and technology consulting firms seeking to deliver scalable cybersecurity and compliance services. It is also used by organizations in the legal, defense, and cybersecurity service sectors, as demonstrated in case studies with CompassMSP, Arctiq, CyberSherpas, and others. See testimonials.

Are there real-world examples of Cynomi's impact?

Yes. For example, CompassMSP closed deals five times faster after adopting Cynomi. ECI increased GRC service margins by 30% and cut assessment times by 50%. CyberSherpas transitioned to a subscription model, and Arctiq reduced assessment times by 60%. CompassMSP case study, Arctiq case study.

Product Performance & Ease of Use

How does Cynomi improve operational efficiency?

Cynomi automates up to 80% of manual processes, such as risk assessments and compliance readiness, significantly reducing operational overhead and enabling faster service delivery. Customers report measurable improvements, including increased revenue, reduced costs, and enhanced compliance.

Is Cynomi easy to use for non-technical users?

Yes. Customers consistently praise Cynomi's intuitive and well-organized interface. The platform guides even non-technical users through assessments, planning, and reporting. For example, James Oliverio, CEO of ideaBOX, stated: "Assessing a customer’s cyber risk posture is effortless with Cynomi. The platform’s intuitive Canvas and ‘paint-by-numbers’ process make it easy to uncover vulnerabilities and build a clear, actionable plan." See more testimonials.

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 support for over 30 frameworks. Unlike Apptega and ControlMap, Cynomi requires less manual setup and expertise. Compared to Vanta and Secureframe, Cynomi provides greater framework flexibility and is designed for service providers rather than in-house teams. Drata is premium-priced and has longer onboarding times, while Cynomi offers rapid setup and pre-configured automation. RealCISO lacks scanning capabilities and multitenant management, both of which are included in Cynomi. Learn more about vCISO services.

What makes Cynomi different from other cybersecurity and compliance platforms?

Cynomi stands out due to its partner-centric design for MSPs, MSSPs, and vCISOs, AI-driven automation, embedded CISO-level expertise, support for 30+ frameworks, branded reporting, centralized multitenant management, and a security-first approach. These features enable service providers to scale efficiently, deliver consistent results, and bridge knowledge gaps among junior staff.

Security & Compliance

How does Cynomi ensure security and compliance for its users?

Cynomi prioritizes security over mere compliance by linking assessment results directly to risk reduction. The platform automates compliance readiness across 30+ frameworks, provides enhanced reporting, and embeds CISO-level expertise to ensure robust protection against threats. See Cynomi's security commitment.

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

Cynomi provides a range of technical documentation and resources, including compliance checklists (CMMC, PCI DSS, NIST), NIST compliance templates, continuous compliance guides, and framework-specific mapping documentation. These resources help users understand and implement compliance requirements efficiently. CMMC Compliance Checklist, NIST Compliance Checklist, Continuous Compliance Guide.

Support & Implementation

What kind of customer support does Cynomi offer?

Cynomi provides 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 customers can maintain and optimize their use of the platform with minimal downtime.

How does Cynomi handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?

Cynomi offers a structured onboarding process, dedicated account management for ongoing support and upgrades, access to training materials, and responsive customer support for troubleshooting. This ensures a smooth experience and minimal operational disruptions for users.

98% of MSPs and MSSPs That Don’t Offer vCISO Services—Will, Hundreds of Security Leaders Report

Rotem-Shemesh
Rotem Shemesh Publication date: 5 September, 2024
vCISO Community
98% of MSPs and MSSPs That Don’t Offer vCISO Services

Demand for vCISO services is growing among SMBs, and MSPs and MSSPs are identifying this as a strategic opportunity to grow their business and profits. Yet, the same service providers are worried they lack the technology and security and compliance knowledge to reap the benefits, which include enhancing customer security and upselling their products and services. A vCISO platform has been proven to help address these challenges and be a key component in the vCISO strategy. These are the findings of the new “State of the vCISO 2024 Report” commissioned by Cynomi.

The survey spanned 200 security leaders from North America in MSPs and MSSPs with 50 or more employees. They are all security-focused, providing cybersecurity strategic services or cybersecurity consulting.

vCISO Services: From Sporadic Offerings to Table Stakes

This is the second year in a row the report has been conducted, and it’s interesting to see how the MSP and MSSPs industry evolving. In 2023, only 19% of MSPs and MSSPs offered virtual CISO services. Now, the percentage has climbed to 21%, and is expected to reach 39% by the end of 2024. Even more striking, last year, 86% of service providers were planning to offer vCISO services at some point. This year, the percentage grew to over 98%! This shows how vCISO services are becoming table stakes for MSPs/MSSPs and their customers alike.

The Benefits: Better Customer Security, Better Sales

The upcoming vCISO surge is not surprising, since 43% of MSPs and MSSPs that added vCISO services report they improved customer security. In addition, 36% were able to enhance client engagement and 38% upsold more products and services while 35% expanded to new customers as a result of offering vCISO services. Overall, more than half (59%) of service providers that added vCISO services increased revenue and/or their margins!

The Challenge: Technology and Skills

So why aren’t all service providers offering vCISO services yet? Offering vCISO services comes with its own set of challenges, which service providers need to overcome. These include lack of technology (29%), lack of relevant security and compliance knowledge (26%) and lack of skilled personnel (24%).

In other words, MSPs and MSSPs need a hand before they turn a profit.

The Solution: A vCISO Platform

A vCISO platform is the technological foundation for MSPs and MSSPs that aspire to offer vCISO services. The platform streamlines the vCISO service offering in the company. This is done by establishing structured processes, from risk assessment to policy creation to task management to reporting. It also provides all security and compliance knowledge required through frameworks and policies. Finally, it provides information and reports that can be shared with leadership.

No wonder, then, that MSPs and MSSPs that use such a platform report business and security achievements like standardizing work processes (36%), accelerating onboarding of their new employees (34%), easy access to compliance frameworks (33%), increased revenue (33%) and easy upselling (32%).

These unheard of success rates do not demonstrate a high ROI. They are also the answer to the challenges raised by service providers. vCISO platforms provide the knowledge and know-how needed without requiring services providers to hire expensive personnel or invest heavily upfront. Simply because any team member can provide high-quality services with a vCISO platform.

As 2025 approaches, seems like MSPs and MSSPs planning for growth and scalability will be integrating vCISO services into their business strategies. Those truly committed to success are leveraging a vCISO platform to maximize their results.

Download the full report here.