Strengthening the vCISO Ecosystem by Launching the vCISO Academy

At Cynomi, we believe every organization deserves CISO-level cybersecurity management, which is why we are committed to elevating the vCISO profession by providing education and resources for service providers

Introducing the vCISO Academy – designed to empower MSPs, MSSPs, security consultants, and CISOs develop their vCISO capabilities and thrive in the ever-evolving cybersecurity market. By enhancing the proficiency of these professionals, we aim to ensure that businesses of all sizes have access to the high-quality cybersecurity management they need to stay secure.

We launched the vCISO Academy in response to a clear market need: the Virtual CISO (vCISO) market is rapidly gaining momentum, with 94% of service providers recognizing the growing demand for vCISO services.

In our new 2024 State of the vCISO Survey, we interviewed 200 senior security leaders (CEOs, CIOs, CISOs, COOs, vCISOs, Heads of Security and Senior Security Consultants) in MSPs and MSSPs. It’s become clear that, for MSPs and MSSPs, offering vCISO services is quickly becoming essential. In fact, 98% of service providers who don’t currently offer vCISO services plan to introduce them in the future, highlighting the critical importance of these services for SMBs. Of those planning to expand into vCISO offerings, 39% aim to do so within the next few months, with another 35% targeting the end of 2025. This rapid adoption indicates that MSPs and MSSPs without vCISO services on their roadmap may soon find themselves at a competitive disadvantage.

However, over 25% of providers report lacking the cybersecurity and compliance expertise needed to offer vCISO services and capitalize on this opportunity. This gap is exactly why we created the vCISO Academy —to empower service providers with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in this evolving landscape.

The vCISO Academy is designed to equip service providers with the knowledge and skills needed to build and expand their vCISO offerings, enabling their clients to achieve robust cybersecurity resilience.

vCISO Academy provides free, self-paced, hands-on training in crucial areas like developing a CISO mindset, effectively communicating risk to the board, creating compelling reports, packaging and pricing services, and conducting both risk and compliance assessments. Providers can access videos, tools, and resources anytime, anywhere, and benefit from practical exercises and real-world examples to solidify their understanding. 

vCISO Academy is designed to:

1. Broaden your perspective: The vCISO Academy provides a deeper understanding of what is a vciso with specialized training to address the cybersecurity skills shortage. By equipping professionals with vCISO expertise, we are helping fill a critical gap in the industry, ensuring businesses have access to the security leadership they need.
2. Empower professional growth: The vCISO Academy is designed to advance professionals’ careers by developing their vCISO skills, positioning them as trusted advisors, and making them invaluable to their clients. Courses are created by industry experts who share practical knowledge and real-world experience. 
3. Scale your practice: For MSPs and MSSPs, adding vCISO services is a strategic move that opens up new revenue streams and strengthens client relationships. The vCISO Academy’s comprehensive training and resources will help you scale your vCISO practice with confidence.

Join us in strengthening cybersecurity leadership

Whether you are just establishing or looking to expand your vCISO services, the vCISO Academy provides the tools and knowledge you need to succeed. The Academy will continue to grow, with future courses offering even more advanced resources, training, and opportunities for service providers to stay ahead in the ever-changing cybersecurity market.

Be a part of this exciting journey. Together, we can shape the future of cybersecurity.