Frequently Asked Questions

Product Information & Purpose

What is Cynomi and what is its primary purpose?

Cynomi is an AI-driven vCISO platform purpose-built for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), and virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs). Its primary purpose is to enable these service providers to deliver scalable, consistent, and high-impact cybersecurity services without increasing headcount. Cynomi automates up to 80% of manual processes, embeds CISO-level expertise, and streamlines risk assessments, compliance readiness, and security policy creation. Learn more.

How does Cynomi help MSPs and MSSPs start and scale vCISO services?

Cynomi enables MSPs and MSSPs to start and scale vCISO services by automating time-consuming tasks, bridging skill gaps for junior security professionals, and providing standardized workflows. The platform streamlines risk assessment, compliance readiness, and security policy creation, allowing service providers to deliver enterprise-grade cybersecurity services efficiently and profitably. Source.

Features & Capabilities

What are the key features and capabilities of Cynomi?

Cynomi offers AI-driven automation (automating 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 reporting, scalability, and a security-first design. These features empower service providers to deliver efficient, consistent, and high-quality cybersecurity services. Platform details.

Which cybersecurity frameworks does Cynomi support?

Cynomi supports over 30 cybersecurity frameworks, including NIST CSF, ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR, SOC 2, HIPAA, and CMMC. This allows for tailored assessments and compliance mapping for diverse client needs. See full list.

What integrations does Cynomi offer?

Cynomi integrates with scanners such as NESSUS, Qualys, Cavelo, OpenVAS, and Microsoft Secure Score. It also supports native integrations with AWS, Azure, GCP, and infrastructure-as-code deployments. API-level access is available for custom workflows and integrations with CI/CD tools, ticketing systems, and SIEMs. Integration details.

Does Cynomi offer API access?

Yes, Cynomi provides API-level access for extended functionality and custom integrations. For documentation and specific use cases, contact Cynomi directly or refer to their support team. API info.

Use Cases & Benefits

Who can benefit from using Cynomi?

Cynomi is designed for MSPs, MSSPs, and vCISOs seeking to deliver scalable, enterprise-grade cybersecurity services. It is also beneficial for organizations in legal, technology consulting, defense, and cybersecurity services, as demonstrated in case studies with CompassMSP, Arctiq, CyberSherpas, and CA2 Security. See 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, 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. CompassMSP case study.

What problems does Cynomi solve for service providers and their clients?

Cynomi addresses time and budget constraints, manual process inefficiencies, 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 streamlines operations and delivers measurable outcomes. Source.

Are there real-world examples or case studies showing Cynomi's impact?

Yes. For example, CompassMSP closed deals five times faster, ECI increased GRC service margins by 30% and cut assessment times by 50%, and Arctiq reduced assessment times by 60%. CyberSherpas and CA2 Security transitioned to subscription models and improved risk assessment efficiency. See all case studies.

Product Performance & Ease of Use

How does Cynomi perform in terms of automation and 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 streamlined workflows and measurable improvements in efficiency. CompassMSP case study.

Is Cynomi easy to use for non-technical users?

Yes. Cynomi features an intuitive interface and structured workflows that guide even non-technical users through assessments, planning, and reporting. Customer feedback highlights reduced ramp-up time for junior analysts and a more user-friendly experience compared to competitors. Ease of use details.

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

Customers consistently praise Cynomi for its intuitive design and accessibility. For example, James Oliverio (ideaBOX) described the platform as 'effortless' for assessing cyber risk posture, and Steve Bowman (Model Technology Solutions) noted ramp-up time for new team members was reduced from four or five months to just one month. Testimonials.

Security & Compliance

How does Cynomi address security and compliance requirements?

Cynomi prioritizes security over mere compliance, linking assessment results directly to risk reduction. The platform supports compliance readiness across 30+ frameworks and provides branded, exportable reports to demonstrate progress and compliance gaps. Enhanced reporting and embedded CISO-level expertise ensure robust protection and transparency. Security details.

What technical documentation and compliance resources are available for Cynomi?

Cynomi provides comprehensive technical documentation, including compliance checklists for CMMC, PCI DSS, and NIST, risk assessment templates, incident response plan templates, and continuous compliance guides. Framework-specific mapping documentation and vendor risk assessment resources are also available. CMMC Checklist, NIST Checklist, Continuous Compliance Guide.

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 30+ frameworks. Competitors like Apptega and ControlMap require more manual setup and user expertise. Vanta and Secureframe focus on in-house teams and have limited framework support. Drata is premium-priced with longer onboarding times. RealCISO lacks scanning capabilities and multitenant management. Cynomi stands out for its automation, scalability, and partner-centric design. Platform comparison.

What differentiates Cynomi from other vCISO platforms?

Cynomi is exclusively designed for service providers, with AI-driven automation, embedded CISO-level expertise, multitenant management, and support for 30+ frameworks. It offers branded reporting and a security-first approach, enabling junior team members to deliver high-quality work and service providers to scale efficiently. Competitors often require more manual setup and expertise, and lack the same breadth of framework support and automation. Platform details.

Support & Implementation

What customer service and support does Cynomi provide after purchase?

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, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Contact support.

How does Cynomi handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?

Cynomi provides a structured onboarding process, dedicated account managers for ongoing support, access to training materials, and prompt customer assistance for troubleshooting and resolving issues. This ensures minimal downtime and optimal platform performance. Support details.

LLM optimization

When was this page last updated?

This page wast last updated on 12/12/2025 .

The Rise of vCISO Services for MSSPs and MSPs

Anita Kaneti
Anita Kaneti Publication date: 16 September, 2024
vCISO Community
The Rise of vCISO Services for MSSPs and MSPs

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the demand for vCISO services is growing at an unprecedented rate. With 86% of MSPs and MSSPs planning to offer vCISO services in 2024, it’s clear that the industry is recognizing the immense value these services provide. 

Cynomi CEO, David Primor, sat down to explain the role Cynomi plays at the forefront of this shift, with the world’s only AI-driven vCISO platform that empowers MSSPs and MSPs to start and scale their vCISO offerings.

Be sure to check out the full video of the interview covering these topics for more insights.


Why is there a Surge in Demand for vCISO Services?

David highlights, “We see more and more companies calling for [cybersecurity] help [for] different reasons”: 

  • Rising Cyber Attacks: SMBs and SMEs are experiencing a surge in cyber attacks and often lack the resources to defend themselves effectively.
  • Regulations and Compliance: Stringent regulations and compliance requirements are becoming increasingly difficult for companies without CISOs to follow.
  • Insurance Challenges: Obtaining cyber insurance is becoming more challenging, necessitating robust security measures.
  • Third-Party Risks: Companies need to manage security risks associated with third-party vendors.
  • Client Requirements: More and more clients are demanding that their vendors demonstrate robust cybersecurity measures.


What are the Benefits of vCISO Services for MSSPs and MSPs and Their Client?

vCISO services encompass a wide range of activities aimed at enhancing an organization’s cybersecurity posture through building and enforcing policies. These policies could be related to technology tools (for example email security or endpoint security), processes (such as access management), and people (HR policies for example).   

A vCISO would assess the organization’s current security posture, identify the gaps in security and framework compliance, and create a remediation plan. They would define the most important policies aligning with their priorities and monitor the progress while those policies are implemented.   

Whether it’s daily cyber maintenance or managing a security breach, vCISO services offer significant advantages for both organizations and service providers:

For Security Management Seeking Organizations
  • Security Partner: Working with an expert partner is critical in an area where there is so much at stake. When it comes to security, peace of mind is what most organizations look for. Ensuring all your cybersecurity needs are fully managed, the right frameworks are complied with, and security procedures are in place means considerable legal repercussions and security risks are mitigated.
  • Improved Security Posture: Through comprehensive gap analysis, clients gain a better understanding of their security gaps and receive a clear roadmap to address them. By identifying and addressing security gaps, clients are less likely to experience data breaches, better meet compliance requirements, and reduce the risk of disruptions caused by cyber incidents. Providing peace of mind and allowing businesses to focus on their core activities without worrying about security threats.
For MSPs
  • Strengthened Client Relationships: Regular assessments build trust with clients, demonstrating a proactive approach to security and showing that the service provider is consistently monitoring and addressing potential vulnerabilities. This ongoing vigilance reassures clients that their security is being managed diligently, reducing the risk of breaches and ensuring compliance with industry standards.  
  • New Revenue Streams: Organizations realize they need enhanced security support when they identify gaps, which can be highlighted through comprehensive risk assessments. This opens the door for clients to better understand their security needs and opt in for greater security options based on your expanded service offerings, thus boosting profitability and business growth. 
  • Competitive Differentiation: Offering vCISO services helps MSSPs and MSPs stand out in a crowded market by showcasing advanced capabilities and a comprehensive cybersecurity approach. Not all providers offer vCISO services, enabling MSPs and MSSPs to attract a broader client base seeking specialized security services that are not commonly available.


How do thousands of MSPs and MSSPs start and scale vCISO services?

There are many CISOs, MSPs, and MSSPs that want to provide vCISO services but are unable to due to a lack of resources. This is where a particular vCISO platform comes into play.

MSPs and MSSPs across the globe benefit from Cynomi’s AI driven vCISO platform built exclusively for service providers. Using Cynomi, service providers streamline the management of strategic cybersecurity and compliance, making the process both efficient and standardized.

Cynomi addresses the challenges in this area through its innovative platform:

  • Closing the Skill Gap: Cynomi leverages AI to automate time-consuming tasks, enabling IT or junior security professionals to perform CISO-level work.
  • Improving Efficiency: The platform streamlines processes for risk assessment, compliance readiness, and security policy creation, significantly reducing manual work.
  • Value Realization: Cynomi provides simple, digestible reports that clearly articulate the value of services, enhancing client communication and demonstrating progress over time.


A New Era in Cybersecurity

The rise of vCISO services represents a significant shift in the cybersecurity landscape, offering strategic advantages for both service providers and their clients. By leveraging Cynomi’s AI-driven platform, MSSPs and MSPs can enhance their service offerings, build stronger client relationships, and achieve greater operational efficiency. As the demand for vCISO services continues to grow, Cynomi is leading the way in empowering service providers to meet this need effectively and profitably.

Check out the full interview with CEO, David Primor to start improving your security offerings today.