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.