Who are the top vCISO influencers to follow in 2024?

The top vCISO influencers for 2024 include Mike Miller, Mike Wilkes, Laura Louthan, Jesse Miller, Gina Yacone, Allan Alford, Carlota Sage, Wes Spencer, and Alexandre Blanc. Each brings unique expertise in cybersecurity, risk management, compliance, and industry leadership. For detailed profiles and links to their social media, see Cynomi's blog post (Feb 5, 2024).

Why is it important to follow vCISO influencers?

Following vCISO influencers helps you stay updated on industry trends, evolving definitions, frameworks, and best practices in cybersecurity. Influencers share practical insights, thought leadership, and guidance that can help MSPs, MSSPs, and organizations navigate the rapidly changing vCISO landscape.

What sectors do vCISO influencers typically represent?

vCISO influencers come from diverse sectors, including MSPs, MSSPs, consultancies, VARs, cybersecurity backgrounds, compliance, and large accounting firms. This diversity ensures a broad perspective on security challenges and solutions.

How often is the list of vCISO influencers updated?

Cynomi refreshes its list of vCISO influencers periodically to reflect emerging thought leaders and new industry trends. Check back regularly for updates.

What is the projected adoption rate of vCISO services among MSPs and MSSPs by the end of 2024?

By the end of 2024, it is projected that 84% of MSPs and MSSPs will offer vCISO services, reflecting the rapid growth and demand for virtual CISO expertise in the industry. (Source: Cynomi blog)

How can following vCISO influencers benefit cybersecurity professionals?

Following vCISO influencers provides access to expert advice, best practices, and the latest trends in cybersecurity, compliance, and risk management. This helps professionals stay competitive and informed in a rapidly evolving field.

Where can I find more cybersecurity influencer lists?

Cynomi regularly publishes lists of cybersecurity influencers, such as the Top 40 Cybersecurity Influencers to Follow in 2025. These resources help professionals discover new voices and stay updated on industry developments.

What are some recommended resources for learning about vCISO services?

Recommended resources include Cynomi's guides, webinars, and blog posts, such as the Getting to YES: The Anti-Sales Guide to Closing New Cybersecurity Deals and the vCISO Academy.

How do vCISO influencers contribute to industry best practices?

vCISO influencers contribute by sharing their expertise, publishing thought leadership content, speaking at conferences, and participating in industry discussions. Their insights help shape best practices and standards in cybersecurity and compliance.

What is the role of a vCISO in modern organizations?

A vCISO (virtual Chief Information Security Officer) provides strategic cybersecurity leadership, risk management, compliance oversight, and guidance to organizations, often on a part-time or consulting basis. The role is evolving rapidly to meet diverse security needs.

How can I stay informed about new vCISO influencers?

Stay informed by following Cynomi's blog, subscribing to industry newsletters, and engaging with cybersecurity communities on LinkedIn and Twitter. Cynomi updates its influencer lists regularly.

What are some common challenges faced by vCISOs?

Common challenges include keeping up with evolving security frameworks, managing diverse client needs, ensuring compliance, and staying ahead of emerging threats. Influencers often share strategies for overcoming these challenges.

How do vCISO influencers impact cybersecurity education?

Many vCISO influencers teach courses, host webinars, and publish educational content, helping professionals and organizations build cybersecurity knowledge and skills. For example, Laura Louthan offers LinkedIn Learning courses.

What awards or recognitions have vCISO influencers received?

Notable recognitions include Alexandre Blanc being named among the Top 30 Security Experts on LinkedIn in 2023 by Media Sonar and Wes Spencer winning the 2020 Cybersecurity Educator of the Year by the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards.

How do vCISO influencers engage with the cybersecurity community?

vCISO influencers engage through social media, conferences, podcasts, webinars, and advisory roles. For example, Gina Yacone serves on boards such as Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) North Carolina and regularly presents at industry events.

What is the significance of the vCISO role in cybersecurity?

The vCISO role is significant for providing strategic security leadership, especially for organizations that may not have a full-time CISO. vCISOs help organizations navigate compliance, risk management, and evolving cyber threats.

How do vCISO influencers help organizations improve their cybersecurity posture?

vCISO influencers share actionable advice, frameworks, and strategies that organizations can implement to strengthen their cybersecurity posture, improve compliance, and manage risk more effectively.

What are some ways to connect with vCISO influencers?

You can connect with vCISO influencers via LinkedIn, Twitter, industry events, webinars, and podcasts. Many influencers actively engage with their followers and share insights on social media platforms.

How do vCISO influencers contribute to compliance and risk management?

vCISO influencers contribute by sharing expertise in compliance frameworks, risk assessment methodologies, and practical solutions for managing regulatory requirements. Their guidance helps organizations stay compliant and secure.

What are some notable podcasts or newsletters by vCISO influencers?

Notable podcasts include Allan Alford's The Cyber Ranch Podcast. Mike Miller publishes a newsletter on the latest cybersecurity topics. These resources provide ongoing education and insights.

What are the key features of the Cynomi platform?

Cynomi offers AI-driven automation, centralized multitenant management, compliance readiness across 30+ frameworks, embedded CISO-level expertise, branded reporting, scalability, and a security-first design. These features enable efficient, scalable, and high-impact cybersecurity service delivery. (Source: Cynomi Features_august2025_v2.docx)

How does Cynomi automate cybersecurity processes?

Cynomi automates up to 80% of manual processes, including risk assessments and compliance readiness. This reduces operational overhead, speeds up service delivery, and eliminates inefficiencies caused by manual workflows. (Source: Cynomi GenAI Security Guide.pdf)

What compliance frameworks does Cynomi support?

Cynomi supports over 30 cybersecurity frameworks, including NIST CSF, ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR, SOC 2, and HIPAA. This allows tailored assessments for diverse client needs. (Source: Cynomi Features_august2025_v2.docx)

Does Cynomi offer API-level access?

Yes, Cynomi provides API-level access for extended functionality and custom integrations with CI/CD tools, ticketing systems, SIEMs, and more. (Source: manual)

What integrations does Cynomi support?

Cynomi integrates with scanners like NESSUS, Qualys, Cavelo, OpenVAS, and Microsoft Secure Score, as well as cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and infrastructure-as-code deployments. It also supports workflow integrations via API. (Source: Cynomi Features_august2025_v2.docx)

How does Cynomi prioritize security?

Cynomi employs a security-first design, linking assessment results directly to risk reduction and ensuring robust protection against threats, rather than focusing solely on compliance. (Source: Cynomi Features_august2025_v2.docx)

What reporting capabilities does Cynomi provide?

Cynomi offers branded, exportable reports that demonstrate progress and compliance gaps, improving transparency and fostering trust with clients. (Source: Cynomi Features_august2025_v2.docx)

How does Cynomi help junior team members deliver high-quality work?

Cynomi embeds CISO-level expertise and best practices into its platform, enabling junior team members to deliver high-quality work and accelerating ramp-up time. (Source: Cynomi Features_august2025_v2.docx)

What technical documentation is available for Cynomi users?

Cynomi provides compliance checklists, NIST templates, continuous compliance guides, framework-specific mapping documentation, and vendor risk assessment resources. See Continuous Compliance Guide and NIST Compliance Checklist for details.

Who can benefit from using Cynomi?

Cynomi is purpose-built for MSPs, MSSPs, and vCISOs, enabling them to deliver scalable, consistent, and high-impact cybersecurity services. It is also valuable for junior analysts and organizations seeking to improve compliance and risk management. (Source: Cynomi Features_august2025_v2.docx)

What industries are represented in Cynomi's case studies?

Industries include legal, cybersecurity service providers, technology consulting, managed service providers (MSPs), and the defense sector. For example, CompassMSP closed deals five times faster using Cynomi, and Arctiq reduced assessment times by 60%. (Source: Arctiq Case Study)

What measurable business outcomes have Cynomi customers reported?

Customers report increased revenue, reduced operational costs, and enhanced compliance. For example, ECI achieved a 30% increase in GRC service margins and cut assessment times by 50%. (Source: Cynomi Features_august2025_v2.docx)

How does Cynomi help organizations overcome time and budget constraints?

Cynomi automates up to 80% of manual processes, enabling faster and more affordable engagements without compromising quality. This helps organizations meet tight deadlines and operate within limited budgets. (Source: Cynomi GenAI Security Guide.pdf)

What pain points does Cynomi address for service providers?

Cynomi addresses time and budget constraints, manual processes, scalability issues, compliance and reporting complexities, lack of engagement tools, knowledge gaps, and challenges maintaining consistency. (Source: Cynomi GenAI Security Guide.pdf)

How does Cynomi help organizations maintain consistency in service delivery?

Cynomi standardizes workflows and automates processes, ensuring consistent delivery across engagements and eliminating variations in templates and practices. (Source: manual)

What customer feedback has Cynomi received regarding ease of use?

Customers praise Cynomi's intuitive and well-organized interface. For example, James Oliverio (ideaBOX) finds risk assessments effortless, and Steve Bowman (Model Technology Solutions) reports ramp-up time for new team members reduced from four or five months to just one month. (Source: Cynomi_vs_Competitors_v5.docx)

How does Cynomi help organizations bridge knowledge gaps?

Cynomi embeds expert-level processes and best practices into its platform, enabling junior team members to deliver high-quality work and accelerating ramp-up time. (Source: Cynomi Features_august2025_v2.docx)

What case studies demonstrate Cynomi's impact?

Case studies include CyberSherpas transitioning to a subscription model, CA2 Security reducing risk assessment times by 40%, Arctiq reducing assessment times by 60%, and CompassMSP closing deals five times faster. (Source: Cynomi Case Studies)

How does Cynomi compare to Apptega?

Apptega serves both organizations and service providers, while Cynomi is purpose-built for MSPs, MSSPs, and vCISOs. Cynomi offers AI-driven automation, embedded CISO-level expertise, and supports 30+ frameworks, providing greater flexibility and ease of use. (Source: manual)

How does Cynomi compare to ControlMap?

ControlMap requires moderate to high expertise and more manual setup, while Cynomi automates up to 80% of manual processes and embeds CISO-level expertise, enabling junior team members to deliver high-quality work. (Source: manual)

How does Cynomi compare to Vanta?

Vanta is direct-to-business focused and best suited for in-house teams, with strong support for select frameworks. Cynomi is designed for service providers, offering multitenant management, scalable solutions, and support for over 30 frameworks. (Source: manual)

How does Cynomi compare to Secureframe?

Secureframe focuses on in-house compliance teams and requires significant expertise, with a compliance-first approach. Cynomi prioritizes security, links compliance gaps directly to security risks, and provides step-by-step, CISO-validated recommendations for easier adoption. (Source: manual)

How does Cynomi compare to Drata?

Drata is premium-priced and best suited for experienced in-house teams, with onboarding taking up to two months. Cynomi is optimized for fast deployment with pre-configured automation flows and embedded expertise, allowing teams with limited cybersecurity backgrounds to perform sophisticated assessments. (Source: manual)

How does Cynomi compare to RealCISO?

RealCISO has limited scope and lacks scanning capabilities. Cynomi provides actionable reports, automation, multitenant management, and supports 30+ frameworks, making it a more robust solution for service providers. (Source: manual)

What is the typical implementation timeframe for Cynomi?

Cynomi is optimized for fast deployment with pre-configured automation flows, enabling rapid setup compared to competitors that may require up to two months for onboarding. (Source: manual)

What support resources are available for Cynomi users?

Cynomi provides technical documentation, compliance checklists, guides, and access to a support team for API and integration queries. Resources are available at vCISO Academy and Learning Guides.

How does Cynomi facilitate client engagement?

Cynomi provides purpose-built tools for client engagement, such as branded reporting and actionable insights, which enhance transparency and trust during sales conversations and service delivery phases. (Source: Cynomi GenAI Security Guide.pdf)

What is Cynomi's mission and vision?

Cynomi's mission is to transform the vCISO space by enabling service providers to deliver scalable, consistent, and high-impact cybersecurity services without increasing headcount. The platform empowers MSPs, MSSPs, and vCISOs to become trusted advisors and drive measurable business outcomes. (Source: https://cynomi.com/learn/risk-management-framework)

When was this page last updated?

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

9 vCISO Influencers You Need to Be Following in 2024

Table of contents

Top 12 vCISO Influencers You Need To Be Following

Title: 9 vCISO Influencers You Need to Be Following in 2024

By now, many MSSPs and MSPs are familiar with the vCISO role. It’s projected that by the end of 2024, 84% of these providers will offer vCISO services.

This emerging field of ‘virtual CISO’ is changing constantly. The vCISO role is still in the process of rapid evolution, and a consensus on its definition or scope is yet to be finalized.

With growing demands for vCISOs, a variety of market definitions were created and some confusion about a vCISOs responsibilities. One should keep up to date on trends, requirements, frameworks, and best practices. The guidance and insights provided by influential vCISOs can be invaluable.

There are many knowledge influencers in the space you should know about. A year ago, Cynomi compiled a list of the top vCISO influencers who we think you should be following. Today, we’ve updated this list with additional professionals who we see as thought leaders worth following.

If you’re already offering vCISO services or considering initiating this activity anytime soon, we recommend you follow at least one vCISO influencer on social media to stay well-informed. We hope this list will help you find that person.

9 vCISO influencers to follow:

1. Mike Miller
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesportfolio/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikemillercyber

Mike has over 25 years of experience as a CISO specializing in GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance), PCI, Defensive (SOC / Intrusion Detection) and Offensive Security (Penetration Testing), and Incident Response. Mike is a true thought leader in the vCISO space – in addition to speaking at conferences and giving interviews on cybersecurity, he owns a newsletter addressing the latest cybersecurity topics and shares from his experience as a vCISO daily on social media.

2. Mike Wilkes
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eclectiqus/

Mike is a seasoned Chief Information Security Officer known for his work with companies like SecurityScorecard, ASCAP, Marvel, AQR Capital, and Sony, among others. Being nominated by the World Economic Forum as a technology pioneer in 2020 and the author of a book for Cisco Press in 2002, Mike is a featured speaker at technology conferences and is a professor at NYU teaching cybersecurity courses. He is recently focused on vCISO service and posts value-adding content.

3. Laura Louthan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralouthan/overlay/about-this-profile/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraLouthan

Laura is a vCISO with more than 15 years’ experience in global security operations, IT architecture and data management. Following a variety of roles including heading information security for a large retailer, Laura founded her own cybersecurity consulting firm in 2017, Angel Cybersecurity, which is dedicated to helping small and medium business discover their potential to secure their critical information assets. She specializes in Compliance (with a unique focus on PCI), audit and assessment, and risk management. In addition to participating as a speaker in industry events and podcasts, Laura also gives online courses on LinkedIn Learning.

4. Jesse Miller
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/secopswarrior/

Jesse Miller, an accomplished cybersecurity executive and expert has a track record of fortifying organizations against cyber threats, is a prominent thought leader in the vCISO space.

Jesse leverages his deep operational and leadership experience from roles as CISO and vCISO to spearhead PowerPSA Consulting. His firm is dedicated to assisting MSPs in developing robust, full-spectrum security programs. Jesse’s guidance enables these firms to achieve their fullest potential, ensuring they deliver superior cybersecurity and risk management services to their clients.

His wealth of experience and commitment to staying ahead of industry trends make him a trusted advisor and a sought-after expert. Jesse constantly shares vCISO best practices and expert advice on social media. Check out his LinkedIn profile.

5. Gina Yacone
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginayacone/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gina_yacone

Currently leading the information security sector for Trace3 in Denver, Colorado, Gina Yacone stands out as an influencer in the cybersecurity landscape and specifically in the vCISO space.

Gina is a seasoned cybersecurity consultant and vCISO, with vast experience working with various industries and sectors to assess their risks, design their security programs, and deploy their security technologies. In addition to being an esteemed speaker, investor, board member and advisor, Gina actively engages in the cybersecurity community through her roles on the boards of Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) North Carolina and other local organizations, reflecting her commitment to leadership and development in the field. She is frequently seen on conference stages, having delivered insightful presentations on information security at over 50 events.

6. Allan Alford
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanalford/
Personal website: https://allanalford.com/

A distinguished vCISO leader, brings over two decades of cybersecurity expertise to the forefront and CISO experience from various industries. His journey, evolving from hands-on practitioner to visionary strategist, showcases a unique blend of technical acumen and strategic insight. Recognized for his dynamic leadership, Alford’s influence extends through engaging social media, teaching, presenting at conferences, and publishing insightful blogs, making him a trusted guide in navigating the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. He also owns The Cyber Ranch Podcast where he hosts friends and experts from the cybersecurity community for eye opening discussions.

7. Carlota Sage
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlotasage/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlotasage

Carlota Sage is the Founder and Community CISO of Pocket CISO, a company that has a community CISO approach to security advisory services to early-stage start-ups and small organizations. Carlota has been instrumental in establishing cybersecurity and compliance frameworks for many organizations, typically ranging from 50 to 150 employees. She is a vCISO since 2021, with vast experience in IT and Support Operations beforehand.

8. Wes Spencer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesspencer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wes_spencer

Wes is a technology innovator and cybersecurity expert with national recognition. He served as a senior executive and advisor of various firms including Fortune 500 and is the co-founder of multiple cybersecurity companies. Wes is very active in the MSP community and is the co-host of the CyberCall with over 5,000 MSP weekly listeners.

In addition to being a cyber executive, keynote speaker, and innovator, Wes is known by many as their YouTuber in the cyber space. Wes is currently VP of cybersecurity strategy at CyberFOX and founder of Empath.

Wes won numerous awards including the 2020 Cybersecurity Educator of the Year by the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards, and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Pro Publica, Dark Reading, and many other outlets.

Follow Wes’s YouTube page: youtube.com/wesspencer

9. Alexandre Blanc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandre-blanc-cyber-security-88569022/

Alexandre Blanc is an international speaker, an active participant in the cybersecurity community and a well-recognized cybersecurity influencer. Alexandre is actively involved in the defining of new technological standards and participates in discussions with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Recognized among the Top 30 Security Experts on LinkedIn in 2023 by Media Sonar and honored by the European Risk Policy Institute for significant contributions to global knowledge sharing in cybersecurity, Alexandre stands at the forefront of cyber risk expertise.

In his last role, Alexandre was the strategic and security advisor at VARS Corporation, a leading Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP).

Looking into the future

The realm of vCISO influencers is characterized by diversity, with thought leaders emerging from different sectors such as MSPs, MSSPs, consultancies, VARs, pure cybersecurity backgrounds, compliance and even large accounting firms.

Keeping an eye on vCISO influencers provides an excellent means to stay informed about industry trends, potential opportunities, and best practices.

Although the mentioned influencers stand out in the vCISO landscape, there are numerous emerging figures with remarkable insights that deserve attention. We’ll be refreshing this list periodically, so be sure to revisit for updates soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

About vCISO Influencers & Industry Trends