Frequently Asked Questions

Product Information & NIST CSF 2.0

What is NIST CSF 2.0 and why is it important?

NIST CSF 2.0 is the updated version of the widely used NIST Cybersecurity Framework, released in 2023. It is considered the gold standard for cybersecurity, providing guidelines to help organizations improve their cybersecurity practices and manage risks. The framework is now applicable to all organizations, regardless of industry or size, and includes a new 'Govern' function, increased emphasis on supply chain risk management, secure software development, and practical implementation examples. (Source, June 2024)

How does Cynomi help MSPs and MSSPs implement NIST CSF 2.0?

Cynomi has integrated NIST CSF 2.0 into its vCISO platform, allowing partners and customers to quickly adopt the updated framework. The platform provides a straightforward, easy-to-use interface and automates dozens of new tasks included in NIST CSF 2.0, enabling rapid onboarding and effective implementation. Cynomi was among the first platforms to offer this updated framework to its user community. (Source, June 2024)

Features & Capabilities

What features does Cynomi offer for cybersecurity and compliance management?

Cynomi provides AI-driven automation that automates up to 80% of manual processes, including risk assessments and compliance readiness. The platform supports over 30 cybersecurity frameworks (such as NIST CSF, ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR, SOC 2, HIPAA), offers centralized multitenant management, embedded CISO-level expertise, branded exportable reporting, and a security-first design that links compliance gaps directly to risk reduction. (Platform Features)

Does Cynomi support integrations with other cybersecurity tools and platforms?

Yes, Cynomi supports integrations with scanners such as NESSUS, Qualys, Cavelo, OpenVAS, and Microsoft Secure Score. It also offers native integrations with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP, and provides API-level access for custom workflows and connections to CI/CD tools, ticketing systems, and SIEMs. (Continuous Compliance Guide)

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

Cynomi provides extensive technical documentation, including compliance checklists for frameworks like CMMC, PCI DSS, and NIST; NIST compliance templates; continuous compliance guides; framework-specific mapping documents; and vendor risk assessment resources. These materials help users understand requirements, streamline compliance, and prepare for audits. (CMMC Compliance Checklist, NIST Compliance Checklist, Continuous Compliance Guide)

Does Cynomi offer an API for custom integrations?

Yes, Cynomi offers API-level access, enabling extended functionality and custom integrations to suit specific workflows and requirements. For more details, users should contact Cynomi directly or refer to their support team. (Source: Cynomi Manual)

Use Cases & Business Impact

Who can benefit from using Cynomi?

Cynomi is purpose-built for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), and virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs). It is also used by organizations in legal, technology consulting, defense, and cybersecurity services, as demonstrated in case studies with CompassMSP, Arctiq, CyberSherpas, CA2 Security, and Secure Cyber Defense. (Testimonials, Arctiq Case Study)

What measurable business outcomes have customers achieved with Cynomi?

Customers have reported significant improvements, such as CompassMSP closing deals 5x faster, ECI increasing GRC service margins by 30% and cutting assessment times by 50%, and Arctiq reducing assessment times by 60%. These outcomes demonstrate Cynomi's ability to accelerate sales cycles, reduce operational costs, and improve compliance. (CompassMSP Case Study, Arctiq Case Study)

What problems does Cynomi solve for service providers?

Cynomi addresses time and budget constraints, manual processes, scalability issues, compliance and reporting complexities, lack of engagement tools, knowledge gaps among junior team members, and challenges maintaining consistency. By automating up to 80% of manual tasks and embedding expert-level processes, Cynomi enables faster, more affordable, and consistent service delivery. (Source: Cynomi Knowledge Base)

Product Performance & Ease of Use

How does Cynomi perform in terms of automation and scalability?

Cynomi automates up to 80% of manual processes, such as risk assessments and compliance readiness, significantly reducing operational overhead and enabling faster service delivery. The platform allows service providers to scale their vCISO services without increasing resources, supporting sustainable growth and efficiency. (Source: Cynomi Features)

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

Customers consistently praise Cynomi for its intuitive and well-organized interface. 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." Steve Bowman from Model Technology Solutions noted that ramp-up time for new team members was reduced from four or five months to just one month. Cynomi is also highlighted as more user-friendly than competitors like Apptega and SecureFrame. (Customer Feedback)

Security & Compliance

How does Cynomi ensure product security and compliance?

Cynomi prioritizes security over mere compliance by linking assessment results directly to risk reduction. The platform supports compliance readiness across 30+ frameworks, provides enhanced reporting, and embeds CISO-level expertise. Cynomi holds ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certifications, demonstrating its commitment to robust security and regulatory standards. (Security Certifications)

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, which require more manual setup and expertise, Cynomi automates up to 80% of manual processes. Vanta and Secureframe are best suited for in-house teams and have limited framework support. Drata is premium-priced and has longer onboarding times, while Cynomi offers rapid setup and is optimized for teams with limited cybersecurity backgrounds. RealCISO lacks scanning capabilities and multitenant management. Cynomi stands out for its scalability, ease of use, and comprehensive feature set. (Source: Cynomi Competitor Comparison Table)

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, ongoing optimization, and minimal operational disruptions. (Source: Cynomi Manual)

How does Cynomi handle maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting?

Cynomi provides a structured onboarding process, dedicated account management for ongoing support and upgrades, access to training materials, and prompt customer support for troubleshooting. This ensures customers can maintain and optimize their use of the platform with minimal downtime. (Source: Cynomi Manual)

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When was this page last updated?

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

Getting to YES: The Anti-Sales Guide to Closing New Cybersecurity Deals

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What MSPs & MSSPs need to know about NIST 2.0, in 4 questions

Rotem-Shemesh
Rotem Shemesh Publication date: 18 June, 2024
Education Compliance vCISO Community Top Security Policies
What MSPs & MSSPs need to know

David Primor, CEO of Cynomi, and William Birchett a seasoned CISO and vCISO from Logos Systems discuss the key changes in NIST CSF 2.0 and analyze their potential significance and impact on the cybersecurity landscape.

 

1. What is NIST CSF 2.0?

Released in 2023, NIST CSF 2.0 is the second version of the widely used NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF). Considered the gold standard of cybersecurity frameworks, NIST is a set of guidelines designed to help organizations improve cybersecurity practices and manage cybersecurity risks. 

 

2. What’s New in NIST CSF 2.0?

  1. Any organization can use it. Originally designed to protect critical infrastructure companies. NIST can now be used by all organizations, regardless of industry or scale (this includes SMBs, mid-enterprise, etc.).
  2. New 6th core function: govern. Until now, NIST comprised five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. The addition of a 6th function – Govern—marks a significant evolution in the framework. This new function aims to delve deeper into the organizational and business context, taking into account elements such as risk management strategy and supply chain risk management, as well as the delineation of roles and responsibilities across the organization and the need for policy creation.
  3. Increased emphasis on supply chain risk management. While the concept was present in earlier versions, this addition targets the increasing reliance on third parties for operational needs and the cyber threats that can arise from supply chain. 
  4. Increased emphasis on secure software development. Software development is the cornerstone of many organizations’ operations, making software development security critical. Therefore, the updated framework’s more rigorous requirements for secure software development reflects the modern threat landscape.
  5. Includes practical implementation examples. The new framework provides tangible examples of how organizations can implement the framework effectively to achieve its desired outcomes.

 

3. Why should MSPs and MSSPs implement NIST 2.0?

  • NIST CSF is a U.S. government standard recognized by multiple countries around the world.
  • NIST 2.0 offers a more holistic approach to cybersecurity risk management and makes it easier to understand and implement. 
  • MSPs and MSSPs can deliver more accurate and efficient risk assessments. They can also deliver more effective and up-to-date cybersecurity plans, tailored to the specific needs of their clients.
  • MSPs and MSSPs can enhance their value proposition while gaining a competitive edge in the market. Their clients, in turn, benefit from the most robust, adaptive, and cutting-edge cybersecurity strategy that aligns with recognized best practices, improving their overall security posture while optimizing resource allocation.

 

4. How does Cynomi help you implement NIST CSF 2.0? 

NIST CSF 2.0 has already been integrated into Cynomi’s vCISO platform. This allows our partners and customers to become rapidly acquainted with the updated framework in a straightforward and easy-to-use manner, and to start leveraging the framework’s benefits and the dozens of new tasks it now includes, even before its formal publication. We’re thrilled to be the first platform to adopt and offer this excellent updated framework to our user community.