Frequently Asked Questions

Product Overview & Use Cases

What is Cynomi and who is it designed for?

Cynomi is an AI-driven platform purpose-built for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), and virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs). It enables these service providers to deliver scalable, consistent, and high-impact cybersecurity services without increasing headcount, automating up to 80% of manual processes such as risk assessments and compliance readiness. [Source]

How did CompassMSP benefit from using Cynomi?

CompassMSP transformed its vCISO practice with Cynomi, closing deals five times faster, delivering services more efficiently, and achieving higher consistency and quality. The platform unified assessments, reporting, and policy generation, enabling scalable service delivery and deepening client relationships. [Source]

What types of organizations can benefit from Cynomi?

Organizations such as MSPs, MSSPs, vCISOs, and IT consulting firms serving small and mid-sized businesses can benefit from Cynomi. The platform is also used by legal firms, technology consultants, and cybersecurity service providers, as demonstrated in various case studies. [Source]

What are some real-world use cases for Cynomi?

Cynomi is used for scaling vCISO services, automating compliance and risk assessments, streamlining onboarding, and standardizing service delivery. For example, CompassMSP closed deals 5x faster, and Arctiq reduced assessment times by 60% using Cynomi. [Source]

How does Cynomi help organizations scale their cybersecurity services?

Cynomi enables organizations to scale their vCISO and advisory services by automating up to 80% of manual processes, standardizing workflows, and providing a unified platform for assessments, reporting, and policy generation. This allows service providers to handle more clients without increasing resources. [Source]

What challenges does Cynomi address for service providers?

Cynomi addresses challenges such as manual, spreadsheet-based processes, inconsistent service delivery, slow onboarding, and difficulties in maintaining quality and consistency across engagements. It streamlines every stage of the vCISO workflow, enabling faster, more consistent, and higher-value delivery. [Source]

How does Cynomi improve client engagement and retention?

Cynomi provides live dashboards, risk scores, and tailored policies that turn technical data into clear, visual insights for clients. This transparency and clarity help deepen client relationships and increase retention, as clients see ongoing value from the platform. [Source]

What feedback has CompassMSP provided about Cynomi?

Jim Ambrosini, Director of Cyber Advisory Services at CompassMSP, stated, "When we started integrating Cynomi into the pitch, it was a game-changer. We were able to close deals in days or weeks instead of months." He also highlighted improved consistency, quality, and the ability to deliver services at scale. [Source]

How does Cynomi help with onboarding new staff?

Cynomi standardizes workflows and embeds CISO-level expertise, reducing the time and oversight required to onboard new staff. This allows junior team members to deliver high-quality work quickly and consistently. [Source]

What is the primary purpose of Cynomi's platform?

The primary purpose of Cynomi's platform is to enable MSPs, MSSPs, and vCISOs to deliver scalable, consistent, and high-impact cybersecurity services efficiently, automating time-consuming tasks and embedding expert-level processes to simplify complex cybersecurity operations. [Source]

Features & Capabilities

What features does Cynomi offer to service providers?

Cynomi offers AI-driven automation, centralized multitenant management, compliance readiness across 30+ frameworks, embedded CISO-level expertise, branded reporting, and a security-first design. These features streamline workflows, automate assessments, and enhance client engagement. [Source]

Does Cynomi support compliance with multiple frameworks?

Yes, Cynomi supports compliance readiness across more than 30 cybersecurity frameworks, including NIST CSF, ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR, SOC 2, and HIPAA, allowing tailored assessments for diverse client needs. [Source]

What integrations does Cynomi provide?

Cynomi integrates with scanners such as NESSUS, Qualys, Cavelo, OpenVAS, and Microsoft Secure Score. It also offers native integrations with AWS, Azure, GCP, and supports API-level access for custom workflows and connections to CI/CD tools, ticketing systems, and SIEMs. [Source]

Does Cynomi offer an API?

Yes, Cynomi provides API-level access, allowing for extended functionality and custom integrations to suit specific workflows and requirements. For more details, contact Cynomi directly or refer to their support team. [Source]

How does Cynomi automate cybersecurity processes?

Cynomi automates up to 80% of manual processes, including risk assessments, compliance readiness, and reporting. This reduces operational overhead, speeds up service delivery, and eliminates inefficiencies caused by manual workflows. [Source]

What reporting capabilities does Cynomi provide?

Cynomi offers branded, exportable reports that demonstrate progress and compliance gaps, improving transparency and fostering trust with clients. These reports are used both for internal tracking and client communications. [Source]

How does Cynomi ensure security and compliance?

Cynomi is designed with a security-first approach, prioritizing risk reduction over mere compliance. It links assessment results directly to risk mitigation and supports compliance with over 30 frameworks, including NIST, ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR, SOC 2, and HIPAA. [Source]

Is Cynomi easy to use for non-technical users?

Yes, Cynomi features an intuitive interface and step-by-step guidance, making it accessible even for non-technical users and junior team members. Customers have praised its ease of use and the reduction in ramp-up time for new staff. [Source]

What technical documentation is available for Cynomi users?

Cynomi provides technical resources such as compliance checklists, NIST templates, continuous compliance guides, and framework-specific mapping documentation. These resources help users understand and implement compliance and risk management processes. [Source]

Pain Points & Business Impact

What common pain points does Cynomi solve for service providers?

Cynomi addresses time and budget constraints, manual and spreadsheet-based processes, scalability issues, compliance and reporting complexities, lack of engagement tools, knowledge gaps, and challenges in maintaining consistency across engagements. [Source]

How does Cynomi impact business outcomes?

Cynomi delivers measurable business outcomes such as increased revenue, reduced operational costs, improved compliance, and faster deal closure. For example, CompassMSP closed deals 5x faster, and ECI increased GRC service margins by 30% while cutting assessment times by 50%. [Source]

How does Cynomi help with time and budget constraints?

Cynomi automates up to 80% of manual processes, enabling faster, more affordable engagements without compromising quality. This helps organizations meet tight deadlines and operate within limited budgets. [Source]

How does Cynomi address knowledge gaps within teams?

Cynomi embeds CISO-level expertise and best practices into the platform, enabling junior team members to deliver high-quality work and accelerating ramp-up time. This bridges knowledge gaps and ensures consistent service delivery. [Source]

How does Cynomi help maintain consistency in service delivery?

Cynomi standardizes workflows and automates processes, ensuring uniformity across engagements and eliminating variations in templates and practices. This leads to consistent, high-quality service delivery. [Source]

Competition & Comparison

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 over 30 frameworks, providing greater flexibility and reducing manual setup time compared to Apptega. [Source]

How does Cynomi differ from ControlMap?

ControlMap focuses on security and compliance management but requires moderate to high expertise and more manual setup. Cynomi automates up to 80% of manual processes and embeds CISO-level expertise, allowing junior team members to deliver high-quality work efficiently. [Source]

What makes Cynomi different from 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, providing greater adaptability. [Source]

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, linking compliance gaps directly to security risks, and provides step-by-step, CISO-validated recommendations for easier adoption. [Source]

What are the advantages of Cynomi over 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 quickly. [Source]

How does Cynomi compare to RealCISO?

RealCISO has a limited scope and lacks scanning capabilities. Cynomi provides actionable reports, automation, multitenant management, and supports over 30 frameworks, making it a more robust and flexible solution for service providers. [Source]

What makes Cynomi unique compared to other cybersecurity platforms?

Cynomi is purpose-built for MSPs, MSSPs, and vCISOs, offering AI-driven automation, embedded CISO-level expertise, centralized multitenant management, and support for over 30 frameworks. Its security-first design and client-focused features set it apart from competitors. [Source]

Support & Implementation

What resources are available to help new users get started with Cynomi?

Cynomi provides onboarding support, technical documentation, compliance checklists, and step-by-step guides to help new users implement and maximize the platform's capabilities. [Source]

How quickly can Cynomi be implemented?

Cynomi is optimized for fast deployment with pre-configured automation flows, allowing service providers to start delivering value quickly. Customers report immediate improvements in efficiency and service quality after implementation. [Source]

What support does Cynomi offer for compliance audits?

Cynomi provides framework-specific mapping documentation, crosswalk documents, control-to-requirement matrices, and evidence folder structures to support compliance audits and streamline the audit process. [Source]

Where can I find more information about Cynomi's compliance resources?

You can access Cynomi's compliance resources, including checklists and templates for frameworks like CMMC, PCI DSS, and NIST, on the Cynomi website under the 'Learn' and 'Resources' sections. [Source]

How does Cynomi support third-party risk management?

Cynomi automates and unifies vendor risk management, providing tools to assess, manage, and report on third-party risks efficiently. [Source]

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

Download Guide

How CompassMSP Accelerated Growth and Closed Deals 5x Faster

With Cynomi, CompassMSP transformed how it sells and delivers vCISO services, boosting efficiency, consistency, and client outcomes.

compass testimonial

The Challenge

CompassMSP wanted to expand its vCISO services but struggled to deliver services efficiently while maintaining consistency and quality.

The Solution

Cynomi provided a unified platform that streamlined assessments, reporting, and policy generation while enabling consistent, scalable service delivery.

The Impact

CompassMSP turned its vCISO practice into a scalable, efficient operation that deepened client relationships and positioned the firm for long-term growth.

Key Results
00 x
Faster deal closure

The Full Story

Building a Scalable Cyber-Advisory Practice

CompassMSP provides managed IT, security, and advisory services to SMBs. As demand for cybersecurity leadership grew, Director of Cyber Advisory Services Jim Ambrosini sought a scalable, efficient platform to expand vCISO offerings without compromising quality or consistency.

Challenges of Scaling Up

The main challenge CompassMSP faced was turning growing demand for vCISO services into an efficient, repeatable operation. Manual, spreadsheet-based processes slowed risk assessments, created inconsistencies, and limited visibility across clients. Each consultant used different methods, making it hard to maintain quality or track progress effectively. 

Onboarding new staff required significant time and oversight, while reporting and policy documentation were recreated for every engagement. These inefficiencies made it difficult to deliver consistently, stay on schedule and budget, and sustainably grow the practice.

Implementing Cynomi

Cynomi helped CompassMSP overcome these challenges. By unifying assessments, reporting, policy generation, risk management, and client communications into one platform, CompassMSP streamlined every stage of the vCISO workflow.

“We’re able to deliver on our contracts much faster than we ever were before and with a higher level of consistency and quality,” said Ambrosini. “We use Cynomi for literally all of our major customers, as it provides a framework for us to deliver services.”

Transforming the Sales and Delivery Motion

With Cynomi, CompassMSP transformed both how it sells and delivers vCISO services. The team began using live dashboards, risk scores, and tailored policies during client meetings, turning technical data into clear, visual insights. “When we started integrating Cynomi into the pitch, it was a game-changer. We were able to close deals in days or weeks instead of months,” Ambrosini shared. 

With automated reporting and a unified view of technical risk, CompassMSP achieved faster, more consistent, and higher-value delivery, strengthening client relationships, boosting efficiency, and driving lasting growth.

What Our Team Loves About Cynomi

  • When we started integrating Cynomi into the pitch… it was a game changer. We were able to close deals in days or weeks instead of months.

    Jim Ambrosini Director of Cyber Advisory Services, CompassMSP
  • Once they’re in the tool and see the value, they stay with us longer.

    Jim Ambrosini Director of Cyber Advisory Services, CompassMSP
  • “Cynomi empowers us to deliver consistently and at scale.”

    Jim Ambrosini Director of Cyber Advisory Services, CompassMSP
  • We use Cynomi for literally all of our major customers…it provides a framework for us to deliver services.

    Jim Ambrosini Director of Cyber Advisory Services, CompassMSP
  • My favorite feature is the ability to ingest technical information… because provides us with a complete picture of risk.

    Jim Ambrosini Director of Cyber Advisory Services, CompassMSP
  • We’re able to deliver on our contracts much faster than we ever were able to do before and with a higher level of consistency and quality.

    Jim Ambrosini Director of Cyber Advisory Services, CompassMSP
  • Cynomi made a tremendous difference in how we deliver services – the results were felt immediately. It literally took our level of execution to a completely new level.

    Jim Ambrosini Director of Cyber Advisory Services, CompassMSP
  • We’re turning over much more engagements and much more volume because we’re doing it consistently and at the price point that’s comfortable for our clientele.

    Jim Ambrosini Director of Cyber Advisory Services, CompassMSP
  • The fundamental challenge with delivering advisory services is executing within time and budget – while also ensuring consistency and quality of the deliverables.

    Jim Ambrosini Director of Cyber Advisory Services, CompassMSP

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