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Path to Becoming a vCISO

The signature vCISO interview series features top security leaders, inspiring service providers with guidance on starting and scaling their vCISO practices. Packed with expertise and personal stories, these conversations help elevate your vCISO journey.

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Key Takeaways

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Rising Demand for vCISO Services

The experts we spoke to emphasized that with rising regulations, evolving threats, and increasing complexity, organizations are increasingly turning to vCISOs for strategic security leadership without the cost of a full-time CISO. This shift is creating a significant opportunity for security professionals to offer vCISO services.

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Security as a Business Enabler

The experts we spoke to emphasized that effective security goes beyond technology and compliance – it requires aligning initiatives with broader business goals. They highlighted the vCISO’s critical role in ensuring security drives business growth, enhances operational efficiency, and strengthens resilience.

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The Critical Role of Methodology & Processes

To build a thriving vCISO practice, the experts recommended establishing repeatable processes, leveraging strategic communication, and embracing automation. Defining a clear niche and optimizing workflows are essential for delivering consistent value and scaling successfully.

Key Tips for Becoming a vCISO

  • Adopt a Strategic Security Mindset

    Moving from a technical role to a vCISO requires a business-first mindset. Aligning security with risk management and growth objectives.

    “One of the biggest challenges was learning how to communicate risk effectively. It wasn’t enough to say, ‘We need to do this because it’s insecure.’ I had to articulate the ‘why’ in a way that resonated with leadership and showed what’s in it for them.”  – Carlos Rodriguez, CEO of CA2 Security

  • Develop Strong Business Acumen

    Successful vCISOs excel in communication engage executives by framing security as a growth enabler. Translate risks into business impact, justify investments clearly, and position security as a growth driver. Mastering finance, operations, and strategy will set you apart.

    “Understanding business, the business that you’re in, the organization you’re in, the business context—this principle is actually being able to provide the cyber services in an effective way, versus telling folks, ‘Hey, you need to have this process.’ But why? Why is critical to answering these questions.” – Evan Morgan, Founder of  Cyber Defense Army (CDA)

  • Establish Scalable, Repeatable Processes

    A successful vCISO practice relies on standardized methodologies and automation.Streamline risk assessments, compliance, and incident response, ensuring quality and scalability.

    “vCISO services touch every part of an MSP, so a holistic approach is critical. Start by segmenting your client base to identify those ready for vCISO services. Train your team or hire for the specific skills required—soft skills, security expertise, and consultative abilities. Build workflows that integrate security seamlessly into IT operations.” Jesse Miller, Founder of PowerPSA Consulting and the PowerGRYD VCISO System

  • Find Your Niche

    Specializing in a specific industry, such as healthcare, finance, or legal, can make your services more valuable. Industry-specific knowledge allows you to tailor security strategies to unique regulatory and operational challenges, making you a trusted advisor in that sector.

    “Before you launch security, you have to know your client profile, and it’s even more important because there are so many compliances out there. At least starting out, you’re not going to be master of them all. So pick one compliance first. Learn that one really well, and then market to that one vertical. So if you’re going to do medical clients or if you already have medical clients, that may be a natural fit for you to go down that road to offer these services, but understand HIPAA inside and out before you offer the service.” – Nett Lynch, CISO of Kraft Kennedy

  • Prioritize Relationship Building

    Trust is the foundation of a successful vCISO engagement. Clients need to see you as a long-term partner who aligns security with business objectives. Focus on demonstrating how security enhances efficiency, resilience, and competitive advantage.

    “Our focus is on long-term relationships, not just quick fixes. We guide clients through the process, helping them close security gaps and achieve sustainable improvements. The best virtual CISOs don’t just tell clients what they want to hear—they tell them what they need to hear. That honesty and focus on true risk management is what sets us apart.” Greg Schaffer, Founder of vCISO Services

Common Themes on the Journey to Becoming
a vCISO

From our interviews with vCISO leaders, three common themes emerged in the journey to becoming a successful vCISO. While there’s no single path, these themes offer valuable guidance for those looking to enter the field.

Mindset Shift

Difficulty Transitioning from IT to Strategic Security Leadership

Many of the experts we interviewed shared that the hardest part of transitioning from IT or engineering to security was a mindset shift – viewing and communicating security as a business function, not just a technical one. This shift required aligning security with business goals and new skills in risk management, executive communication, as well as moving from a reactive IT approach to a proactive security strategy.

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The Challenges of Packaging, Pricing and Positioning a vCISO Practice

Experts interviewed shared that their main challenges in starting a vCISO practice included building credibility, generating leads, and defining clear service offerings. Many struggled with positioning their value, pricing models, and balancing multiple clients while maintaining quality. Client resistance to security investments and scope creep added to the complexity. For them, success required adaptability, a structured approach, and a strong business mindset.

Regulations

The Growing Role of Compliance and Regulatory Expertise

With growing data privacy laws and cybersecurity regulations, many of the vCISOs interviewed choose to specialize in frameworks like HIPAA, SOC 2, GDPR, and NIST. This specialization helps them stand out and offer high-value advisory services that go beyond technical security to ensure compliance and meet legal obligations.