Chris Cathers

In this interview, Chris Cathers, the CEO and co-founder of Octellient, shares his journey into the vCISO space, insights on building a successful advisory practice, and his predictions for the future of the industry. With over 15 years of experience in information security, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for aspiring vCISOs and MSPs looking to expand into the strategic security services domain.

At Octellient, our focus is on aligning security initiatives with our clients’ core priorities, ensuring they get maximum value from their security investments. As I often say, “It’s not about saying no, but about asking how we can do this appropriately.

Why Watch

1. How can you align security with your clients’ business goals to maximize the value of their security investments?
2. How does the vCISO model address gaps in the market for SMBs, and how can you customize strategies to fit specific business needs?
3. What are the key strategies for scaling security programs, and how can you build security maturity over time to make it an integral part of operations?
4. How can you adapt to shifting market demands and maintain flexibility during times of crisis, like COVID-19?
5. How can you develop a robust vCISO methodology, and why is strong sales enablement and organizational alignment crucial to successfully offering vCISO services?

About Chris Cathers

Chris Cathers, Co-Founder and CEO of Octellient, is a visionary leader with a deep passion for transforming cybersecurity into a strategic enabler for businesses. With more than 20 years of experience across information security, consulting, and management, Chris has a proven track record of helping organizations navigate complex cybersecurity challenges with confidence. His leadership at Octellient is rooted in a commitment to integrity, innovation, and client success, setting the tone for the company’s business-first approach in all its solutions. 

As an advocate for cybersecurity awareness and education, Chris is actively involved in the cybersecurity community, often sharing his expertise as a speaker, panelist, and contributor to industry publications. His focus on building lasting client relationships and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence drives Octellient’s mission to empower businesses with resilient, secure, and innovative solutions. Chris’s hands-on approach and dedication to continuous improvement make him an invaluable partner to clients striving for long-term security and growth. 

About the Path to Becoming a vCISO

The Path to Becoming a vCISO is a curated collection of insights from some of the most respected voices in the virtual CISO space. Through in-depth interviews, these industry leaders share their journeys, challenges, and hard-earned lessons on building and scaling successful vCISO practices. The hub offers practical tips, real-world strategies, and proven advice to help service providers scale effectively, differentiate their services, and deliver measurable value to clients.

At Cynomi, we’re committed to supporting the growth of the vCISO community. This hub is our way of spotlighting the people shaping the future of cybersecurity leadership—and providing valuable guidance for MSPs, MSSPs, and aspiring vCISOs looking to elevate their services.