Frequently Asked Questions

About Dr. Jerry Craig

Who is Dr. Jerry Craig and what is his background?

Dr. Jerry Craig is a cybersecurity executive with over 20 years of experience across military, government, and private sectors. He has served as a federal healthcare contractor with CMS, CISO at Ntiva, and is currently the VP of Information Security at Integris, a national Managed Service Provider (MSP). Dr. Craig also teaches at Capitol Technology University and UMGC, and holds a Doctor of Science in Cybersecurity along with certifications such as CISSP, C|CISO, CCSP, PMP, and CMMC Registered Practitioner. View his LinkedIn profile or watch his interview on Cynomi's Path to Becoming a vCISO series. Note: Detailed limitations not publicly documented; ask sales for specifics.

What is the main topic of the interview with Dr. Jerry Craig featured on Cynomi's website?

The interview with Dr. Jerry Craig focuses on his journey in cybersecurity and IT management, his transition from federal healthcare contractor to VP of Information Security at Integris, and his insights on strategic cybersecurity leadership. He discusses the evolving cybersecurity landscape, the importance of aligning security with business objectives, and the challenges MSPs face in delivering vCISO services. Watch the interview here. Note: The interview does not cover pricing or product-specific technical details.

Path to Becoming a vCISO

What is the 'Path to Becoming a vCISO' series?

The 'Path to Becoming a vCISO' is a series of interviews with top cybersecurity influencers, including Dr. Jerry Craig, Carlos Rodriguez, Chad Fullerton, and others. The series provides insights, personal stories, and actionable tips for security professionals looking to start and scale their virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) practices. Topics include rising demand for vCISO services, aligning security with business goals, and establishing scalable processes. Explore the series here. Note: The series does not provide product pricing or direct technical support.

What resources are available for service providers transitioning to vCISO roles?

Service providers can access the vCISO Leader Hub, which offers interviews with industry leaders, practical guidance, and resources for building a scalable cybersecurity practice. Additional guides, such as the '5-Step Plan to Becoming a Profitable vCISO', are available for download at this page. Note: These resources do not include hands-on technical training; for technical documentation, refer to Cynomi's compliance checklists and templates.

Where can I learn about the path to becoming a vCISO?

You can learn about the path to becoming a vCISO on Cynomi's dedicated page. This resource includes interviews, guides, and actionable tips for security professionals. Note: The page focuses on career development and does not provide product-specific technical support.

Who can become a vCISO, and what skills and qualifications are necessary?

Individuals with expertise in cybersecurity and risk management can become vCISOs. Required skills and qualifications are detailed in this section of Cynomi's course. For a video overview, see Who Can Be a vCISO?. Note: The course does not guarantee certification or job placement.

What tips are provided for becoming a successful vCISO?

The 'Path to Becoming a vCISO' page recommends: adopting a strategic security mindset, developing strong business acumen, establishing scalable and repeatable processes, specializing in a specific industry, and prioritizing relationship building with clients. Read more tips here. Note: These tips are for guidance and may not apply to every situation.

Cynomi Platform Features & Capabilities

What features does the Cynomi platform offer for vCISO service providers?

Cynomi offers AI-driven automation that automates up to 80% of manual processes, such as risk assessments and compliance readiness. The platform supports over 30 frameworks (including NIST CSF, ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR, SOC 2, HIPAA), provides centralized multitenant management, embedded CISO-level expertise, branded exportable reports, and an intuitive interface designed for non-technical users. Note: Cynomi may not be suitable for organizations requiring frameworks not currently supported; ask sales for specifics.

What integrations does Cynomi support?

Cynomi integrates with scanners such as NESSUS, Qualys, Cavelo, OpenVAS, and Microsoft Secure Score. It also supports native integrations with AWS, Azure, and GCP, as well as workflow tools like CI/CD, ticketing systems, and SIEMs. Note: Not all integrations may be available in every region or plan; confirm with Cynomi support for your use case.

What technical documentation and resources does Cynomi provide?

Cynomi offers technical resources such as the NIST Compliance Checklist, NIST Policy Templates, NIST Risk Assessment Template, and NIST Incident Response Plan Template. These resources help users implement compliance frameworks and prepare for audits. Note: These documents are templates and may require customization for your organization.

Use Cases & Customer Success

What are some customer success stories involving Cynomi?

Notable customer success stories include: CyberSherpas (transitioned to a subscription model and streamlined processes), CA2 (reduced costs and cut risk assessment times by 40%), and Arctiq (provided comprehensive risk and compliance assessments). Note: Results may vary depending on organization size and existing processes.

What industries are represented in Cynomi's case studies?

Cynomi's case studies include vCISO service providers (e.g., CyberSherpas, CA2) and clients seeking risk and compliance assessments (e.g., Arctiq). For more details, see CyberSherpas, CA2, and Arctiq. Note: Industry representation may expand as new case studies are published.

Competition & Comparison

How does Cynomi compare to Apptega?

Apptega serves both organizations and service providers, requiring high user expertise and manual setup. Cynomi embeds CISO-level expertise, automates up to 80% of manual processes, and prioritizes security over compliance. Apptega's interface is noted to be more complex, with a steeper learning curve. Choose Cynomi if you need automation and ease of use; choose Apptega if you require highly customizable manual workflows. Note: Apptega may be preferable for teams with advanced compliance expertise and custom requirements.

How does Cynomi compare to Vanta?

Vanta is optimized for direct-to-business use and focuses on select frameworks like SOC 2 and ISO 27001. Cynomi is designed for service providers (MSPs, MSSPs, vCISOs), supports over 30 frameworks, and offers multi-tenant capabilities. Vanta is often premium-priced, while Cynomi is positioned as more cost-effective. Choose Cynomi for framework flexibility and service provider features; choose Vanta for direct-to-business compliance with a focus on SOC 2/ISO 27001. Note: Vanta may be preferable for organizations with in-house compliance teams focused on a narrow set of frameworks.

How does Cynomi compare to Secureframe?

Secureframe is compliance-first and focuses on in-house compliance teams. Cynomi links compliance gaps directly to security risks, supports more frameworks, and enables service providers to scale efficiently. Secureframe may be better suited for organizations with established compliance teams and less need for multi-tenant management. Note: Secureframe may be preferable for companies prioritizing in-house compliance over managed services.

Limitations & Suitability

What are the limitations of Cynomi's platform?

Cynomi may not be suitable for organizations requiring frameworks not currently supported, or for those needing highly customized manual compliance workflows. Some integrations may not be available in all regions or plans. For detailed limitations, contact Cynomi sales. Note: Always verify compatibility with your specific requirements before purchase.

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When was this page last updated?

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

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Dr. Jerry Craig

VP of Information Security of Integris

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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In this interview, Dr. Craig discusses his extensive experience in cybersecurity and IT management, spanning over two decades. He shares insights into his journey from working as a federal healthcare contractor with CMS to his current role as VP of Information Security at Integris, a leading Managed Service Provider (MSP). Dr. Craig emphasizes the importance of strategic cybersecurity leadership and the role of a CISO in helping organizations strengthen their security posture. With expertise in compliance and risk management, he also highlights the challenges and opportunities for businesses in navigating the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue; it’s a business issue that needs to be understood and managed at the leadership level.

Why Watch

  1. Why is it crucial for MSPs to transition from traditional IT support to proactive cybersecurity services, and how is the demand for vCISO offerings growing?
  2. What are the best strategies for targeting specific industries and client sizes to successfully sell vCISO services, especially in regulated sectors?
  3. What challenges do MSPs face in finding and retaining affordable, experienced cybersecurity talent for vCISO roles, and how can they overcome them?
  4. How can MSPs position cybersecurity services as a vital business necessity rather than an optional add-on to drive client adoption?
  5. How is the cybersecurity landscape evolving with increasing regulatory requirements, privacy laws, and the growing demand for industry-specific CISOs?

About Dr. Jerry Craig

Dr. Craig is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in Cybersecurity and IT Management, known for his innovative approach and strategic direction. His career includes active-duty service in the United States Marine Corps, roles as a Department of Defense contractor and federal healthcare contractor with CMS, and serving as the CISO for Ntiva. Currently, Dr. Craig is the VP of Information Security at Integris, a large Managed Service Provider, where he focuses on enhancing corporate security and supporting client-facing departments. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor and Dissertation Committee Chair for Capitol Technology University and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus. Dr. Craig holds a Doctor of Science in Cybersecurity, a Master of Arts in Economics and Business Administration, and numerous certifications, including C|CISO, CCSP, CISSP, InTP, PMP, and CMMC Registered Practitioner.

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.

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