Frequently Asked Questions

Product Overview & Purpose

What is Cynomi and what does it offer?

Cynomi is an AI-driven platform designed to help Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), and virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs) deliver scalable, consistent, and high-impact cybersecurity services. It automates up to 80% of manual processes, embeds CISO-level expertise, and supports over 30 cybersecurity frameworks, enabling efficient risk assessments, compliance readiness, and reporting. Learn more

What is the primary purpose of Cynomi's platform?

The primary purpose of Cynomi is to enable MSPs, MSSPs, and vCISOs to deliver enterprise-grade cybersecurity services at scale without increasing resources. The platform leverages AI-driven automation to streamline processes, reduce operational overhead, and enhance service delivery. Source

How does Cynomi address common challenges faced by MSPs and MSSPs?

Cynomi tackles challenges such as time and budget constraints, manual processes, scalability issues, compliance complexities, and skills gaps by automating up to 80% of manual tasks, standardizing workflows, and embedding expert-level guidance. This enables service providers to deliver high-quality services efficiently and consistently. Source

What is Cynomi's overarching vision and mission?

Cynomi's mission is to transform the vCISO space by enabling service providers to deliver scalable, consistent, and high-impact cybersecurity services without increasing headcount. The company empowers MSPs, MSSPs, and vCISOs to become trusted advisors and foster strong client relationships. Source

Features & Capabilities

What are the key features of Cynomi?

Cynomi offers AI-driven automation, centralized multitenant management, compliance readiness across 30+ frameworks, embedded CISO-level expertise, branded reporting, scalability, and a security-first design. These features streamline workflows, reduce errors, and enable efficient service delivery. Source

How does Cynomi automate cybersecurity and compliance management?

Cynomi automates up to 80% of manual processes, including risk assessments and compliance readiness, using AI-driven workflows. This reduces operational overhead, speeds up service delivery, and eliminates inefficiencies associated with manual tasks. Download Guide

Which cybersecurity frameworks does Cynomi support?

Cynomi supports over 30 cybersecurity frameworks, including NIST CSF, ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR, SOC 2, and HIPAA. This allows for tailored assessments and compliance mapping for diverse client needs. See Supported Frameworks

Does Cynomi offer API access and integrations?

Yes, Cynomi provides API-level access for extended functionality and supports integrations with scanners (NESSUS, Qualys, Cavelo, OpenVAS, Microsoft Secure Score), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), CI/CD tools, ticketing systems, and SIEMs. Learn more

How does Cynomi ensure ease of use for its users?

Cynomi features an intuitive interface and structured workflows that guide users through assessments, planning, and reporting. Customer feedback highlights its accessibility for non-technical users and rapid ramp-up for junior analysts. Source

What technical documentation is available for Cynomi users?

Cynomi provides compliance checklists, NIST templates, continuous compliance guides, framework-specific mapping documentation, and vendor risk assessment resources. These are available via the Cynomi Academy and Resource Center. Explore Documentation

How does Cynomi prioritize security in its platform design?

Cynomi employs a security-first design, linking assessment results directly to risk reduction and robust protection against threats. The platform is certified for ISO 27001 and SOC 2, ensuring high standards of security and compliance. See Certifications

What reporting capabilities does Cynomi provide?

Cynomi offers branded, exportable reports that demonstrate progress, compliance gaps, and risk reduction. These reports improve transparency and foster trust with clients. Learn more

Use Cases & Benefits

Who can benefit from using Cynomi?

Cynomi is purpose-built for MSPs, MSSPs, and vCISOs, but also benefits junior team members, non-technical users, and organizations seeking scalable cybersecurity and compliance solutions. Source

What industries are represented in Cynomi's case studies?

Cynomi's case studies span the legal industry, cybersecurity service providers, technology consulting, managed service providers, and the defense sector. Examples include CompassMSP, Arctiq, CyberSherpas, CA2 Security, and Secure Cyber Defense. See Case Studies

What measurable business outcomes have Cynomi customers reported?

Customers have reported increased revenue, reduced operational costs, and enhanced compliance. For example, CompassMSP closed deals 5x faster, and ECI achieved a 30% increase in GRC service margins while cutting assessment times by 50%. Source

How does Cynomi help organizations overcome skills gaps?

Cynomi embeds CISO-level expertise and best practices into its platform, enabling junior team members and non-technical users to deliver high-quality cybersecurity services and accelerate ramp-up time. Source

What pain points 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, and consistency challenges. Source

How does Cynomi help MSPs and MSSPs scale their vCISO services?

Cynomi enables MSPs and MSSPs to scale vCISO services without increasing resources by automating manual tasks, standardizing workflows, and providing centralized multitenant management. Source

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

Customers praise Cynomi's intuitive design and accessibility. For example, James Oliverio (ideaBOX) finds risk assessments effortless, and Steve Bowman (Model Technology Solutions) notes ramp-up time for new team members dropped from four months to one. See Testimonials

How does Cynomi support compliance audits and vendor risk assessments?

Cynomi provides framework-specific mapping documentation, crosswalks, control-to-requirement matrices, and evidence folder structures, as well as resources for vendor risk assessments and contracts with security clauses. Compliance Audit Checklist

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 30+ frameworks, providing greater flexibility and faster setup than Apptega. Source

How does Cynomi differ from ControlMap?

ControlMap requires moderate to high user expertise and more manual setup, whereas Cynomi automates up to 80% of manual processes and embeds CISO-level expertise, enabling junior team members to deliver high-quality work. 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, scalability, and support for over 30 frameworks. 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, links compliance gaps directly to security risks, and provides step-by-step, CISO-validated recommendations for easier adoption. Source

What are the differences between Cynomi and 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. Source

How does Cynomi compare to RealCISO?

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

What advantages does Cynomi offer for different user segments?

MSPs and MSSPs benefit from centralized multitenant management and automation, vCISOs gain embedded expertise and actionable recommendations, and junior team members are empowered by intuitive workflows and step-by-step guidance. Source

Why should a customer choose Cynomi over alternatives?

Cynomi offers AI-driven automation, scalability, centralized management, compliance readiness across 30+ frameworks, embedded CISO-level expertise, enhanced reporting, and a security-first design, empowering service providers to deliver enterprise-grade cybersecurity services efficiently and achieve measurable business outcomes. Source

Technical Requirements & Documentation

What integrations does Cynomi support?

Cynomi integrates with scanners (NESSUS, Qualys, Cavelo, OpenVAS, Microsoft Secure Score), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), CI/CD tools, ticketing systems, and SIEMs, allowing users to streamline cybersecurity processes and better understand attack surfaces. Learn more

Where can I find Cynomi's compliance checklists and templates?

Cynomi's compliance checklists and templates for frameworks like CMMC, PCI DSS, and NIST are available in the Resource Center and Academy. These resources outline documentation and processes required for compliance. CMMC Compliance Checklist

What technical documentation is available for continuous compliance?

Cynomi provides a comprehensive guide on achieving scalable, always-on compliance with automation, available at the Resource Center. Continuous Compliance Guide

How does Cynomi support framework-specific compliance mapping?

Cynomi offers crosswalk documents, control-to-requirement matrices, and evidence folder structures that mirror framework layouts, aiding in compliance audits and mapping. Compliance Audit Checklist

What resources are available for vendor risk assessments?

Cynomi provides documentation for third-party agreements, contracts with security clauses, and shared responsibility matrices, as outlined in the CMMC Compliance Checklist. CMMC Compliance Checklist

Support & Implementation

How quickly can new users ramp up on Cynomi?

Customer feedback indicates that junior analysts can ramp up in as little as one month, compared to four or five months with other platforms, thanks to Cynomi's intuitive workflows and embedded expertise. See Testimonials

What support resources does Cynomi provide?

Cynomi offers a Resource Center, Academy, partner portal, and technical documentation to support users in onboarding, compliance, and ongoing cybersecurity management. Resource Center

How does Cynomi help service providers improve client engagement?

Cynomi provides branded reporting, centralized management, and actionable insights to enhance communication, transparency, and trust with clients throughout the engagement lifecycle. Learn more

What is Cynomi's partner program?

Cynomi's ELEVATE 4-tier partner program helps service providers scale faster by offering exclusive resources, training, and go-to-market materials. Partner Program

How can I contact Cynomi for support or more information?

You can reach Cynomi via their contact page for support, product inquiries, or partnership opportunities. Contact Cynomi

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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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The State of the Virtual CISO 2025

How AI is Reshaping Cybersecurity and Compliance Services

The 2025 State of the vCISO Report builds on our ongoing exploration of the vCISO landscape.

The findings are clear: demand for advanced cybersecurity services is reaching record highs and vCISO services are no longer nice-to-have. What was once a supplementary offering is now a staple service for MSPs and MSSPs. And with AI, vCISO providers are cutting workloads and speeding up delivery like never before.

If you’re an MSP or MSSP considering or already offering vCISO services, this report is a must-read. Here are a few highlights:

Demand for Advanced Cybersecurity Services is at an All Time High

79% of MSPs & MSSPs see high demand for vCISO services among SMBs

vCISO services are emerging as a top priority for SMBs, surpassing compliance readiness, cyber insurance qualification, strategic planning and risk assessments.

But There are Challenges to Overcome

Time and budget resources and skills gaps are major challenges. Approximately ⅓ of MSPs and MSSPs state they are worried about:

  • Profitability or ROI
  • The high initial investment
  • Lacking skilled cybersecurity personnel

The ROI is Real

MSPs and MSSPs that manage to bridge these service gaps can unlock meaningful business growth.

Among MSPs and MSSPs offering vCISO services:

41%saw improved upsell of additional products and services
40%reported increased margins
39%expanded their customer base
38%gained easier access to new prospects
36%experienced a direct revenue boost

AI is Changing the vCISO Game

AI is transforming how service providers deliver vCISO services. AI is already reducing manual effort, accelerating delivery and improving scale and efficiency.

42% of service providers report a whopping 81–100% reduction in manual workloads, allowing them to serve more clients without compromising quality.

Today, we’re only scratching the surface. As AI adoption accelerates, the impact on vCISO services’ quality, delivery speed and scale will grow exponentially, redefining how cybersecurity is delivered.

vCISO services are no longer an optional add-on for MSPs and MSSPs. With growing demand from SMBs, service providers looking to remain competitive, scale their business and improve customer security must include advanced security services in their offering. To overcome justified challenges like ROI and skills gap, service providers can leverage technology.

AI is already transforming the security workload, enhancing efficiency of security and compliance tasks that are part of the vCISO work.

By combining advanced technology with a vCISO services offering, MSPs and MSSPs can maximize their full business potential.

Methodology

Cynomi commissioned this survey to gain a true understanding of the advanced cyber security market, how MSPs and MSSPs are operating within it, and the impact of AI. The survey included 200 senior security leaders (Owners, CEOs, CIOs, CISOs, COOs, vCISOs, Heads of Security, and Senior Security Consultants) in MSPs and MSSPs. The respondents were from North America and employ 50 or more employees. They all provide cybersecurity strategic services or cybersecurity consulting. The respondents were recruited through a global B2B research panel, and invited via email to complete the survey. Global Surveyz, an independent survey company, completed the survey which took place during May 2025.

Get your copy of the report today