Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are facing the same cybersecurity threats as large enterprises—but often without the budget or resources to match. That’s where Fractional CISO services come in.
A Fractional CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) offers executive- level cybersecurity leadership on a part-time or contract basis. It’s a cost-effective, scalable way for growing businesses to gain the strategic guidance they need without the overhead of a full-time hire.
What Does a Fractional CISO Do?
- Develop and implement a cybersecurity roadmap
- Ensure compliance with industry standards (GDPR, NIST, ISO, etc.)
- Manage third-party risks and vendor assessments
- Oversee incident response and disaster recovery plans
- Present to boards and executives on security posture
Why SMBs Are Turning to Fractional CISO Services
- Cost-Effective Expertise : Hiring a full-time CISO can cost $200K+ annually. A fractional model delivers executive insight for a fraction of the price.
- Immediate Access to Knowledge : Seasoned security leaders bring years of experience across industries, making them instantly impactful.
- Compliance and Risk Management : From SOC 2 to HIPAA, a Fractional CISO ensures your policies and practices align with ever-evolving regulatory requirements.
- Scalable as You Grow : Start small and scale up. Fractional models allow you to expand support as your risk profile and security needs evolve.
- Board-Level Representation : Your CISO isn’t just a tech expert—they’re a strategic voice that can help guide company decisions and earn stakeholder trust.
When to Bring in a Fractional CISO
- You’re preparing for a funding round or acquisition
- You need to meet compliance standards quickly
- You’ve had a recent breach or close call
- You want to proactively reduce cyber risk without overextending your budget
Cyber threats are growing more sophisticated every day, and small businesses can no longer afford to treat cybersecurity as an afterthought. A Fractional CISO provides the strategic leadership, regulatory guidance, and peace of mind your business needs to stay ahead.
Need cybersecurity leadership without the full-time cost?
Talk to Syphered about our trusted Fractional CISO services.