vCISO
Security leadership, without the full-time hire
A virtual Chief Information Security Officer gives you experienced security leadership on a flexible retainer: strategy, compliance, board reporting and incident readiness.
At a glance
TypeMonthly retainer
FormatPart-time security executive
Best forTeams without a full-time security leader
Start withA 90-day engagement
Overview
What it is
A vCISO is a part-time, outsourced security executive. You get the strategic judgment of a CISO for a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire.
We own your security program alongside your team: setting priorities, managing compliance, answering customer questionnaires and reporting to leadership.
You need this if…
- Customers, investors or your board ask who owns security
- You need a security roadmap but cannot justify a full-time CISO
- Your compliance program needs ongoing ownership after certification
- You want an expert on call when incidents or audits happen
The Lightwork Method
How we get you there
01
Assess
Baseline your security posture and risks.
02
Roadmap
Build a prioritized 12-month security plan.
03
Govern
Maintain policies, risk register and compliance calendar.
04
Enable sales
Answer security questionnaires and join customer calls.
05
Prepare
Incident response planning and tabletop exercises.
06
Report
Clear metrics for leadership and the board.
Deliverables
What you walk away with
- Security program assessment
- 12-month security roadmap
- Board and leadership reporting
- Security questionnaire and customer due-diligence support
- Incident response plan and tabletop exercises
- Vendor and third-party risk management
Timeline & pricing
The retainer is a fixed monthly fee. Contact us for a fixed-price proposal.
vCISO engagements run on a monthly retainer with a defined number of hours or scope.
Start with a 90-day engagement and adjust as your needs change.
How much time does a vCISO spend with us?
From a few hours a month to several days, depending on what you need covered. We agree the hours and scope up front and review them after the first 90 days.
Can the vCISO join customer and board meetings?
Yes. Representing your security program to customers, auditors and your board is a core part of the role.
What happens when we hire a full-time CISO?
We help recruit and onboard them, and hand over a well-documented program.
Bring your security program into the light.
Book a free 30-minute consultation. We will map where you are, what your customers need and the fastest path to get there.