Expert Security Leadership Without the Full-Time Cost
Fractional CISO services that align cybersecurity with business objectives, manage risk, and guide your organization toward a more secure future
What is a Virtual CISO?
A vCISO is your trusted advisor for all things cybersecurity, providing strategic leadership when you need it most
When Organizations Need a vCISO
- Growing security capabilities without full-time executive budget
- Navigating compliance requirements (HIPAA, GDPR, CMMC)
- Answering board questions about cyber risk
- Recovering from security incidents
- Building security programs from the ground up
The vCISO Role
A Virtual CISO serves as your fractional security executive, providing the same strategic leadership and expertise as a full-time CISO, but on a flexible, cost-effective basis.
We translate complex security challenges into business-aligned strategies, guide risk management decisions, and ensure your organization maintains a strong security posture while meeting compliance requirements.
Four Core Service Areas
Comprehensive security leadership across strategy, risk, compliance, and architecture
Strategic Leadership
- Cybersecurity roadmap development
- Executive and board-level security advisory
- Business-aligned security initiatives
- Budget planning and resource allocation
Risk Management & Governance
- Enterprise risk assessments
- Third-party risk management (TPRM)
- Security policy development
- Risk mitigation strategies
Compliance & Audit Readiness
- HIPAA, GDPR, CMMC, SOC 2 compliance frameworks
- YearlingIQ platform for automated evidence collection
- Audit preparation and support
- Continuous compliance monitoring
Security Architecture & Implementation
- Zero Trust architecture design
- Security tool evaluation and implementation
- Product fit analysis
- Security maturity improvements
The Yearling vCISO Difference
An integrated three-pillar approach that delivers strategy, platform automation, and execution support
Expert Consulting
Strategic guidance from experienced security leaders with expertise across healthcare, finance, and technology
YearlingIQ Platform
Real-time security posture visibility your vCISO uses to track control implementation, identify gaps, prepare board reports, and accelerate audit readiness
Execution Specialists
Access to specialized talent for implementation when you need it, with no vendor handoffs
Why This Matters
One Partner, Complete Journey
From strategy through implementation, work with one integrated team that understands your goals
Platform-Accelerated Compliance
YearlingIQ automates evidence collection and monitoring, dramatically reducing audit preparation time
Specialized Talent On-Demand
Access security architects, penetration testers, and compliance experts when you need them
Proven Experience
Proven expertise across healthcare, finance, and technology sectors with deep regulatory knowledge
What You Get
Comprehensive deliverables that keep you informed, compliant, and ahead of threats
Monthly
- Executive security briefings
- Risk and vulnerability updates
- Policy and procedure reviews
- Security metrics reporting
Quarterly
- Board-ready security reports
- Roadmap progress reviews
- Vendor and tool assessments
- Maturity benchmark updates
Ongoing
- Unlimited advisory access
- Incident response support
- Budget and procurement guidance
- Team mentoring and training
Engagement Models
Flexible service tiers that scale with your needs
Advisory Only
Strategic guidance and leadership for organizations with execution capabilities
- Strategic guidance and leadership
- Monthly briefings and quarterly reports
- Policy and compliance oversight
Advisory + Platform
Strategic leadership accelerated by automated compliance tools
- Everything in Advisory
- YearlingIQ for automated compliance
- Continuous evidence collection
- Real-time security posture visibility
Full Integration
Complete security program delivery with specialized execution support
- Everything in Advisory + Platform
- Access to execution specialists
- Implementation support
- End-to-end security program delivery
Who We Serve
Organizations at critical security inflection points
Building Security Programs
Small to mid-size organizations establishing security capabilities from the ground up
Healthcare Compliance
Healthcare organizations navigating HIPAA compliance and regulatory requirements
Compliance Milestones
Growing companies preparing for SOC 2, ISO 27001, or other certification audits
Incident Recovery
Organizations recovering from security incidents and strengthening defenses
Board & Investor Questions
Companies facing board or investor security questions requiring expert guidance
Security Maturity
Teams needing to mature their security posture and build resilient programs
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a vCISO and a security consultant?
A vCISO provides ongoing executive-level security leadership and strategic oversight, serving as your organization's fractional Chief Information Security Officer. Unlike project-based consultants, a vCISO takes ownership of your security program, provides continuous advisory, and serves as a trusted partner for all cybersecurity decisions: from board presentations to vendor evaluations to incident response.
How many hours per month does a vCISO engagement include?
Engagement hours vary based on your needs and organizational complexity. Typical arrangements range from 20-40 hours per month, with flexibility to scale up during critical periods like audits, incidents, or major initiatives. We work with you to define the right level of support based on your security maturity, compliance requirements, and strategic goals.
Will you attend our board meetings?
Yes. Board-level security reporting and attendance is a core part of vCISO services. We prepare quarterly board reports, present security updates, answer risk and compliance questions, and provide the executive perspective your board expects from a CISO. We translate technical security matters into business-aligned communications that resonate with board members and investors.
What happens during a security incident?
During a security incident, your vCISO provides immediate incident response leadership: coordinating response efforts, making critical decisions, communicating with stakeholders, and guiding recovery. We help contain the incident, minimize business impact, ensure proper documentation, and coordinate with external resources when needed. Incident response support is included in all vCISO engagements.
Can you help us transition to a full-time CISO?
Absolutely. Many organizations use vCISO services as a bridge to hiring a full-time CISO. We help define the role requirements, participate in candidate evaluation, and ensure smooth knowledge transfer. We can also continue supporting your new CISO during their onboarding period, providing mentorship and ensuring continuity of your security program.
How do you integrate with our existing team?
We work collaboratively with your internal teams, IT leadership, and external partners. Your vCISO acts as the security executive: setting strategy, providing oversight, and empowering your team to execute. We mentor your staff, provide technical guidance, and help build their capabilities. The goal is to strengthen your entire security organization, not replace existing team members.
Ready to elevate your security leadership?
Let's discuss how fractional CISO services can align your cybersecurity with business objectives and strengthen your security posture.