Top 10 Virtual CISO Companies for 2025

Regulatory compliance, pressure from enterprise clients, and the constant threat of breaches demand serious attention – long before most teams are ready to hire a full-time Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

Many companies still operate without a dedicated security executive. The result? Missed risks, increased compliance gaps, and costly security incidents. In 2024 alone, the average cost of a data breach hit $4.88 million, a 10% increase in just a year.

That’s where a Virtual CISO (vCISO) can help. A vCISO offers experienced, strategic security leadership tailored to your stage of growth. They help implement security frameworks, establish best practices, train your team, and prepare for audits, all without the overhead of a full-time executive.

But how can you choose the best vCISO provider? To help you make the right choice, we’ve listed the top virtual CISO companies for 2025. And we are ready to show it to you!

What Are the Best vCISO Companies

In this section, we've gathered the top 10 virtual CISO companies in 2025 from across the USA and Europe. What makes them the best? The following companies stand out for proven cybersecurity expertise, flexible and scalable service models, strong reputations, positive client reviews, and consistent delivery of tangible results.

So, here are the leading vCISO companies:

1. TechMagic
2. Kroll
3. FRSecure
4. Bulletproof
5. OneCollab
6. Framework Security
7. Integris
8. Dionach
9. SideChannel
10. PurpleSec

TechMagic

TechMagic is a leading ISO-certified cybersecurity services and software development company, offering on-demand vCISO expertise. TechMagic’s vCISO provides custom cybersecurity strategies, expert risk management, and compliance support for growing businesses.

TechMagic’s clients benefit from a flexible approach, proactive risk mitigation, and strategic guidance aligned with the industry-specific threats and regulatory requirements.

TechMagic’s virtual CISO services are highly scalable and can expand or contract based on the changing conditions. This keeps defenses robust as the business grows or requirements shift. With a strong reputation, rich portfolio, and a focus on continuous improvement, TechMagic helps companies stay resilient against cyber threats and expand their business safely.

In addition to virtual CISO, TechMagic offers the following cybersecurity services:

• Penetration testing
• Managed cybersecurity
• Social engineering testing
• ISO 27001 consulting & preparation
• SOC 2 consulting & readiness
• DevSecOps
• Managed SOC
• Red teaming
• Cyber threat intelligence
• Application security as a service

Kroll

Kroll is a global risk management and investigations firm with a strong cyber arm. Kroll embeds skilled CISOs into client organizations to safeguard sensitive data and improve overall security posture. Their experts guide strategy, set privacy and security policies, and work with boards and executives to align security with business goals.

Kroll stands out for its breadth of experience, serving Fortune 500 companies, and its ability to augment teams from interim assignments to long-term engagements, which makes it ideal for large enterprises seeking flexible executive security support.

FRSecure

FRSecure is a cybersecurity consulting firm specializing in compliance and vulnerability assessments. FRSecure offers virtual CISO engagements that meet an organization's security programs and then build a custom roadmap to advance them. They begin with comprehensive risk assessments of the client’s current security maturity and then continuously coach and refine the security program.

FRSecure’s certified experts focus on measurable improvements and vulnerability management, making them a strong choice for regulated industries (healthcare, finance, etc.) that need customized compliance-driven security leadership.

Bulletproof

Bulletproof is a UK-based CREST-accredited cybersecurity firm. Bulletproof offers CISO-as-a-Service under its “Bulletproof CISO” brand, providing flexible vCISO packages. They market trusted virtual CISO consulting solutions that deliver independent strategic guidance on information security and risk management.

In practice, Bulletproof’s consultants use their expertise in penetration testing, ISO/SOC certifications, and cybersecurity operations to quickly make an impact on clients’ cybersecurity efforts. What distinguishes Bulletproof is their strong focus on CREST best practices and rapid implementation: clients can ramp up security programs immediately with Bulletproof’s modular, subscription-like vCISO solutions.

OneCollab

OneCollab is a cyber advisory boutique focused on private equity firms. The broad range of OneCollab's professionals offers vCISO expertise tailored for PE (Private Equity) portfolios. They provide security leadership and strategic guidance to secure multiple portfolio companies cost-effectively. Their virtual CISO consultants help clients optimize cybersecurity investments and ensure acquisitions meet regulatory and risk requirements.

The company is among the best vCISO-as-a-service providers because its clients can benefit from “peace of mind and…amazing value for money” by outsourcing CISO responsibilities to OneCollab. The firm’s niche focus on PE and its economical pricing model make it distinctive for financial services use cases.

Framework Security

Framework Security is a U.S.-based cybersecurity advisory firm specializing in vCISO and managed security services. Framework’s virtual CISO team of experienced cybersecurity professionals provides executive-level guidance in cybersecurity, risk management, and regulatory compliance. They design and implement customized security programs that align with a company’s business objectives and regulatory needs.

Framework stands out for its blend of technical and strategic expertise: their seasoned professionals not only assess and mitigate risks, but also build governance frameworks, innovative strategies, and continuous improvement plans, all delivered flexibly to avoid the expense of a full-time CISO.

Integris

Integris is a national IT firm providing vCISO solutions. Integris’ vCISO consultants are typically CISSP-certified experts who tailor security leadership to an organization’s compliance and risk requirements. They help companies navigate standards like HIPAA, GDPR, NYDFS, CMMC, etc., integrating those into practical security roadmaps.

Integris emphasizes value by providing a “smart investment” model: clients get CISO-level security guidance and vendor risk management at a fraction of the cost of a permanent executive. This makes Integris a solid fit for businesses and MSSPs needing robust compliance and governance support.

Dionach

Dionach is a Scottish cybersecurity firm known for compliance management expertise, threat intelligence, and security awareness training. Dionach’s virtual CISO consulting services provide access to an “industry-leading panel of experts” to guide security strategy. They emphasize developing a highly adaptable security program that can respond rapidly to evolving cyber threats.

Their vCISO team solves unique challenges, introduces best practices, and helps implement compliance standards at the certification level. Dionach’s strength is in their depth of leadership experience: clients get guidance from former directors who can navigate both technical security controls and board-level reporting.

SideChannel

SideChannel is a consulting company specializing in vCISO for SMBs (small and medium enterprises) and startups. SideChannel pioneered a fractional virtual CISO model, providing startups with access to a team of former CISOs and CSOs from large tech firms. Their virtual CISO and advisory services are highly flexible and affordable, bridging security gaps for growing companies.

In practice, SideChannel matches each client with a security leader who assesses cyber risks and builds a holistic strategy. The company’s core advantage is its experienced talent pool: clients benefit from proven security frameworks and actionable plans that reduce risk while fitting lean budgets.

PurpleSec

PurpleSec is a managed security provider targeting small businesses and startups. PurpleSec offers subscription-based fractional CISO services to help companies build or mature their cybersecurity programs. They use a phased methodology: first assessing the organization’s security posture, then setting strategic objectives and developing a detailed roadmap aligned with business goals.

Their vCISO support covers everything from security architecture and policy development to vendor risk and incident response. PurpleSec highlights compliance readiness, including PCI, HIPAA, CMMC, SOC 2, ISO 27001, as part of its vCISO package. PurpleSec bundles these services with their managed XDR platform, enabling organizations to “level up” security affordably.

How To Choose vCISO Service Company: Detailed Checklist

We know that choosing the right vCISO provider is hard. Use the checklist below to compare vCISO companies and evaluate key factors that ensure long-term security, compliance, and business alignment.

Consider the company's certifications and compliance standards

Verify that the company holds certifications such as ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 2 Type II, or employs certified professionals. These credentials indicate adherence to industry-recognized best practices. Also, confirm they have hands-on experience with your required compliance standards, such as GDPR for European businesses, HIPAA for healthcare, or PCI DSS for payment systems.

Evaluate the company's pricing models and service flexibility

Request a clear vCISO cost breakdown, focusing on pricing structures: hourly rates, monthly retainers, or tiered packages. Look for the top vCISO providers that allow scaling services up or down without long-term lock-in. The best vCISO firms tailor services to your specific risk profile, company size, operational needs, and strategic objectives, not force a generic solution.

Assess the company's integration capabilities with existing systems

Ask how the vCISO team integrates with your current tech stack – SIEMs, EDRs, IAM platforms, cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP), and collaboration tools. Strong candidates will conduct an initial technical assessment and propose a roadmap with tailored solutions that build on your existing security infrastructure, not replace it.

Check the company's scalability to meet future security needs

Ensure the company can support you through future growth – expanding into new markets, scaling infrastructure, or undergoing audits. Look for services that include roadmap planning, maturity modeling, and the ability to shift focus and security objectives as your threat landscape evolves.

Look into the company's user training and support

Choose a provider that offers practical, tailored training for your team, such as phishing simulations, security awareness sessions, and incident response drills. Ongoing education helps build a strong security culture and prepares your staff for new threats.

Review the company's reputation and client feedback

Read verified reviews on platforms like Clutch. Look for repeat clients, named case studies, and industries served. A trustworthy provider will be transparent with references and demonstrate proven impact across businesses similar to yours.

Strengthen Your Cybersecurity With a Trusted vCISO Partner

Cyber attacks won’t wait – so why should you? At TechMagic, we are fully consistent with all the points of the abovementioned checklist. We deliver strategic, cost-effective virtual CISO solutions tailored to your exact needs.

Our security experts offer comprehensive cybersecurity consulting services, proactive protection, compliance leadership, and hands-on risk management. We don’t just tell you what to do – we take ownership of the implementation, so you can stay focused on growing your business while we handle the security.

Trusted by clients across industries, TechMagic combines technical depth with business intelligence to guide your cybersecurity journey flexibly and affordably. Let’s talk about how we can protect your business. Contact us for a vCISO consultation.

Wrapping Up

The demand for virtual CISOs is high, especially for growing businesses that face rising threats and tighter compliance requirements. They are simply not able to cope with such pressure without a professional security officer. The 10 companies featured in this article stand out for their expertise, adaptability, and proven ability to deliver effective cybersecurity leadership.

For growing startups and scaling medium-sized businesses, choosing the right vCISO partner results in resilience, trust, and long-term success. Don’t forget to use our checklist to guide your decision, and if you’re ready to work with a flexible, expert technical team, TechMagic is here to help.

FAQs

1. What is a vCISO service?

   A Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) is an outsourced security expert or team that provides strategic cybersecurity leadership, risk management, and compliance support without the cost of a full-time executive.

2. What should you look for when choosing a Virtual CISO provider?

   Look for virtual CISO providers with relevant certifications, flexible pricing, strong integration capabilities, scalability, ongoing support, and a solid reputation backed by positive client reviews.

3. What are the benefits of outsourcing a vCISO versus hiring in-house?

   Outsourcing a vCISO offers cost savings, faster onboarding, scalable expertise, and access to a broader team of specialists. It is ideal for companies that need high-level security guidance without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire.