One question I ask cybersecurity pros on The Virtual CISO Moment podcast is what is a significant information security threat to Small and Midsized Businesses (SMBs). One of the best answers I received is “bad advice”. SMBs need for top-notch cybersecurity advice has led to a growing demand for virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs), who can provide expert guidance and support to organizations without the need for a full-time, in-house team.
So, what exactly is a virtual CISO, and what do they do? A virtual CISO is a highly experienced security professional who works remotely, providing a range of cybersecurity services to multiple clients. This can include everything from risk assessments and security audits, to the development of security policies and procedures, and the implementation of cutting-edge security technologies.
An important factor to consider is that like a full-time Chief Information Security Officer, a vCISO has to be a risk management professional. Proper vetting of any vCISO service is necessary to ensure the SMB is not receiving “bad advice”, which could certainly be worse than no advice at all. A vCISO without proper experience can leave an SMB’s security posture worse than when they started.
With the growing demand for virtual CISOs, many businesses are looking to hire one, but are unsure about the hourly rates charged by these professionals. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at virtual CISO hourly rates, and what you can expect to pay for these services.
Virtual CISO Hourly Rates: What to Expect
The hourly rates for virtual CISOs can vary widely, depending on a number of factors, including their level of experience, the services they provide, and the size and complexity of the organization they are working for.
As a rough guide, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $500 per hour for virtual CISO services. However, this is just a rough estimate, and the actual rate you pay will depend on a range of factors, including:
- Experience: More experienced virtual CISOs are likely to command higher hourly rates, as they bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the table.
- Services provided: The services provided by virtual CISOs can vary widely, and the hourly rate you pay will depend on the scope and complexity of the work involved.
- Organization size and complexity: Larger and more complex organizations may require more extensive cybersecurity support, and will therefore be expected to pay higher hourly rates for virtual CISO services.
- Location: Virtual CISOs may also charge different hourly rates depending on the location of the organization they are working for, with rates in major cities likely to be higher than those in more rural areas.
Factors that can Affect Virtual CISO Hourly Rates
While the hourly rates for virtual CISOs can vary widely, there are a number of factors that can affect the cost of these services. Some of the most important considerations include:
- The scope of the project: The scope of the project will have a major impact on the hourly rate charged by virtual CISOs. For example, a full-scale cybersecurity audit is likely to cost more than a simple security assessment.
- The level of expertise required: The level of expertise required for a particular project will also play a role in determining the hourly rate charged by virtual CISOs. Projects that require specialized knowledge or advanced technical skills may command higher rates.
- The size of the organization: The size of the organization will also play a role in determining the hourly rate charged by virtual CISOs. Larger organizations may require more extensive support, and will therefore be expected to pay higher rates.
- The length of the project: The length of the project will also play a role in determining the hourly rate charged by virtual CISOs. Longer projects may require a lower hourly rate, as the virtual CISO will be able to spread the cost over a longer period of time.
Conclusion
Virtual CISOs are becoming an increasingly important resource for businesses looking to improve their cybersecurity posture. With the growing demand for these services, it’s important to understand the hourly rates charged by virtual CISOs
