Virtual CISO Service

Strengthen your cyber security posture with our virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) service.

How can a vCISO help my organisation?

Cyber risk is now a board level responsibility. With increased regulatory requirements and a reported 50% surge in cyber attacks affecting UK businesses last year, most organisations know they need to improve their cyber maturity, but many face the same challenges.

Boards want certainty. Regulators want maturity. Insurers want evidence. Yet the responsibility to raise resilience often sits with already stretched teams who lack the time, specialist knowledge, or resource to manage growing security demands.

From security strategy and governance to audit readiness and training, Redcentric’s vCISO service gives you access to C-suite expertise to help future proof your business.

“I need a clearer view of my organisation’s security posture.”

“I need access to trusted cyber security advice – when I need it.”

“I need advice on how to prepare for ISO 27001.”

“I need to align with the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF).”

“I need guidance on DSIT’s Cyber Governance Code of Practice and Cyber Essentials.”

“I am struggling to justify or secure an in-house CISO.”

So, what is a virtual CISO?

A virtual CISO is a senior security leader who provides practical governance, oversight and strategic guidance on a flexible basis.

They help you to:

Understand your risks
Strengthen security governance
Move confidently towards compliance
Make informed investment decisions
Provide reassurance to boards, auditors and insurers
Reduce pressure on internal teams

A vCISO cuts through complexity and gives your organisation the clarity and direction it needs to securely move forward.

The vCISO service – how it works…

Get to know what a vCISO delivers and how the service supports your organisation day to day with our vCISO handbook. Understand how we help you establish clear security leadership, prioritise cyber risk and drive measurable improvements to your organisation.

Explore the vCISO handbook

What makes Redcentric’s vCISO service different?

We focus on the outcomes that matter most to you.

Clarity you can act on

We translate complex cyber risk into clear, practical insight that senior leaders can understand and make confident decisions.

Governance that aligns with your business

We help you establish security governance that supports your objectives, not slows them down. You receive the structure to amend the policies, processes and reporting expected by regulators, auditors and insurers.

Progress you can measure

Our governance platform gives you continuous visibility of your maturity, risks and actions without the manual burden. No more spreadsheets, fragmented evidence or unclear progress.

Compliance readiness without the stress

Whether you need ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials or CAF alignment, your vCISO provides a clear plan and hands-on support to help you achieve and maintain the right standards.

Cyber security that matures with your organisation

Digital transformation, cloud adoption, integrating AI - as your business evolves, so do your risks. Our vCISO service helps you to anticipate these risks, strengthen your security posture and stay ahead of the competition.

Flexible leadership at a fraction of the cost of a full-time CISO

You receive strategic oversight and hands-on support that scales to your needs and budget. Whether you require regular engagement or project-led support, we deliver the service that works best for you.

What to expect from the virtual CISO service

The delivery? Get immediate access to a team of cyber security specialists, offering practical guidance grounded in decades of hands-on experience.

The benefits? Security leadership supported by an automated governance platform that turns fragmented activity into a measurable, structured security programme aligned to your business goals.

The outcome? Clear governance, well-defined priorities and a focused improvement plan, without taking on the cost of a full time CISO.

The added value? Consistent, long-term assurance. Your Redcentric vCISO maintains momentum, monitors changing risks and ensures your security programme progresses as your organisation evolves.

What value does a virtual Chief Information Security Officer deliver?

A clear view of risks, priorities and progress
Stronger governance that aligns with business objectives
Reduced pressure on internal teams
Faster readiness for compliance frameworks
Improved confidence for boards, auditors and insurers
A structured path to stronger cyber resilience and maturity

This is service is designed for organisations that want meaningful progress without unnecessary complexity.

Why Redcentric – where experience drives transformation

Our consultants bring decades of real-world experience supported by a purpose-built GRC toolset that automates evidence collection, tracks maturity and delivers clear reporting.

It is this blend of expertise and technology that helps our customers build stronger, more resilient security foundations.

Virtual Chief Information Security Officer FAQs

What is a vCISO?
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A vCISO is an experienced security leader who provides governance, risk management and strategic cyber security oversight on a flexible basis, without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire.

How quickly can we begin?
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Most organisations can begin within a matter of weeks, typically starting with an initial discovery phase and baseline security assessment.

Does the vCISO replace internal teams?
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No. The vCISO strengthens and supports your existing teams, providing senior leadership, direction and clarity to help your organisation progress more effectively.

Which frameworks can you support?
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We support a wide range of frameworks, including ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, NIST CSF, CAF and sector-specific frameworks, depending on your operating environment.

How does the vCISO engagement work?
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A typical engagement consists of: