Interested in hiring a fractional CISO for your business? Make an informed decision with our CISO definition and an overview of fractional CISO services, pricing, and tips for hiring.
What is a Fractional CISO?
A fractional Chief Security Officer (CISO) is a senior cybersecurity expert hired by an organization on a part-time or flexible basis, rather than as a full-time employee. A fractional CISO shares the same job responsibilities as a full-time CISO, providing organizations with executive guidance on technology and information security strategy.
Hiring a fractional CISO makes it easier for businesses of all sizes to benefit from a CISO’s services without having to invest in a full-time hire, while also having more control over the specific working arrangement such as working hours and length of employment. Typical CISO services include identifying cybersecurity vulnerabilities, designing robust security frameworks, ensuring compliance with regulations, and responding to cyber threats and/or data breaches.
What I’d love to do in the next few years is to just help others. I’ve done many, many things and sometimes people don’t need you for the whole width, they want you for a certain topic. I think the fractional concept actually allows you to just help people on something where they need their support. It also enables you to to help several people at the same time, and I think that’s also an excellent personal development opportunity.
ex-CIO of Schiphol Group, Fractional CISO on 10x
Hire a Fractional CISO for your organization
Who Needs a Fractional CISO?
Hiring a fractional CISO can be a great option for organizations of any size that are seeking senior cybersecurity leadership without the commitment or cost of a full-time executive. From start-ups looking to scale their security policies as they grow rapidly, to large enterprises undergoing digital transformation, a fractional CISO can be flexibly hired to meet the unique needs and budget of every organization.
With a growing shortage of experienced information security professionals within the field, hiring a fractional CISO offers businesses a flexible, cost-effective way to access expert security leadership on demand.
Being able to tap into top fractional talent at 10x, has helped us get even more control of our technology domain and prepare our business to scale even further with their CTO, CISO and ISO/SOC2 specialist.
Robert van der Schaaf (Partner at Mobility Concept)
What are the Benefits of Hiring a Fractional CISO?
Hiring a fractional Chief Security Officer offers a range of cost and efficiency savings. Organizations can benefit from top-level security leadership on a flexible, as-needed basis. So instead of paying for a full-time CISO working 40 hours a week, organizations can benefit from the same level of expertise on a part-time or project basis, depending on their specific needs and budget.
This flexible approach also means companies can quickly hire a fractional CISO to manage specific projects (e.g. preparing for audits) or navigate periods of rapid growth. Likewise, a fractional CISO can be a great source of knowledge and guidance when addressing security vulnerabilities and ensuring an organization is future-proofed as much as possible against evolving cyber threats.
Interested in hiring fractional talent in other areas of your business? Start searching for a range of roles including CFOs, CMOs, Project Managers, and more.
What Skills Should a Fractional CISO Have?
A fractional CISO combines senior leadership duties with a well-rounded technical skill set. Expected fractional CISO skills include:
- Cybersecurity expertise: Broad proficiency in developing security frameworks, conducting risk assessments, and responding to incidents.
- Regulatory knowledge: An up-to-date knowledge of compliance standards and how to meet them, e.g. GDPR and ISO.
- Strategic leadership: Ability to see the bigger strategic picture, designing and implementing security policies that align with an organization’s goals.
- Vulnerability management: Skilled in identifying risks and developing proactive solutions.
- Crisis management: Strong experience in handling security incidents and minimizing impact.
Lastly, strong communication and project management skills are essential for a fractional CISO, as they must collaborate across departments and quickly embed themselves in an organization to address the unique security challenges of their employer.
What Are Average Fractional CISO Rates?
Fractional CISO rates usually vary between €150-350 per hour depending on experience, industry, and the services required. Some may offer a fixed monthly retainer amount or per project, which may be preferred for organizations seeking long-term support.
Compared to a full-time hire, working with a fractional CISO provides organizations with a greater degree of flexibility in negotiating the exact hours and services provided, which makes it much more cost-efficient.
Hiring a Fractional CISO For Your Organization: Find Top Talent with 10x
10x is a members-only platform giving organizations access to a strictly-vetted database of elite fractional CISOs and other fractional job roles. With a proven track record of connecting the top 1% of fractional talent with ambitious organizations across a range of industries, you can request access to the platform and we’ll work with you to find the perfect candidate.
FAQ
Can I Hire a Fractional CISO on an Hourly Basis?
Yes, many fractional CISOs offer their services on a flexible hourly basis. This can be a lot more cost-efficient for companies, particularly if they only need support for specific projects, such as risk assessments, compliance checks, or responding to a data breach.
How Can 10x Help Me Hire a Fractional CISO?
10x connects organizations of all shapes and sizes with the highest quality fractional CISO services on demand. As 10x is an invite-only platform, the first step is to request access. You will then be asked to answer a couple of questions to better assess your needs and goals. This input is vital in helping us to pair you with the most suitable 10x-er for your organization. Our experts thoroughly vet all 10x professionals before matching, making sure they have the right knowledge and experience to solve your challenges and add value from day one.
How Much Does a Fractional CISO Consultant Cost?
The costs of hiring a fractional CISO consulting can vary depending on the specific needs of your company, the duration of employment, and the level of experience. So the exact amount is calculated on a case-by-case basis. Sign up to the 10x platform and we’ll work with you to find a solution that fits your specific needs.
What Are Some Tips for Hiring a Fractional CISO for My Business?
- Assess your security needs: Firstly, define the specific security challenges your organization faces. That way, you’ll be able to hire a fractional CISO with the relevant background, e.g. compliance, risk management, or incident response.
- Industry experience: A CISO with industry-specific knowledge will be better equipped to address your security needs and tackle any regulatory requirements.
- Find a great communicator: Fractional CISOs often work across departments, so strong communication skills are essential. Look for someone with experience in educating complex security concepts to non-technical teams.
- Working arrangement: Consider the duration of employment and the expected working hours per week, as well as how much you’re willing to spend. These factors can vary widely, so having these details on paper will make it much easier to find a fractional CiSO that fits your timeline and budget.
- Set clear objectives: Agree on measurable goals and milestones to keep expectations aligned and track progress effectively.
Would Startups Benefit from Hiring a Fractional CISO?
Yes, startups are great candidates for hiring a fractional CISO because they’re more likely to lack a robust cybersecurity framework—and the budget for a full-time Chief Information Security Officer. A fractional CISO can provide expert cybersecurity leadership to startups on a flexible basis, helping them establish a foundation for their security and data policies, mitigate risks, and also foster trust and credibility in the business with investors.
Startups are frequent clients of 10x’s fractional work platform, typically needing security expertise as they scale operations without wanting to commit to the long-term costs of a full-time CISO.
How Do I Find a Fractional CISO for My Business?
One of the most effective methods for hiring a top-quality fractional CISO is via dedicated fractional work platforms that have experience in connecting businesses with the right professionals. Leveraging these platforms gives you the best chance of hiring a candidate with proven experience, aligned to your unique needs and goals.
10x’s invite-only platform has a highly-vetted database of 500+ fractional professionals on demand, including top fractional CISOs. Request access to the platform today to start the hiring process for your business.