Interested in hiring a fractional CSO for your business? Make an informed decision with our CSO definition and an overview of fractional CSO services, benefits, costs, and tips for hiring.
What is a Fractional CSO?
A fractional CSO is a Chief Security Officer hired by an organization on a part-time or flexible basis, rather than as a full-time employee. A fractional CSO therefore shares the same job responsibilities as a full-time CSO, providing executive guidance on all aspects of an organization’s digital and physical security.
Typical job tasks of a fractional Chief Security Officer include risk assessment and mitigation, implementing strategies to safeguard data and assets, preventing cybersecurity threats, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Hiring a fractional CSO makes it easier for businesses of all sizes to benefit from a Chief Security Officer’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.
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 CSO on 10x
Hire a Fractional CSO for your organization
Who Needs a Fractional CSO?
Hiring a fractional CSO can be a great option for organizations of any size that need high-level security expertise but may not be ready or lack the budget to hire a full-time Chief Security Officer. Whether a company is looking to implement internal security policies or bolster defenses against today’s escalating cybersecurity threats, a fractional CSO brings strategic security guidance and oversight as needed.
With a growing shortage of experienced security professionals within the field, hiring a fractional CSO 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 CSO?
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 CSO 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 bring in specialized knowledge to manage specific projects or navigate periods of high risk, like digital transformation initiatives or responding to a security breach. Likewise, a fractional CSO can be a great source of knowledge and guidance, helping to identify and address security vulnerabilities and ensure 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 CSO Have?
A fractional CSO combines senior leadership duties with a versatile skill set that spans digital (and often physical) security planning, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance. Typical fractional CSO services include:
- Security planning: Developing security strategies that protect data and assets in the long-term.
- Risk management: Evaluating security risks to prevent and mitigate risks, including cyber threats.
- Regulatory compliance: Adhering to industry regulations and data protection laws, such as GDPR, to maintain compliance and avoid legal risks.
- Crisis management: Leading the response to security breaches and implementing protocols to minimize the impact of a crisis.
- Threat analysis: Monitoring potential security threats and addressing any vulnerabilities within an organization’s infrastructure.
- Security training: Educating employees on best practices and creating a security-conscious culture across the organization.
- Change management: Overseeing security-related projects and ensuring it’s a priority for any ongoing digital transformation initiatives.
Lastly, strong communication and project management skills are essential for a fractional CSO, 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 CSO Rates?
Fractional CSO rates usually vary between €150-300 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 CSO 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 CSO 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 CSOs 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 CSO on an Hourly Basis?
Yes, many fractional CSOs 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 carrying out a security audit, compliance advice, or responding to a security breach.
How Can 10x Help Me Hire a Fractional CSO?
10x connects organizations of all shapes and sizes with the highest quality fractional CSO 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 CSO Consultant Cost?
The costs of fractional CSO services can vary depending on the specific needs of your company, the duration of employment, and the fractional CSO’s 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 CSO 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 CSO with the relevant background, e.g. compliance, risk management, or strategic security planning.
- Industry experience: A CSO with industry-specific knowledge will be better equipped to address your security needs and tackle any regulatory requirements.
- Find a great communicator: Fractional CSOs often work across departments, so strong communication skills are essential. Look for someone with experience in conveying 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 CSO 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 CSO?
Yes, startups in particular would benefit from a fractional CSO because they’re more likely to lack a robust security framework—and the budget for a full-time Chief Security Officer. A fractional CSO can support startups on a flexible basis, helping them establish a foundation for their security 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 CSO.
How Do I Find a Fractional CSO for My Business?
One of the most effective methods for hiring a top-quality fractional CSO 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 CSOs. Request access to the platform today to start the hiring process for your business.