vCISO or Fractional CISO: Which is right for your business?

A virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) is a senior cybersecurity leader who works remotely with your business, typically on a part-time, retainer, or per project basis. They bring with them the expertise of a full-time CISO minus the expense of hiring one in-house. 

vCISOs tend to be brought in to help shape security, strategy, manage risk, and guide businesses through compliance frameworks such as GDPR, ISO 27001, or Cyber Essentials. They might also review policies, assess vendor risks, or help plan for incidents and recovery, essentially acting as your security lead. 

One of the biggest advantages of working with a vCISO is flexibility. Whether you need a few hours of strategic input each month or ongoing support across multiple areas, their involvement can scale with your needs. 

That’s why this model is especially popular with SMBs and mid-sized organisations - companies that want serious security expertise but don’t yet need (or can’t justify) a full-time executive. 

A vCISO offers remote, flexible security leadership, whilst a fractional CISO brings a similar level of expertise often with a bit more structure and, in some cases, a more hands-on presence. 

The term 'fractional' generally refers to someone working with your business part-time, on specific days, or over a fixed period. Whilst some fractional CISOs operate entirely remotely (just like vCISOs), others might embed more directly with your team - attending leadership meetings, supporting audits, or working onsite during critical phases. 

They’re often brought in through consultancies or as part of a broader engagement, particularly when board-level reporting, regulatory pressure, or executive oversight is required. 

In short, a fractional CISO gives you dedicated leadership at a reduced commitment—ideal for organisations navigating complex change, preparing for investment, or needing a security voice in the boardroom. 

Now we’ve unpacked both roles, take a look at a side-by-side view to clarify how they typically compare in practice. While there are some overlaps, these differences can shape which model fits better depending on where your business is headed. 

It’s not about selecting the fanciest title when choosing between a vCISO and a fractional CISO, but about finding the approach that matches your needs, culture, and pace of growth at this moment in time. A few questions that can help steer you towards your decision are: 

• Do you need a CISO who is able to plug in quickly, scale with you, and work remotely? 

• Would your teams benefit from a CISO who can attend in-person meetings or offer more embedded support? 

• Are you wanting a security strategy that evolves as you scale? 

• Are compliance frameworks like ISO 27001, GDPR, Cyber Essentials a top priority for you right now? 

A vCISO is likely a better fit if flexibility, remote delivery, and strategic guidance are what you’re after. However, if your business requires more structured involvement, the occasional on-site presence, or executive-level governance, then a fractional CISO may be the better option.