If you're an MSP looking to add strategic security leadership without the full-time cost, these five vCISO services are worth your attention.
The vCISO Landscape for MSPs
The demand for vCISO services is surging as MSPs seek to deliver high-level security guidance without hiring full-time executives. This shift is driven by clients needing to align with frameworks, manage risk, and prove compliance. As a result, a new wave of providers—from individual consultants to automated platforms—has emerged to fill the gap. Each offers a different approach, from hands-on advisory to software-driven scalability. For MSPs, choosing the right partner means balancing expertise, cost, and delivery model.
How We Evaluated These Services
We assessed each service on its ability to deliver strategic security guidance, its fit for MSP operations, and the clarity of its value proposition. We looked at how each provider helps you move beyond reactive assessments and into proactive, client-ready strategy. We also considered the depth of framework alignment, the ease of integrating with your existing workflow, and the level of human touch versus automation. Finally, we weighed the practical outcomes—whether you're looking to package services, scale delivery, or build a security culture.
Here's a quick snapshot of the five vCISO services we're highlighting, each with its own strengths and ideal use cases.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Cynomi | MSPs seeking to scale vCISO services efficiently |
| Josh Hohbein | MSPs wanting a hands-on, experienced vCISO advisor |
| ControlMap | MSPs looking to productize and standardize vCISO delivery |
| Vistrada | Organizations seeking independent vCISO expertise |
| Vanta | MSPs wanting to automate compliance and risk management |
The Five vCISO Services in Detail
#1 Cynomi
A screenshot of the Cynomi website.
Cynomi is a platform that empowers MSPs and MSSPs to launch and scale vCISO services without hiring a full-time CISO. It uses AI-driven guidance to help you build and run complete security programs per client, map compliance across 40+ frameworks, and quantify business risk. The platform turns security gaps into revenue opportunities, making it a strong fit for growing MSPs. You can onboard clients and start proving value in under 60 minutes, which is a huge time-saver. Cynomi's approach is about productizing expertise, so you can serve more clients without scaling headcount. This makes it a powerful tool for MSPs looking to add vCISO offerings quickly.
#2 Josh Hohbein
A screenshot of the Josh Hohbein website.
Josh Hohbein brings nearly 20 years of hands-on cybersecurity experience, with a unique blend of IT, security, and restaurant operations. He delivers vCISO services through centrexIT, helping clients align to security frameworks, build security culture, and improve their overall posture. His approach is highly practical, focusing on making technical concepts accessible to business leaders and bridging the gap between technical teams and end users. He also facilitates incident response tabletop exercises and co-authored 'An MSP Guide to CIS Controls and Implementation' with Sherweb. For MSPs, he offers a personal, consultative touch that's rare in a world of automated platforms. His speaking and community involvement add extra value for those seeking ongoing education and engagement.
#3 ControlMap
A screenshot of the ControlMap website.
ControlMap is a vCISO platform designed to help MSPs turn compliance pressure into a strategic practice. It enables you to package, price, pitch, deliver, and prove ongoing value with a repeatable service motion. The platform translates framework work into client-ready strategy, including health scoring, roadmaps, and executive dashboards. It also offers reusable service patterns and tenant cloning to reduce custom setup for every client. ControlMap focuses on moving beyond reactive assessments, helping you deliver the strategic security guidance clients expect. This makes it a solid choice for MSPs looking to standardize their vCISO offerings.
#4 Vistrada
A screenshot of the Vistrada website.
Vistrada offers vCISO services as part of a broader cybersecurity and advisory portfolio, emphasizing the importance of separating the vCISO role from the MSP function. They argue that combining these roles can lead to conflicts of interest and a lack of expertise, so they provide independent, strategic guidance. Their services include cybersecurity design, implementation, and integrated risk management, along with vCIO offerings. For MSPs, Vistrada can serve as an external partner to fill gaps or provide an objective perspective. Their approach is more traditional and consultative, focusing on deep expertise rather than automation. This makes them a good fit for organizations that value a clear separation of duties.
#5 Vanta
A screenshot of the Vanta website.
Vanta is a comprehensive security and compliance automation platform that helps you get compliant quickly and manage continuous GRC. While not exclusively a vCISO service, it enables MSPs to automate compliance, manage risk, and streamline audits, which are core components of a vCISO program. Vanta offers integrations with 400+ tools, automated questionnaire responses, and a trust center to showcase compliance status. It's particularly strong for startups and mid-market companies looking to build and scale their security programs. For MSPs, Vanta can serve as the underlying infrastructure to support vCISO services, though it lacks the strategic advisory layer. It's best for those who want to automate the heavy lifting of compliance.
How to Choose the Right vCISO Service for Your MSP
Start by assessing your current security offerings and client needs. If you're looking to scale quickly and serve many clients, a platform like Cynomi or ControlMap might be your best bet. If you prefer a personal, hands-on advisor who can also speak and train, Josh Hohbein offers that human touch. Consider whether you need independent expertise to avoid conflicts of interest—Vistrada emphasizes that separation. Also, think about your budget and whether you want to invest in automation or in people. Finally, evaluate how each service integrates with your existing tools and workflows, and which one aligns with your long-term growth strategy.
Automating vCISO Workflows
Automation can streamline many vCISO tasks, from assessments to reporting. Platforms like Cynomi and ControlMap use AI and templates to generate client-ready roadmaps and dashboards. Vanta automates compliance evidence collection and questionnaire responses, saving hours of manual work. Even with a human advisor like Josh Hohbein, you can use automation for scheduling, documentation, and follow-ups. The key is to find the right balance—automate repetitive tasks while keeping the strategic, human insight that clients value.
The Bottom Line
The vCISO market is evolving rapidly, and MSPs have more options than ever. Whether you choose a platform for scalability or a consultant for personalized guidance, the goal is to deliver strategic security leadership that builds client trust. Each of these five services brings something unique to the table, so consider your specific needs and resources. By investing in the right vCISO approach, you can turn compliance pressure into a competitive advantage. The future of MSP security is about moving from reactive fixes to proactive, strategic partnerships.