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Experienced security leadership when you need it.
A Fortify Experts virtual CISO gives you executive security leadership without building a full internal security executive function first.
The problem
When you need a CISO but not yet a full time one
Many organizations reach the point where security needs an owner at the leadership table. Customers are asking harder questions, regulators expect a program and the board wants clear reporting.
Hiring a full time CISO may not make sense yet, and leaving security with an overloaded IT leader rarely works for long.
Our approach
How we work
Every engagement is overseen by Tim Howard, a Certified vCISO, who draws on a network of experienced vCISO leaders. There are no fixed tiers, so the scope reflects your size, your risk and the decisions in front of you.
- We start by understanding where the program stands, often with an assessment.
- We set priorities with leadership and turn them into a roadmap and budget.
- We report progress to executives and the board in plain business terms.
Capabilities
What’s included
Security strategy
A clear direction tied to business goals.
Executive reporting
Updates leaders and boards can act on.
Risk communication
Security risk explained in business language.
Security roadmap
Priorities, sequence and budget for the next 12 to 24 months.
Technology review
Vendor neutral advice on what to keep, add or retire.
Program governance
Policies, ownership and the rhythm that keeps a program running.
How it works
A clear path from first conversation to results.
- 01
Assess
We establish a baseline of where your program stands today.
- 02
Prioritize
We agree on the risks that matter most to the business.
- 03
Plan
Priorities become a roadmap with owners and a budget.
- 04
Lead
We run the program alongside your team and report on progress.
Typical use cases
Where this helps most
No security leader yet
Security has grown beyond what IT can carry alone.
Between CISOs
You need steady leadership while you hire a permanent CISO.
Audit or customer pressure
SOC 2, CMMC, HIPAA or questionnaires need an accountable owner.
Board expectations
Directors want regular, credible reporting on cyber risk.
Security and risk impact
- Security decisions have a clear owner.
- Gaps are ranked and worked in order of risk.
- Incidents are handled with an experienced leader involved.
Business outcomes
- Senior leadership at a fraction of the cost of a full time hire.
- Board reporting that is consistent and easy to follow.
- A program that can be handed to a permanent CISO when the time is right.
From the CISO Forum
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An absolute pleasure to work with! They can perform in the most difficult environments and have a great sense of urgency.
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