Fortium Removes the Barrier to Entry for Selecting vCISOs
CEOs have become increasingly concerned about how to integrate a robust cybersecurity strategy with their businesses because of the high-spike of data breaches reported last year. Given the newest report just released by Verizon - the 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report, three of the top takeaways are:
Ransomware's Escalating Threat Requires Immediate Executive Attention: 44% of cybersecurity breaches involved ransomware - up 37% from the previous year.The surge in ransomware attacks necessitates a proactive and strategic approach to cybersecurity. Engaging an experienced CISO—whether full-time, interim, or fractional—can provide the leadership needed to develop and implement robust defense mechanisms against such threats.
Persistent Vulnerabilities Highlight the Need for Expert Oversight: Exploitation of vulnerabilities as an initial access step for a data breach grew by 34%; these now account for 20% of breaches. Unresolved vulnerabilities can serve as entry points for cyber attackers. A seasoned CISO can oversee comprehensive vulnerability management programs, ensuring timely identification and remediation of security gaps. For organizations not ready for a full-time CISO, a fractional or interim CISO can still provide critical oversight and guidance.
An Evolving Threat Landscape Demands Adaptive Cybersecurity Leadership: The percentage of breaches where a third party was involved doubled from the previous year (from 15% to 30%), highlighting the importance of choosing partners and suppliers carefully. As cyber threats evolve, having a CISO who can adapt and respond to new challenges is crucial. Interim or fractional CISOs offer flexibility and can bring specialized expertise to address specific challenges, making them a valuable asset for organizations navigating complex cybersecurity landscapes.
(Source: Verizon 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report)
Organizations face increasing cybersecurity threats that can jeopardize their operations, reputation, and financial stability. Are you confident that your mid-market business is truly protected against today's rapidly evolving cyber threats? Or are you operating with a false sense of security, hoping that "it won't happen to us"?
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue; it's a core business risk. Mid-market businesses are particularly vulnerable, often lacking the robust security infrastructure of larger enterprises yet possessing valuable data that attracts cybercriminals. This leaves you in a precarious position.
There’s no longer a reason to wait before working with best-in-class Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). Here’s an industry first: Fortium has now packaged three compelling CISO services at a rate that can be as little as one-tenth (1/10th) the cost of a full-time CISO.
So, what's the solution? Hiring a full-time CISO might seem like the obvious answer, but it's often not the most cost-effective or practical option for mid-market businesses.
According to recent reports, the average total compensation for a full-time CISO in the mid-market can range from $180,000 to $300,000+ annually, including salary, bonuses, and benefits. This significant investment might strain your budget, especially when you consider the time it takes to recruit and onboard a qualified candidate.
This is where a fractional or interim CISO from Fortium Partners comes in.
The Top 3 vCISO Service Options
Here’s a snapshot summary of Fortium’s compelling vCISO services that your business can benefit from in days, not in months - the time it takes for a C-level executive search plus onboarding time.
vCISO Starter Edition: For organizations just starting to address cybersecurity, the Starter Edition provides foundational protection at a minimal cost. You get a dedicated CISO, weekly strategic guidance, and an annual review to ensure you're on the right track. Think of it as your essential cybersecurity baseline, perfect for building a solid foundation without breaking the budget.
vCISO Plus Edition: The Plus Edition builds upon the Starter, adding monthly summaries and dedicated CISO time for proactive security improvements. This is ideal for organizations with growing security needs, providing a deeper level of engagement and progress on key security elements. It's about moving from basic protection to active enhancement.
vCISO Pro Edition: For organizations with significant security needs and compliance requirements, the Pro Edition offers comprehensive protection. You get everything in Plus, plus quarterly board-level reviews, in-depth threat analysis, and increased dedicated CISO time. It's the full package for robust security and compliance, ensuring you're prepared for any challenge.
Addressing cybersecurity challenges is not an option; it’s a necessity. The consequences of a data breach can be devastating, including:
Financial losses from downtime, ransom payments, and legal fees.
Reputational damage leading to loss of customer trust and business.
Regulatory fines and penalties.
Operational disruptions and business interruption.
Top-Tier Expertise on Demand: Gain immediate access to seasoned cybersecurity executives with extensive experience and specialized knowledge, without the long-term commitment and overhead of a full-time hire. Fortium Partners provides a compelling alternative to the Search and Hire approach with the world's largest team of on-demand, highly-vetted technology leaders.
Cost-Effectiveness: Pay only for the services you need, when you need them. A fractional CISO model allows you to allocate resources more efficiently, aligning cybersecurity efforts with your budget.
Flexibility and Scalability: Adjust the level of engagement based on your evolving needs. Scale up or down as required, ensuring that your cybersecurity measures remain robust and relevant.
Objectivity and Unbiased Assessment: Benefit from an external perspective and an unbiased assessment of your security posture, free from internal politics or preconceived notions.
Rapid Implementation and Impact: A fractional CISO can quickly assess your current security posture, identify vulnerabilities, and implement effective strategies to mitigate risks, delivering immediate impact.
Strategic Alignment: Ensure that your cybersecurity initiatives are aligned with your business objectives and regulatory requirements. A fractional CISO can help you develop a comprehensive security strategy that supports your growth and innovation.
Fortium’s vCISOs are well equipped to address the following challenges:
Rising Cyberattack Frequency and Sophistication: Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. Ransomware, phishing, and supply chain attacks are on the rise, targeting businesses of all sizes.
Limited Resources and Expertise: Mid-market companies often struggle to afford and retain top-tier cybersecurity talent. Building an in-house security team can be costly and time-consuming.
Compliance Requirements: Navigating complex regulatory requirements (GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, etc.) can be daunting and failing to comply can lead to hefty fines and reputational damage.
Increasing Attack Surface: As businesses embrace digital transformation, cloud computing, and remote work, their attack surface expands, creating more opportunities for cybercriminals.
AI-Driven Threats: With rapidly changing AI developments affecting the fabric and continuity of businesses today, mid-market CEOs and C-level decision-makers face unprecedented cybersecurity challenges.
Don't wait until it's too late. Strengthen your cybersecurity posture and protect your business with a fractional or interim CISO from Fortium Partners. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you bridge your cybersecurity gap and achieve your business goals.
At Fortium Partners (https://www.fortiumpartners.com/), we provide experienced fractional and interim CISOs who can help mid-market businesses navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape and protect their valuable assets. Our CISO Partners bring decades of experience and specialized expertise, offering a flexible and cost-effective solution to your cybersecurity challenges.
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