Did you know that 43% of all cyberattacks target small and medium-sized businesses, yet only 14% are prepared to defend themselves? CISO-as-a-Service offers a timely solution for companies facing increasing security threats without the resources for full-time security leadership. The stark reality is that 60% of SMBs that suffer cyberattacks go out of business, with most closing within just six months of being hacked. Meanwhile, traditional CISOs command a median salary of $243,000 per year, with some earning up to $300,000 annually. For many small businesses, this presents an impossible financial burden. We understand that finding affordable yet effective security leadership is challenging. Virtual CISO services provide a practical alternative, delivering expert security guidance at a fraction of the cost of in-house security executives. With the average data breach now costing $4.35 million and full-time CISOs typically staying in their positions for only 26 months, the case for ciso as a service pricing models becomes increasingly compelling.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how ciso-as-a-service can protect your business in 2025, compare virtual ciso services with traditional options, and help you navigate selecting the right security partner for your specific needs.

What is CISO-as-a-Service and why it matters in 2025

CISO-as-a-Service (CISOaaS), also known as virtual CISO (vCISO), is the outsourcing of Chief Information Security Officer responsibilities to a third-party provider on a subscription or per-use basis. This model has experienced explosive growth, with adoption among MSPs and MSSPs skyrocketing by 319% in just one year—from 21% in 2024 to 67% in 2025.

How vCISO differs from a full-time CISO

Traditional CISOs work as full-time executives within a company, managing cybersecurity strategy and operations. In contrast, a vCISO operates as an external entity, providing the same expertise with greater flexibility. This difference is particularly significant when considering costs—while full-time CISOs command salaries between $200,000-$300,000 annually, vCISO services typically cost a fraction of this amount, with hourly rates ranging from $150-$400 or monthly retainers between $5,000-$20,000.

Why SMBs are increasingly adopting virtual CISO services

Small and medium-sized businesses are driving the surge in vCISO services demand. A striking 79% of service providers report high demand among SMBs for these offerings. This trend is fueled by several factors:

• Cost-effectiveness for organizations with limited budgets
• Access to broader expertise from professionals who work across industries
• Flexibility to scale services up or down as needed
• Ability to meet compliance requirements without full-time hires

Furthermore, AI adoption is transforming service delivery, with 81% of providers already using AI or automation in their vCISO workflows—resulting in an average 68% reduction in cybersecurity workloads.

The growing cybersecurity threat landscape for small businesses

The escalating threat environment makes expert security leadership essential for small businesses. One in three SMBs were hit by a successful cyberattack last year, and 46% of small businesses have experienced a cyberattack on their current business. Alarmingly, one in five SMBs reported they would go out of business if an attack cost them as little as $10,000 in damages.

Despite these threats, 71% of SMBs acknowledge their cyber defenses aren't strong enough. This vulnerability gap is precisely what makes CISO-as-a-Service solutions from trusted providers like Calance so valuable—offering enterprise-grade security leadership without enterprise-level costs.

Key benefits of CISO-as-a-Service for small businesses

Small businesses facing cybersecurity challenges are discovering that virtual CISO services provide remarkable returns on investment. According to recent data, service providers leveraging CISO-as-a-Service report a 41% increase in upsell opportunities and 40% improvement in profit margins.

Cost-effective access to top-tier security leadership

The financial advantage of CISO-as-a-Service is substantial. Hiring a full-time CISO typically costs between $243,000 and $565,000 annually when factoring in salary, benefits, and overhead. In contrast, most SMBs pay between $36,000 and $120,000 per year for virtual CISO services, translating to potential savings of up to 50%. Calance offers this enterprise-grade security leadership without requiring the significant budget traditionally associated with top-tier expertise.

Scalable services that grow with your business

Beyond cost savings, virtual CISO services provide exceptional flexibility. Services can be adjusted based on your organization's growth and evolving requirements. This adaptability ensures your security strategy remains aligned with business objectives as you expand. Moreover, you can access expertise for specific projects or scale up during critical moments like audits or security incidents.

Improved compliance with industry regulations

Navigating complex regulatory frameworks presents significant challenges for small businesses. A virtual CISO brings specialized knowledge of industry standards such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, and SOC 2. This expertise helps establish appropriate controls, develop mitigation plans, and ensure adherence to compliance requirements, thereby avoiding potential penalties and reputational damage.

Faster incident response and recovery

Should a security incident occur, having established incident response protocols is crucial. Virtual CISOs develop comprehensive response plans that outline detection, containment, and recovery procedures. This structured approach minimizes confusion during crises and enables faster restoration of normal operations, protecting both your data and business continuity.

Reduced internal workload and better focus on core operations

Perhaps most notably, organizations implementing CISO-as-a-Service with AI integration report an astounding 68% reduction in manual security workloads. Approximately 42% of providers even report workload reductions exceeding 80% in certain domains. This efficiency allows your internal teams to concentrate on strategic initiatives rather than being overwhelmed by security management tasks.

Core services offered by a virtual CISO

A comprehensive CISO-as-a-Service offering encompasses several critical functions that safeguard your business from evolving threats. Providers like Calance deliver these essential services to protect your organization's digital assets effectively.

Strategic security planning and roadmap development

Virtual CISO services begin with crafting comprehensive security strategies aligned with your business objectives. This involves developing detailed roadmaps for implementing security controls, processes, and technologies over time. Essentially, your vCISO creates forward-looking plans that protect data, infrastructure, and operations while adapting to emerging technologies and threats.

Risk assessment and mitigation strategies

Expert risk assessment identifies potential vulnerabilities in your environment before they become problems. A virtual CISO conducts thorough evaluations, pinpoints critical assets, analyzes cybersecurity risks, and develops targeted mitigation programs. This proactive approach helps organizations minimize exposure to cyber threats.

Regulatory compliance support (e.g., HIPAA, SOC 2, GDPR)

Navigating complex regulatory frameworks is simpler with specialized guidance. Virtual CISOs provide support for various standards including HIPAA, SOC 2, GDPR, and industry-specific requirements. At Calance, compliance assistance includes gap assessments, documentation preparation, and audit readiness to ensure adherence to relevant regulations.

Security awareness training for employees

The human element remains critical in cybersecurity defense. According to a 2024 survey, educating employees on data security best practices is the most popular security protocol implemented by CISOs (53% of respondents). Quality training programs transform employees into your first line of defense against social engineering and phishing attacks.

Incident response planning and execution

When security incidents occur, having established protocols is vital. Virtual CISOs develop comprehensive incident response plans covering preparation, detection, and coordinated responses to breaches. This structured approach minimizes disruption and enables faster recovery.

Continuous monitoring and reporting

Ongoing vigilance through continuous monitoring helps identify threats before they cause damage. This service includes real-time security event monitoring, threat detection, and regular reporting on your security posture. Additionally, vCISOs integrate threat intelligence to anticipate and prevent attacks proactively.

How to choose the right CISO-as-a-Service provider

Selecting the ideal CISO-as-a-Service provider requires careful evaluation of several key factors to ensure your organization receives effective cybersecurity leadership.

Evaluating experience and industry certifications

First, examine the provider's experience in your specific industry. Look for professionals who understand your unique challenges and regulatory environment. Proven track records demonstrated through case studies or testimonials offer valuable insights into effectiveness. Regarding qualifications, seek certifications like CISSP, CISM, or CISA that validate technical expertise and industry knowledge. These credentials confirm the provider's commitment to maintaining current security standards.

Understanding service scope and flexibility

Next, consider whether the provider offers customized services tailored to your specific requirements. A reliable CISO-as-a-Service partner should deliver comprehensive security coverage, addressing everything from strategic planning to compliance. Equally important, they should scale their involvement as your needs evolve.

Assessing communication and cultural alignment

Beyond technical skills, evaluate how well the provider communicates complex security concepts to non-technical stakeholders. The virtual CISO will interact with executive leadership and technical teams alike, making cultural compatibility essential for smooth collaboration. This alignment significantly enhances communication and helps the provider integrate seamlessly with your team.

Comparing CISO-as-a-Service pricing models

Most providers offer flexible payment structures, with small businesses typically paying between $2,000-$4,500 monthly. Options generally include:

• Monthly retainers ($2,000-$8,000 depending on organization size)
• Hourly rates ($200-$350 based on expertise)
• Project-based pricing ($10,000-$50,000 for specific initiatives)

Why Calance is a trusted partner for SMBs

Calance stands out through its industry-specific expertise, customizable service packages, and proven track record of helping SMBs strengthen their security posture. Our seasoned security professionals work alongside your team, providing strategic guidance while considering your unique business objectives and budget constraints.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity threats facing small businesses today demand immediate attention and expert guidance. CISO-as-a-Service emerges as the ideal solution for companies that need enterprise-grade security leadership without breaking their budget. Calance’s CISO-as-a-Service delivers enterprise-grade security leadership at nearly 50% lower costs than hiring full-time executives. Our virtual CISO experts help you identify vulnerabilities, ensure compliance, and strengthen your defense strategy—exactly when you need it.

With 60% of small businesses closing within six months of a cyberattack, the time to act is now. Partner with Calance to turn cybersecurity into a strategic advantage and protect what matters most—your business’s future.