Get senior guidance for strategy and risk on demand

Access seasoned cyber leadership with our Virtual CISO service, offering strategic guidance without full-time overheads.

Talk to an expert

vCISO

Executive-level cyber leadership on demand

Need high-level cyber leadership without expanding your headcount? Our vCISO service gives your organisation direct access to senior security professionals who guide strategy, uplift maturity, and support risk-informed decisions across all levels of the business. We work hands-on with your teams and stakeholders — bridging the gap between technical risk and business priorities.

Senior security expertise on-demand
Framework-aligned strategy and uplift planning
Trusted advisor for reporting, assurance, and incident escalation

Service detail

What to expect from our vCISO engagements

We support you through every phase—from identifying risk to taking action when it matters most.

vCISO services that fit your business.

Flexible, expert leadership when you need itWe embed security leadership that adapts to your needs – from advisory projects to long-term guidance aligned with your risk profile and business priorities.

Choose from flexible engagement models
Build roadmaps aligned to business and compliance
Get expert support through audits and frameworks

Our delivery process

What we can provide

Each vCISO engagement is scoped to your priorities, with our senior consultants offering dependable advice to boost maturity, address risk, and fulfil governance requirements.

Ongoing strategic guidance

We deliver continuous support for your security initiatives, including periodic assessments and consistent reporting.

Security planning and programme design

We help shape uplift initiatives that align your security improvements with business objectives.

Leadership integration and executive support

We provide executive-level support through our vCISOs, who offer clear, expert advice and strategic leadership when it matters most.

Benefits

Why work with us

Our vCISO services offer end-to-end support—from shaping strategy to driving outcomes—giving your team direction, clarity and reduced cyber risk.

One partner, full coverage

Our support spans governance, risk, architecture, and incident response—delivered as one cohesive service.

Practical security leadership

Our virtual CISO service offers strategic guidance that aligns with your unique threat landscape and organisational needs.

Trusted advisor

We remain actively involved—delivering ongoing updates, strategic input, and confidence at every level of your organisation

What comes next

Expand your security coverage

We don’t just provide advice—we stay involved. Our consultants work closely with your team to ensure ongoing progress, from board reporting to strategic planning.

Support policy development, program roadmaps and executive reporting
Tap into expertise across major frameworks and standards
Maintain continuity for audits, major projects or vendor reviews

Talk to an expert

Web Filter, CASB & DLP (Cloud Access Security Broker & Data Loss Prevention)

Monitor and manage how users interact with cloud, web, and AI platforms — including movement of sensitive data.

Web Application Penetration Testing

Uncover hidden flaws in your web apps — from session handling to access controls — through in-depth security reviews.

Frequently asked questions

From risk assessment to rapid response - we’re with you every step of the way.

Can regulated industries use a virtual CISO model?

Yes. Cythera's virtual CISO (vCISO) services support Australian organisations across frameworks like ISO 27001, Essential Eight, and PCI DSS. We simplify compliance for sectors including government, finance, education, and healthcare.

How do you deliver vCISO services to clients?

vCISO services are designed to fit your environment, remote or on-site with scheduled reporting, close collaboration, and support across your internal teams, leadership, and vendors.

What is a virtual CISO and how does it work?

A vCISO gives you access to seasoned cybersecurity leadership without the overhead of a full-time hire. They help define strategy, manage risk, respond to incidents, and provide ongoing board-level security advice.

What responsibilities does a virtual CISO cover?

A virtual CISO (vCISO) provides expert leadership in areas like cyber risk assessments, security policy development, incident response planning, executive reporting, and third-party risk management. Their role is to ensure your security strategy supports your business objectives and strengthens your overall risk posture.

When should an organisation consider a vCISO?

A virtual CISO is ideal for organisations that need high-level security advice without hiring a full-time executive. It's especially useful during scale-ups, certification preparation, or while recruiting a permanent CISO.