If you’re new to the concept of the Virtual CISO, read our blog post about it here.
Relatable Security’s Virtual CISO service is a bespoke offering, tailored to your business requirements. Below are some examples to help illustrate the potential engagement levels and what you could expect from it. If you don’t see something that fits your requirement, get in touch and arrange a chat to receive a custom proposal for your business.
Foundational engagement (1-2 days per month)
If you’re just starting to think seriously about your security posture, a light-touch approach might be all you need. This engagement level is about laying the groundwork with essential controls and basic compliance such as:
- Establishing essential security controls
- Meeting basic compliance requirements
- Building customer confidence
- Creating efficient security processes
We’ll review where you stand against legislation and common frameworks – like UK GDPR and Cyber Essentials – and outline straightforward improvements that deliver both reassurance to your customers and a more efficient, secure operation. Maybe we’ll spot opportunities to streamline a vendor onboarding process or refine your data handling so that the next time a potential big client asks how you would keep their data safe you have an awesome response ready and waiting.
The real benefit here is peace of mind and a foundation that supports future growth. By focusing on quick wins, we not only fend off common threats but also start building trust with customers who increasingly expect their partners to have at least a basic level of security maturity. Even this modest investment helps you become a more attractive, credible choice in the marketplace.
Strategic engagement (1 day per week)
When you’re ready to step things up, a once-a-week engagement hits the sweet spot. Now we’re really getting into territory where security practices can help smooth the path to new business.
We’ll establish a broader security programme – improving policies, regularly assessing risks, and providing ongoing staff training. That might translate to easier compliance with bigger clients’ security questionnaires, more seamless integration with partners who demand strong security standards, or improved incident handling that keeps downtime to a minimum if an issue arises.
This level of involvement means security starts pulling its weight as a business enabler and delivers:
- Improved incident response capabilities
- Enhanced vendor management
- Strengthened customer trust
- Establishing robust change management processes
For instance, if you’ve got a SaaS product, tightening up your change management process and demonstrating secure coding standards can accelerate sales cycles by reassuring prospects that you’re on top of emerging threats. Regular staff training might help your support team respond more confidently to security-related customer queries, building trust and shortening time-to-contract. Over time, these benefits translate into smoother operations, stronger client relationships, and a reputation that sets you apart from the crowd.
Transformative engagement (2-3 days per week)
For organisations that need full-on security leadership, this more hands-on approach integrates security strategies deeply into your long-term vision. Here, security leaders aren’t just keeping the wolves at bay – they’re actively helping you compete and thrive. Whether it’s overseeing a major SIEM implementation to sharpen your threat detection and make your compliance audits a breeze, or orchestrating penetration testing that reveals where you can refine products and services to impress larger, more security-conscious clients, we’ll be right there with you.
At this level, your security programme:
- Is an enabler for entry into regulated markets
- Drives competitive advantage
- Supports rapid business growth
- Demonstrates security leadership
We can help you navigate new markets that demand robust security assurances – think about landing that contract with a healthcare provider who requires NHS DSPT compliance or impressing a financial services partner by showing off a well-managed ISO 27001 programme.
Regular reporting and proactive initiatives can also highlight to investors that you’re not just “secure enough,” but that you’re leading with security as a key differentiator. The result? More confidence from regulators, customers who see you as a safe bet in a risky world, and a competitive edge that makes it easier to close deals, expand your customer base, and move into regulated sectors with ease. In short, you’re no longer just managing security; you’re harnessing it as a driver of business opportunity.
Final thoughts
Whichever level of engagement feels right for your organisation – be it setting up a solid foundation, building toward operational alignment, or weaving security leadership into the fabric of your business – a Virtual CISO service model can be tailored to fit. By starting small and scaling up, organisations can transform what might feel like a costly overhead into a genuine asset that supports growth, attracts discerning clients, and drives long-term value.
If you’re interested in exploring what a Relatable Security Virtual CISO could do for your business – whether you’re looking for light guidance or full-on strategic leadership – get in touch and arrange a call. We’ll talk through your current situation, your aspirations, and how we can tailor a service that puts security at the heart of your organisation’s success.