VCISO SERVICE (Virtual Chief Information Security Officer)
Cybersecurity is now a formal requirement. The NIS2 and DORA regulations require businesses to take specific measures, organize their processes, and appoint a responsible person for the security of their information systems. Nothing is optional anymore!
At TicTac, we understand that many companies struggle to meet these requirements on their own. That’s why we offer the vCISO service.
What is a vCISO?
The CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) is the executive officially responsible for the security of an organization’s information systems. This is the person who designs security policies, oversees the implementation of technical measures, assesses risks, and informs management about threats and organizational vulnerabilities. The NIS2 and DORA regulations now make this role mandatory for many companies.
However, finding and retaining a suitable CISO can be challenging for many organizations, either due to cost or a lack of specialized professionals in the market.
This is where the vCISO (Virtual CISO) comes in. A vCISO is an external partner with technical and regulatory expertise who assumes the CISO role in a flexible and cost-effective way. They monitor compliance, identify risks, guide the technical team, and keep management informed. In short, they do everything an in-house CISO would do, without adding to your company’s organizational structure.
Why choose the vCISO service?
Adopting a vCISO is not just a matter of cost or lack of personnel. It is a strategic choice that ensures an objective assessment of risks and active compliance with regulatory frameworks. That’s why we offer the vCISO service, designed to fully meet the needs of organizations subject to regulatory obligations, as well as those looking to strengthen their security without burdening their organizational structure.
For Companies Subject to NIS2 or DORA
The NIS2 and DORA regulations have introduced strict requirements for specific sectors, such as energy, healthcare, telecommunications, financial services, and other critical areas. Organizations subject to these regulations are now required to have a clearly designated CISO or an equivalent role and to document a complete set of policies, procedures, and technical measures.
TicTac’s vCISO service enables these organizations to respond promptly to regulatory requirements. Specifically, the vCISO:
- Conducts Risk Assessments, Gap Analyses, and Mitigation Plans
- Creates and updates the compliance documentation
- Oversees the implementation of technical measures (EDR, Backup, MFA, DRP, etc.)
- Works closely with the internal CISO and management
- Communicates with regulatory authorities (EETT, EDYTE, Bank of Greece) whenever required
Because compliance with the NIS2 directive is critical for many businesses, we created the NIS2 Eligibility Calculator so you can quickly, easily, and completely FREE check whether your company needs to comply with the new requirements and avoid multi-million euro fines.
For Companies Without a Legal Obligation
Even organizations that do not have an explicit obligation under NIS2 or DORA still have a strong need for a thorough risk assessment and strengthened cybersecurity.
Our experience from dozens of Incident Response cases shows that many companies believe they are secure because they have certifications (ISO 27001, GDPR, PCI-DSS) or because they once prepared a compliance dossier. In practice, however:
- Processes are not applied as designed
- Management does not have a clear picture of the situation
- Technical measures are incomplete or have been abandoned
- Internal technical staff often conceal vulnerabilities
The vCISO service helps management gain a true and independent view of cybersecurity. Through systematic Risk Assessments, monitoring of implementations, and guidance from specialized consultants, the organization gains control, awareness, and a clear strategy.
What is the difference between a vCISO, an internal CISO, and Management?
In many organizations, the CISO role is assigned internally to a member of the IT team, such as an IT Manager or System Administrator. However, this approach often fails to meet regulatory requirements or ensure an objective assessment of risks.
The vCISO service complements and strengthens this model by bringing expertise, independence, and oversight.
Internal CISO
An internal CISO is usually someone from the existing staff who knows the organization’s internal operations very well, but often lacks the required level of specialization or the broader perspective on technical and regulatory developments. In addition, because they are “part of the system,” they may not be able to identify or highlight weaknesses, either due to lack of awareness or to avoid exposing their own team.
vCISO (Virtual CISO)
TicTac’s vCISO is an external partner with experience in cybersecurity incidents, compliance frameworks, and the implementation of technical measures. They are not influenced by internal dynamics, have no bias, and do not hesitate to highlight gaps or mistakes. They work closely with the internal CISO and the IT team, while reporting directly to management with objective findings and a clear action plan.
Management
Management, finally, is the entity with ultimate responsibility and is often required to make decisions without having the full picture. The vCISO’s role is to provide management with a realistic, evidence-based, and independent assessment of risks, enabling informed and correct decision-making.
The relationship between the vCISO, the internal CISO, and management is not competitive. It is complementary, with a shared goal of strengthening the organization against today’s cyber threats.
What is the cost of the vCISO service?
The vCISO service is designed to be affordable, scalable, and effective for any type of business, whether it’s a small company that wants to get organized properly or a large organization with increased compliance obligations.
Basic pricing starts from €500/month, covering the vCISO’s regular monthly tasks such as risk assessments, team coordination, consulting, participation in meetings, and reporting to management. At the same time, for larger companies or more demanding cases, customized packages are offered, tailored to their specific needs and infrastructure.
However, to properly start the vCISO service, an upfront assessment phase is necessary, which includes:
- Detailed Risk Assessment & Gap Analysis
- Creation of a compliance dossier (policies, procedures, technical measures)
- Implementation of critical technical interventions (EDR, Backup, MFA, DR)
- Evaluation of the existing technical and organizational state
This initial phase is crucial, as it sets the foundation on which the monthly operation of the service will be built. Without this preparatory work, the vCISO cannot operate effectively, as there would be no complete picture of existing gaps.
Why TicTac?
We have deep experience in Incident Response. We don’t work in theory – we know how a business can collapse because we’ve seen it happen.
- We combine regulatory knowledge with technical implementation. This means we don’t stop on paper: we ensure that policies and procedures are actually applied in practice.
- Our consultants are experienced GRC Advisors and Senior Engineers. Your security will not be handled by a junior or theoretical consultant, but by experts who know exactly where to focus.
- We are independent and objective. We do not rely on internal technical staff who may sugarcoat the situation or hide responsibilities. Risk assessments are conducted without bias. την εικόνα ή να αποκρύπτουν ευθύνες. Η αποτύπωση των κινδύνων γίνεται χωρίς bias.
Contact us to schedule a meeting
Click here to contact us for more information and to receive a clear compliance plan aligned with the new cybersecurity standards.
