At Point Solutions Security, we’ve helped companies across healthcare, finance, SaaS, and critical infrastructure bridge a crucial gap in cybersecurity leadership. One of the most common and strategic solutions we offer is Fractional CISO services – a flexible, cost-effective way to gain executive-level cyber leadership without hiring a full-time Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
This guide will answer two essential questions: “What is a fractional CISO?” and “What does a fractional CISO do?”
What Is a Fractional CISO?
A fractional CISO (also called a part-time CISO or outsourced CISO) is a senior cybersecurity expert who offers C-level strategy, governance, and risk oversight on a part-time or contract basis. Unlike a full-time CISO, a fractional CISO works on a flexible schedule, often just a few hours per week or month – enough to provide strategic direction and oversight without the cost of a six-figure hire. Fractional CISOs typically serve:- Startups and small-to-midsize businesses (SMBs)
- Enterprises with CISO turnover or interim needs
- Organizations scaling toward compliance readiness
- Businesses responding to a breach or audit
What Does a Fractional CISO Do?
A fractional CISO provides strategic leadership in cybersecurity. Here’s what that looks like in practice:Risk Management Strategy
- Perform security risk assessments
- Prioritize threats and vulnerabilities
- Align mitigation plans with business priorities
Compliance Oversight
- Guide your organization through frameworks such as HIPAA, SOC 2, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and GDPR
- Liaise with auditors, legal, and stakeholders
- Prepare documentation and training programs
Security Roadmap & Program Development
- Build and manage a long-term cybersecurity roadmap
- Set quarterly objectives and KPIs for your security program
- Oversee policy development and security architecture
Executive Reporting
- Present findings to the board and executive team
- Translate technical risk into business impact
- Support security awareness and governance initiatives
Vendor and Tool Evaluation
- Assess third-party risk
- Recommend tools, platforms, and managed services
- Oversee secure procurement and implementation
Incident Response Planning
- Create or refine your incident response plan (IRP)
- Coordinate tabletop exercises and IRP testing
- Lead or advise during a breach response
When Should a Business Consider a Fractional CISO?
Many companies struggle to identify the right time to bring in cybersecurity leadership. You may benefit from a fractional CISO if:- You lack internal cybersecurity leadership
- Your IT team is overextended
- You’re preparing for a compliance audit or certification
- You’ve experienced a recent security incident
- Your board or insurers require a formal security program
- You’re expanding into new markets or regions with complex data laws
Benefits of Hiring a Fractional CISO
A fractional CISO brings immediate value to your organization with less overhead and more flexibility than a full-time hire.Cost Efficiency
- Avoid the $200K+ salary of a full-time CISO
- Pay only for the hours and services you need
- Lower total cost of ownership while maintaining leadership quality
Speed to Impact
- Hit the ground running with ready-made frameworks and assessments
- Faster audit prep, risk reduction, and roadmap creation
Executive-Level Guidance
- Access C-suite strategy without a long-term hiring cycle
- Improve board and leadership engagement in cybersecurity
Flexibility & Scalability
- Adjust service levels as your business grows or requirements change
- Easily shift from compliance readiness to proactive risk mitigation
Industry Experience
At Point Solutions Security, our fractional CISOs have decades of experience across: No matter the sector of your business, Point Solutions Security is here to be your trusted cybersecurity partner for reliable and trustworthy Fractional CISO services.How a Fractional CISO Integrates With Your Business
Your fractional CISO should operate as a faithful member of your executive team – not just a consultant. At Point Solutions Security, our integration model ensures that your CISO:- Participates in regular leadership meetings
- Collaborates with internal IT and compliance teams
- Align goals with your business risk appetite and regulatory landscape
Common Engagement Models
We offer flexible models to meet your operational and budgetary needs:Retainer-Based (Fractional Leadership)
- Monthly commitment (e.g., 10–40 hours/month)
- Ideal for ongoing guidance and governance
Project-Based
- Fixed-scope engagements: risk assessments, policy creation, audit prep
- Defined timelines and deliverables
Interim CISO
- Temporary full-time coverage during transitions
- Support recruiting, onboarding, and strategic planning
Why Choose Point Solutions Security for Fractional CISO Services?
At Point Solutions Security, we don’t just “check the box.” We build scalable, risk-based security programs that align with your growth and compliance goals.Our Differentiators:
- Proven frameworks for fast deployment
- Board-ready communication and executive insight
- Deep compliance experience across HIPAA, SOC 2, and more
- The risk-first methodology focused on business outcomes
So, What Does a Fractional CISO Do?
So – what is a fractional CISO? It’s a strategic cybersecurity leader who brings board-level insight, proven experience, and scalable oversight to your business – without the long-term commitment or overhead of a full-time executive. What does a fractional CISO do? They help you define and implement your security strategy, prepare for compliance, reduce risk, and communicate cybersecurity priorities with clarity and confidence.
