03 · CISO
CISO as a Service (Virtual CISO)
Experienced CISO leadership when you need it: to structure your security programme, meet SAMA and NCA requirements, steer incidents and guide big decisions.
Do you need expert CISO leadership?
- Your organisation lacks security support during an upheaval.
- You need immediate help with regulatory compliance.
- You struggle to meet SAMA or NCA requirements relating to the CISO role.
- You need expert advice to structure your cybersecurity programme.
- You need seasoned input to manage a cybersecurity incident.
- You need guidance to shortlist and procure security technologies.
- You need direction on staying on-premises or moving to the cloud.
If any of these sound familiar, CYBRT can help.
What’s included
Strategic leadership & programme development
- Cybersecurity strategies aligned with business goals and regulation.
- Security programmes structured from the ground up, with governance and clear accountability.
Incident response & crisis management
- Seasoned input to manage incidents, with proper escalation and communication.
- Response plans, and leadership through a breach.
Cloud migration & infrastructure strategy
- Clear direction on staying on-premises or moving to the cloud.
- Hybrid cloud strategies that balance efficiency and security.
Executive reporting & board communication
- Executive-level reporting and security metrics for boards and the C-suite.
- Technical challenges translated into business language for decisions.
Regulatory compliance & risk management
- Compliance with SAMA, NCA and other regional regulations.
- Enterprise risk management frameworks built for cyber threats.
Technology assessment & procurement
- Help shortlisting and buying security technology that fits your needs and budget.
- Technology roadmaps and vendor evaluation.
Organisational support & change management
- Security leadership through upheaval, mergers, acquisitions and transformation.
- A strong security posture maintained throughout the transition.
Security culture & training
- Organisation-wide awareness and a strong security culture.
- Role-specific training and security champions across departments.
Regulators we work with
When you need a virtual CISO
- You have no dedicated security leader
- Your CISO has left and you need cover while you recruit
- You are preparing for an NCA, SAMA or ISO audit
- You have had a breach and need to rebuild
- Your board or clients want proof of security leadership
- Your IT manager is handling security alongside everything else
Virtual CISO or full-time CISO?
| Full-time CISO | CYBRT virtual CISO | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Full executive salary and benefits | A fee for the time you need |
| Time to start | Months of recruitment | Weeks |
| Experience | One person’s background | Backed by a team of specialists |
| Flexibility | Fixed | Scale up or down |
| Independence | Part of internal politics | An objective outside view |
Engagement models
- Advisory
- A set number of hours each month for guidance and reviews.
- Part-time
- Regular days each week or month, including time on site.
- Interim
- Full-time cover during a leadership gap.
- Programme-based
- Leadership for one goal, such as ECC compliance or ISO 27001 certification.
The first 90 days
- 01Days 1 to 30
Understand the business, review current security, identify critical risks and quick wins.
- 02Days 31 to 60
Deliver a strategy, roadmap and governance structure.
- 03Days 61 to 90
Start delivery, launch leadership reporting and begin compliance work.
Why CYBRT
Riyadh-based, Gulf-focused
Headquartered in Riyadh, working with organisations across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
Certified consultants
Our team holds CISA, CISM, CRISC, CGEIT, CDPSE, CCSP, CCSK, COBIT and ISO 27001 Lead Auditor certifications, among others.
Regulation-ready
We work with NCA and SAMA frameworks alongside ISO, NIST and PCI-DSS, so controls map straight to what auditors expect.
End to end
Six connected services, from strategy and awareness through testing, operations, cloud and technology.
Frequently asked questions
What is CISO as a Service?
Experienced CISO leadership provided by CYBRT instead of a full-time hire, covering strategy, governance, compliance, incident leadership and board reporting.
Can a virtual CISO help us meet SAMA and NCA requirements?
Yes. We help organisations meet SAMA and NCA requirements, including those relating to the CISO role, and put risk management frameworks in place.
Can you support us during a merger or major change?
Yes. We provide security leadership through upheavals, mergers, acquisitions and transformations so your security posture stays strong during the transition.
Will the virtual CISO work on site?
Yes, as needed. Most engagements combine on-site meetings with remote work.
Can a virtual CISO help us hire a permanent CISO later?
Yes. Many clients use a virtual CISO to build the foundations, then hire and onboard a permanent leader with our help.
Is a virtual CISO only for small companies?
No. Large organisations also use one for interim cover, specific programmes or independent advice.
Related services
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