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Virtual Ciso Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cyber Security Strategy Lead

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$108K - $146K/yr

Supporting or operating as a virtual CISO for mid-market clients, providing consistent leadership and oversight of their cybersecurity programs. * Mentoring and influencing others both internally and ...

... with Virtual CISO services. • Support export-controlled and classified environments by implementing appropriate controls and safeguards. • Identify, assess, and mitigate IT risks across ...

Cyber Security Strategy Lead

Charlotte, NC

$108K - $146K/yr

Supporting or operating as a virtual CISO for mid-market clients, providing consistent leadership and oversight of their cybersecurity programs. * Mentoring and influencing others both internally and ...

The Senior Cybersecurity Consultant will serve as both a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer ... Previous experience serving as a corporate CISO, Deputy CISO, Director of Information Security, or ...

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Virtual Ciso information

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How much do virtual ciso jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for virtual ciso in the United States is $24.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a CISO work remotely?

A Virtual CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) can work remotely, as many organizations hire CISOs to oversee cybersecurity strategies from outside the physical office. Remote work for CISOs often requires strong communication skills, relevant certifications, and familiarity with security tools and policies. The role's flexibility depends on company policies and the complexity of the organization's security needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Virtual CISO, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Virtual CISO, you need deep expertise in information security frameworks, risk management, and regulatory compliance, typically backed by a degree in cybersecurity or IT and certifications like CISSP or CISM. Familiarity with security assessment tools, SIEM systems, and governance platforms is essential. Outstanding communication, leadership, and strategic thinking set top performers apart in this remote advisory role. These skills and qualities are vital to effectively protect organizations, align security initiatives with business goals, and build trust with stakeholders.

How can I make 2000 a week working from home?

A Virtual Ciso can potentially earn $2,000 or more weekly by providing remote cybersecurity leadership, consulting for multiple clients, and leveraging certifications like CISSP or CISM. Building a strong reputation, offering specialized services, and working with multiple clients or on retainer agreements can increase earning potential. Flexibility in schedule and skills in risk management and security frameworks are essential for higher income levels.

What is a Virtual CISO?

A Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (Virtual CISO or vCISO) is an experienced cybersecurity professional who provides leadership and strategic guidance on information security, but works for an organization on a part-time, contract, or as-needed basis. This allows companies to benefit from high-level security expertise without the cost of hiring a full-time executive. vCISOs help businesses assess risks, develop security policies, ensure regulatory compliance, and respond to cybersecurity incidents. They are particularly valuable for small to mid-sized organizations that may not have the resources for a dedicated CISO.

Can I make $200,000 a year in cyber security?

A Virtual CISO or senior cybersecurity professional can potentially earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications like CISSP or CISM, and leadership responsibilities. Salaries vary based on industry, company size, location, and individual expertise, with top-tier roles often offering compensation in this range.

How much does a virtual CISO make?

A virtual CISO typically earns between $80,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and organization size. Senior virtual CISOs with specialized certifications like CISSP or CISM may earn higher salaries, especially when working with large or highly regulated companies.

How does a Virtual CISO typically collaborate with internal IT teams and executive leadership?

A Virtual CISO (vCISO) works closely with internal IT staff to assess current security protocols, identify gaps, and implement best practices. They also serve as a bridge between technical teams and executive leadership by translating complex security risks into clear business terms and providing strategic recommendations. Regular meetings, clear reporting structures, and tailored security training sessions are common ways vCISOs ensure that both technical and non-technical stakeholders are aligned on cybersecurity priorities. This collaborative approach helps organizations integrate security into business decisions and maintain regulatory compliance.

What Does a Virtual CISO Do?

A virtual chief information security officer (vCISO) is a position that allows you to work from home while handling the responsibilities of data organization and protection. In this role, you manage a company’s cybersecurity and ensure compliance with industry regulations. Your duties include reviewing the strategy and business design of an organization, performing threat analysis, providing risk assessment and management, and testing company systems. You may also forecast future security challenges, collaborate with engineering teams, identify and treat any breaches or incidents within the system, and provide service for end-users. You may work in a staff role for a company or contract with clients in a freelance position.

What is the difference between Virtual Ciso vs Security Analyst?

AspectVirtual CisoSecurity Analyst
CertificationsCISSP, CISM, CISACompTIA Security+, CISSP (preferred), GIAC
Work EnvironmentStrategic, executive-level, remote or onsiteOperational, technical, primarily onsite or remote
Employer & Industry UsageOrganizations seeking cybersecurity leadershipOrganizations monitoring security threats and incidents

The Virtual Ciso focuses on strategic cybersecurity leadership, policy development, and risk management at an executive level. In contrast, a Security Analyst handles technical security monitoring, threat detection, and incident response. While both roles require cybersecurity certifications, the Virtual Ciso operates at a higher strategic level, often working remotely for multiple clients or organizations, whereas Security Analysts are more hands-on with daily security operations.

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Infographic showing various Virtual Ciso job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 68% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,749 per year, or $24.4 per hour.
Virtual CISO & Cybersecurity Practice Lead

Virtual CISO & Cybersecurity Practice Lead

Interdependence

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

WHO WE ARE

The PR industry hasn't really changed in fifty years. Relationships, lunches, luck, and a clip report at the end of the month.

Interdependence is rebuilding it from the ground up. Interviewed, our proprietary platform, analyzes 300,000+ stories every day across a network of 250,000 journalists. We turn earned media into something measurable, repeatable, and worth paying for — and apply the same data and discipline across paid, social, content, and brand. Integrated marketing run by one team, on one system, accountable to one result.

Forbes named us one of America's Best PR Agencies. Our 100+ person team works with brands, CMOs, founders, and entrepreneurs across consumer, healthcare, tech, B2B, travel and entertainment.

We move fast. The best argument wins. We hire for sharp thinking, real craft, and ownership from day one. If you want comfortable, this isn't the place. If you want to win, build with us.

THE ROLE

You will serve as the senior cybersecurity practitioner and virtual CISO to a growing portfolio of mid-market clients (typically $25M–$150M in revenue, 100–1,000 employees). You will own the full client lifecycle, from initial security risk assessments through ongoing advisory, compliance management, and incident response coordination.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Serve as the outsourced CISO for 8–12 clients, providing executive-level security leadership on a fractional basis
  • Conduct security risk assessments, gap analyses, and penetration testing oversight for prospective and current clients
  • Develop and maintain security programs, policies, and incident response plans tailored to each client's risk profile and regulatory environment
  • Manage compliance frameworks including SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, CCPA, NIST CSF, and CMMC
  • Present security posture, risk exposure, and remediation roadmaps to boards of directors, C-suites, and audit committees in clear, business-oriented language
  • Oversee and leverage AI-driven security tooling for vulnerability scanning, log analysis, threat detection, and compliance evidence collection
  • Quarterback incident response when clients face active threats or breaches, coordinating forensics, legal, communications, and remediation
  • Collaborate with RMC's reputation management team to deliver integrated crisis response when security events create reputational exposure
  • Participate in business development — joining sales conversations, scoping engagements, and helping close new cybersecurity retainers
  • Recruit, manage, and mentor junior analysts as the practice scales
  • Build standardized methodologies, reporting templates, and delivery playbooks that allow the practice to scale without sacrificing quality

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 7-10+ years of hands-on cybersecurity experience spanning at least two of the following: penetration testing, incident response, security architecture, GRC (governance, risk, and compliance)
  • 3+ years operating at the CISO, Director of Security, or senior consulting level, you've sat in the room with boards and translated technical risk into business impact
  • CISSP certification (active and in good standing)
  • Deep working knowledge of SOC 2, HIPAA, NIST CSF, and at least one additional framework (PCI-DSS, ISO 27001, CMMC, CCPA)
  • Experience building or significantly expanding a security program from early stages, not just maintaining one someone else built
  • Ability to manage multiple client engagements simultaneously without quality degradation
  • Comfortable participating in sales and business development conversations — you understand that your credibility is what closes deals

NICE TO HAVE

  • CMMC Registered Practitioner (RP) or Certified CMMC Assessor (CCA) — the Southern California defense industrial base is a priority vertical
  • Additional certifications: CISM, CRISC, OSCP, GPEN, or SANS GIAC credentials
  • Experience running a cybersecurity consulting practice, MSSP, or vCISO firm — either as founder or practice lead
  • Background in incident response or digital forensics
  • Familiarity with AI-driven security platforms and willingness to integrate emerging AI tooling into service delivery
  • Experience with cyber insurance underwriting requirements and risk assessment frameworks
  • Existing professional network in the Southern California cybersecurity community

WHAT WILL SET YOU APART

  • You've built something before, a practice, a team, a firm, and you want to do it again with resources and infrastructure behind you
  • You can explain a zero-day exploit to a board member and a budget justification to a CFO in the same meeting
  • You're not just a technician who moved into management, you genuinely enjoy the client relationship and advisory aspects of the work
  • You see AI as a force multiplier for your expertise, not a threat to it

WHY THIS ROLE

You'll have an existing client base to cross-sell into from day one. You'll have AI-powered tooling that handles the repetitive analytical work so you can focus on the high-value advisory that clients actually pay for. And you'll have a leadership team that understands professional services, client management, and scaling consulting practices. because that's what we've done for over two decades.

If you want to build a cybersecurity practice with the autonomy of a founder and the support system of an established firm, this is it.

COMPENSATION & STRUCTURE

  • Base salary: $200,000 – $300,000 depending on experience and credentials
  • Performance bonus: Up to 25% of base, tied to client acquisition, retention, and practice revenue targets
  • Revenue participation: Structured incentive on new business you source and close, designed to reward you as a practice builder, not just a practitioner
  • Benefits: Health, dental, vision, 401(k)
  • Equity / profit-sharing potential as the cybersecurity division scales, this is a founding role and we structure compensation to reflect that