Security Leadership

What Is CISO-as-a-Service? And Is It Right for Your Business?

CISO-as-a-service means a senior, independent CISO on a retainer: risk ownership, board reporting, and compliance leadership without a permanent hire.

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Where Businesses Get Stuck

The challenges we most commonly see when organisations come to us:

You’ve seen ‘CISO-as-a-service’ marketed and don’t know what it means or how it differs from a vCISO or a consultant.

Our Methodology

The CISO Service Model Comparison: CISO-as-a-service vs vCISO vs fractional CISO vs full-time CISO.

What Starkhorn Brings

PAA: What is the difference between a vCISO and a CISO-as-a-service? Starkhorn answers this definitively.

Starkhorn does not subcontract or use associate networks. You work directly with Daniel Jacobs from the first conversation through to delivery.

Who This Is For

This service is designed for:

CEOs and boards evaluating security leadership models

This is not the right fit for: Businesses needing IT support or a penetration test.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can Starkhorn begin?

In most cases we can begin within five to ten working days. For urgent situations such as a sudden leadership gap or an active incident, we can mobilise faster. Contact us to discuss your timeline.

What does a typical Starkhorn engagement cost?

Engagements are structured as monthly retainers or fixed-term day-rate assignments. The cost depends on scope and time commitment. We are transparent about pricing from the first conversation and will give you a clear indication on the call.

What experience does Starkhorn bring?

Starkhorn is led by Daniel Jacobs, with 20+ years in technology and security, 15+ of them in leadership roles. He has served as CIO, CISO, and interim technology director for organisations including VetPartners (BC Partners-backed, GBP1.2bn) and Jardine Motors Group (GBP2bn turnover). He holds PRINCE2, ITIL Foundation, and is a Full Member of the Institute of Interim Management.

Do I need a full-time CISO or will a virtual CISO suffice?

For most SMEs and PE-backed businesses, a virtual or fractional CISO provides everything a full-time hire would at a fraction of the cost. Unless your sector requires a dedicated CISO under regulation, a virtual arrangement is almost always the smarter choice.

What is the first step to working with Starkhorn?

Book a no-obligation conversation using the link on this page. In 30 minutes we will understand your situation, tell you honestly whether we are the right fit, and outline what a first engagement would look like. There is no sales process and no pressure.

Next step

Ready to Talk?

Starkhorn works with MDs, CEOs, and boards of growing businesses. If you have a technology leadership gap, a security concern, or a transformation that is not delivering, we can help. Book a 30-minute conversation with no obligation.