Overview
Our Fractional Chief Information Security Officer (Fractional CISO) service delivers executive-level cybersecurity leadership to Australian organisations—without the full-time costs typically associated with hiring a resident CISO. In today’s threat landscape, compliance with the ACSC’s Essential 8 and the Privacy Act 1988 is not just best practice—it’s a necessity. Our Fractional CISO service is designed to help you manage risk, ensure regulatory compliance, and secure your business operations while keeping pace with evolving cyber threats.
Why Your Organisation Needs a Fractional CISO in Australia:
Strategic Security Leadership: We ensure your cybersecurity strategy aligns with your business goals and complies with local frameworks and regulations, such as the Essential 8 and the Privacy Act 1988.
Board & Executive Compliance Risk Mitigation: With increased regulatory scrutiny, boards and executives are legally accountable for cybersecurity risks. Our service provides tailored briefings, governance support, and even board training partnerships to enhance cybersecurity literacy at the highest levels.
Cost-Effective Expertise: Full-time CISOs in Australia can command annual salaries exceeding AUD 300,000. Our Fractional CISO engagement provides expert guidance at a fraction of that cost—often in the range of AUD 80,000 to AUD 160,000 per year, based on scope.
Clear Deliverables for Business Leaders: Many organisations have an IT manager but lack the expertise to understand why they need security leadership. We provide clear, practical insights and step-by-step guidance to help organisations prioritise cybersecurity efforts effectively.
Scalable & Flexible: Our service adapts as your organisation grows, ensuring you remain compliant and secure in an ever-changing regulatory and threat landscape.
Our Fractional CISO service is ideal for:
Executives & Boards seeking cybersecurity leadership and compliance oversight without full-time hiring.
Mid-sized organisations with growing security needs but limited internal expertise.
Companies with IT teams that require senior guidance on security strategy and compliance.
Our Four-Step Fractional CISO Approach
Risk Assessment & Maturity Evaluation: Conduct comprehensive risk assessments that consider the Essential 8 mitigation strategies and your current compliance with the Privacy Act and APPs.
Security Roadmap Development: Create a clear, strategic security plan that aligns with your business goals and addresses specific Australian regulatory and threat environments.
Initial Gap Analysis: Identify vulnerabilities, compliance gaps, and immediate remediation priorities.
Policy & Procedure Development: Develop or refine your security policies, standards, and procedures to meet industry best practices and local requirements, including the Essential 8 and the Privacy Act 1988.
Compliance Integration: Ensure your security program addresses all relevant local regulations, from mandatory data protection measures under the Privacy Act to the practical controls advised by the ACSC.
Incident Response Planning: Establish robust incident response plans that include procedures for managing breaches under Australian privacy laws and essential cyber hygiene practices.
Security Initiative Oversight: Oversee day-to-day security operations, including ongoing risk assessments, vulnerability management, and third-party security evaluations.
Employee Training & Awareness: Conduct targeted training programs to educate your workforce on recognising phishing scams, implementing the Essential 8, and understanding privacy obligations.
Ongoing Risk & Compliance Reviews: Provide regular assessments and updates to ensure continuous alignment with evolving cyber threats and regulatory changes.
Continuous Monitoring: Implement monitoring processes that track the effectiveness of security controls and compliance efforts, including regular checks against the Essential 8.
Metrics & Reporting: Deliver clear, actionable dashboards and reports that translate technical data into insights for board-level discussion, focusing on both security posture and regulatory compliance.
Periodic Audits & Reviews: Schedule audits and reassessments to ensure your security strategy evolves alongside regulatory updates and emerging threats.
Executive-Level Security Leadership: Your dedicated Fractional CISO serves as a strategic advisor to your executive team, ensuring that all cybersecurity initiatives support business objectives and meet local regulatory standards.
Board & Executive Training Partnerships: We collaborate with established providers to offer cybersecurity short courses specifically designed for board members and executives, helping them understand legal obligations and security risks.
Risk Management & Compliance Alignment: Develop a formal risk register and regularly assess your compliance with the ACSC’s guidelines and the Privacy Act. Our approach ensures you are prepared for audits and regulatory reviews.
Incident Response & Crisis Management: Build and maintain robust incident response playbooks, perform regular tabletop exercises, and ensure that your organisation is ready to respond effectively to any cybersecurity incident in line with Australian best practices.
Security Awareness Training: Through tailored training sessions, we educate your workforce on the importance of cyber hygiene, phishing prevention, and understanding their role in maintaining compliance with the Privacy Act and Essential 8 practices.
Metrics & Reporting: We provide monthly or quarterly reports with key performance indicators (KPIs) and risk metrics, translated into business-friendly language for executives and boards.
Essential Fractional CISO
Starting at AUD 5,500/month
For small-to-mid-sized organisations that need a cybersecurity foundation with clear deliverables.
Professional Fractional CISO
Starting at AUD 8,000/month
Ideal for mid-sized businesses requiring structured security leadership and compliance management.
Enterprise Fractional CISO
Starting at AUD 10,500/month
Designed for highly regulated or complex environments requiring continuous monitoring and advanced compliance.
Note: Final pricing and service scope are determined after an initial discovery call, taking into account your organisation’s size, industry, and specific regulatory requirements.
Discovery & Scoping: Initial consultation to understand your security posture, compliance status, and unique challenges.
Proposal & Contract: Receive a tailored proposal outlining scope, pricing, and timelines.
Onboarding: Our Fractional CISO integrates with your team and initiates immediate security enhancements.
Ongoing Management: Continuous oversight, regular updates, and iterative improvements.
Reviews & Adjustments: Periodic reviews and audits to ensure effectiveness and regulatory alignment.
Local Expertise & Global Best Practices
Tailored for Boards, Executives, and IT Leadership
Proven Track Record in Compliance & Risk Reduction
Business-Focused Security Strategy
Transparent Reporting & Communication
Contact sales@cyberstronomy.com for a no-obligation discussion.