Fractional CISO services for stronger cyber security

Cyber threats, tighter regulation, and clients demanding proof of security put every growing business under pressure. A fractional CISO gives you the senior leadership to manage that risk with confidence, at board level, for only the days you need.

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What does a fractional CISO do?

A fractional CISO is an experienced Chief Information Security Officer who leads your cyber security part-time or on an interim basis. They set your security strategy, own governance and compliance, prepare you for audits and certifications, and make sure the business is ready to prevent, detect, and respond to threats. In short, one senior person is finally accountable for security.

A clear security strategy

A plan aligned to your commercial priorities, so cyber security supports the business instead of slowing it down.

Prepare for audits and certifications

Puts governance, policies, and evidence in place for ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, GDPR, and client due diligence.

Protection against cyber threats

Strenghtens defences and creates a clear response plan, so threats becomes a managed events, not crises.

Visibility of risk and spend

Clarity on your risk profile and your security budget to mitigate surprises and eliminate wasted money.

How do I know if I need a fractional CISO?

You may not need a full-time CISO yet, but the signs that you need senior security leadership are usually clear. A fractional CISO is the right move when any of these sound familiar.

Your cyber risks are unclear and no one senior owns them.
Compliance demands, such as ISO 27001 or GDPR, are unclear.
You have been a victim of, or narrowly avoided, a security incident.

Clients or partners are demanding security assurances before they buy.
You are preparing for an audit, a certification, or investor due diligence.
Security responsibilities are scattered across the team and undefined.

We are the largest fractional CISO team in the UK

A fractional CISO from Freeman Clarke never works alone. They bring the shared threat intelligence of a full team of security and IT leaders to your defences.

You get 100+ experts, not just one
Your fractional CISO shares intelligence with the whole team, so your defences reflect what is happening across many sectors, not one person’s view.
Advice with no vendor agenda
We don’t make deals with security vendors or resellers, so you are never sold tools you do not need. Every recommendation is in your interest alone.
Practical, commercial security
We protect the business without slowing it down, and translate risk into decisions the board can act on with confidence.

Freeman Clarke’s security review revealed vulnerabilities and provided actionable steps to strengthen resilience. Their proactive approach inspired trust across the board.

Ian Tucker

CEO, Magna Learning Partnership

Freeman Clarke by the numbers

100+

Technology leaders

1,300+

Clients served

100%

Supplier independent

World-Class NPS

FAQs

What is a fractional CISO?

A fractional CISO is an experienced Chief Information Security Officer who leads your cyber security part-time or on an interim basis. You get board-level security leadership without the cost of a full-time salary.

How much does a fractional CISO cost?

A fractional CISO typically costs a fraction of a full-time CISO salary, based on the number of days you need each month. Freeman Clarke tailors each engagement to your risk and your goals rather than a fixed package..

What is the difference between a fractional CISO and a virtual CISO?

The terms overlap. A fractional CISO usually works part-time on an ongoing basis as part of your leadership team. A virtual, or outsourced, CISO often works remotely on defined tasks. Either way, Freeman Clarke provides a fractional CISO who becomes part of your team.

Can a fractional CISO help us pass ISO 27001 or Cyber Essentials?

Yes. A fractional CISO puts the governance, policies, and evidence in place for standards such as ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, NIST, and GDPR, and guides you through the audit or certification.

Do I need a fractional CISO or a fractional CIO?

A fractional CISO focuses on security, risk, and compliance. A fractional CIO focuses on your wider IT strategy, systems, and operations. Freeman Clarke helps you choose the right fit, or to combine both.

How quickly can a fractional CISO start?

A fractional CISO from Freeman Clarke can typically start within two to four weeks, and faster if you are responding to an incident or an urgent audit.