CISO as a Service for Governance and Compliance Needs
Smarter Security Strategy with CISO as a Service
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Services
A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a senior executive responsible for
overseeing an organisation’s cybersecurity program. CISOs play a critical role in helping organisations to identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks.
Having a CISO in place is important for all organisations, regardless of size or industry. However, it is especially important for organisations that operate critical infrastructure, such as power grids, transportation systems, and financial institutions.
Implementing CISO as a Service for Your Business
Cyber Ethos offers a comprehensive range of CISO services, including:
- Cybersecurity strategy development and implementation
- Risk management
- Security policy development
- Incident response planning
- Compliance and regulatory support
Why Choose Cyber Ethos for Trusted CISO as a Service
Why Choose
Cyber Ethos?
Cyber Ethos is a leading cybersecurity company in Australia. We have a team of experienced and qualified CISOs who can help you to implement CISO services effectively.
- Cost-effective solution: Our CISO services are a cost-effective way to access top-tier cybersecurity leadership without the overhead of a full-time executive.
- Flexible engagement: We offer scalable services that can be customised to meet your specific needs and budget.
- Expertise: Our CISOs have extensive cybersecurity knowledge and experience, ensuring that your organisation's cybersecurity is in capable hands.
Contact us today to learn more about our CISO services and how we can help you to improve your cybersecurity posture.
Want to know more about CISO as a Service?
Want to know more about CISO as a Service?
What is SMB1001 Certification?
SMB1001 is Australia’s cybersecurity certification standard for small and medium businesses, developed by CyberCerts. It provides a clear, structured pathway to verified cyber security maturity across three tiers.
It matters because the businesses you sell to, the government agencies you want to work with, and the insurers you rely on are all starting to ask for it. SMB1001 certification is how an Australian SMB proves its security posture to the market.
Bronze
Establishes cyber hygiene fundamentals. Ideal for businesses seeking insurance eligibility or supply chain entry.
Silver
Independently verified security maturity. Required for government supplier panels and enterprise supply chains.
Gold
The highest tier. Aligned to the Essential Eight. For regulated industries, government contracts, and critical infrastructure.
SMB1001 Certification Programs
Choose the tier that matches where your business needs to be. All programs are done-for-you, practitioner-led, and delivered with a certification outcome guarantee.
Bronze
Get Protected | SMB1001 Bronze Certification Delivered
$2,999 / month
Minimum Engagement: 3 months | Advisory Hours: 6 hours per month | Certification Fee: Included
Inclusions
• SMB1001 Bronze gap assessment across all control domains
• Remediation of all identified gaps by your Cyber Ethos Fractional CIO/CISO
• Core security policy development: access control, MFA, patching, backup, email security
• Basic risk register creation and risk identification
• Staff security awareness guidance and training recommendations
• Evidence compilation and self-assessment documentation
• SMB1001 Bronze submission managed end to end by Cyber Ethos
• SMB1001 Bronze certification included
• Up to 6 advisory hours per month
• Bronze-to-Silver upgrade review at program completion
• Delivered by a Cyber Ethos practitioner under Dr. Kiran Kewalramani’s oversight
Outcome
Your organisation will hold SMB1001 Bronze certification, demonstrating verified cyber hygiene to insurers, clients, and supply chain partners. You will have a documented security policy framework, a functioning risk register, and baseline controls in place.
Silver
Get Verified | SMB1001 Silver Certification Delivered
$4,999 / month
Minimum Engagement: 4 months | Advisory Hours: 10 hours per month | Certification Fee: Included
Inclusions
• All Bronze Certified inclusions
• SMB1001 Silver gap assessment and full remediation roadmap
• Security architecture review and recommendations
• Vulnerability management program setup and oversight
• Incident response plan development and tabletop exercise planning
• Asset inventory and network segmentation advisory
• Staff security awareness training coordination
• Third-party vendor risk review planning – top 5 suppliers
• Ongoing compliance monitoring and evidence collection
• CyberCerts assessor liaison and Silver audit submission managed by Cyber Ethos
• SMB1001 Silver certification (prepaid, included)
• Quarterly executive risk report in board-ready format
• Up to 10 advisory hours per month
• Silver-to-Gold upgrade review at program completion
• Delivered by a Cyber Ethos practitioner under Dr. Kiran Kewalramani’s oversight
Outcome
Your organisation will hold SMB1001 Silver certification, independently verified by a SMB1001 third-party assessor. You will have a mature security posture, an incident response plan, vendor risk oversight, and governance documentation that satisfies government procurement, enterprise supply chain, and regulated industry requirements.
Gold
Get Competitive | SMB1001 Gold Certification Delivered
$7,999 / month
Minimum Engagement: 6 months | Advisory Hours: 16 hours per month | Certification Fee: Included
Inclusions
• All Silver Sentinel inclusions
• Personally led by Dr. Kiran Kewalramani, PhD, GAICD, CISA
• Full SMB1001 Gold remediation program aligned to SMB1001 and the Essential Eight
• Advanced GRC framework implementation and management
• Business continuity and disaster recovery plan development
• Comprehensive third-party and supply chain risk management program
• Data privacy compliance advisory under the Australian Privacy Act
• Security architecture review and technology stack advisory
• Integration of threat intelligence into risk management
• Monthly board-level reporting and strategic advisory sessions
• Incident response crisis leadership support for live events
• Full SMB1001 Gold third-party audit coordination and assessor liaison
• SMB1001 Gold certification (prepaid, included)
• Up to 16 advisory hours per month
• Annual re-certification advisory review
Outcome
Your organisation will hold SMB1001 Gold certification, fully third-party audited and independently verified to the highest standard in the Australian SMB cybersecurity framework. You will have enterprise-grade security leadership, a board-ready governance structure, a tested business continuity capability, and Essential Eight alignment — personally delivered by Dr. Kiran Kewalramani.
Certification Outcome Guarantee: Complete the program, follow the Cyber Ethos framework, and you will achieve your SMB1001 certification. If you do not, Cyber Ethos continues working at no additional charge until you do.
Compare Programs at a Glance
| 🥉 Bronze | 🥈 Silver | 🥇 Gold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,999/month | $4,999/month | $7,999/month |
| Minimum Engagement | 3 months | 4 months | 6 months |
| Advisory Hours | 6 hrs/month | 10 hrs/month | 16 hrs/month |
| Certification Included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Certification Tier | SMB1001 Bronze | SMB1001 Silver | SMB1001 Gold |
| Led By | Cyber Ethos practitioner | Cyber Ethos practitioner | Dr. Kiran Kewalramani personally |
| Gap Assessment | Full | Full | Full |
| Gap Remediation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Policy Development | Core | Comprehensive | Advanced |
| Risk Register | Basic | Operational | Comprehensive |
| Third-Party Risk Review | No | Top 5 vendors | Comprehensive program |
| Board/Executive Reporting | Ad-hoc | Quarterly | Monthly |
| Essential Eight Alignment | No | No | Yes |
| Privacy Act Advisory | No | No | Yes |
| Outcome Guarantee | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cybersecurity FAQ’S
1. What is a Fractional CISO (CISO as a Service)?
2. What services does Cyber Ethos offer through Fractional CISO engagements?
Our Fractional CISO service is tailored for Australian businesses and includes:
1) Cybersecurity strategy and roadmap development.
2) Policy and procedure design aligned with Australian standards (ACSC Essential 8, SMB1001, ISO 27001).
3) Risk identification, assessment, and mitigation planning.
4) Regulatory compliance support (Privacy Act, SOCI Act, APRA CPS 234, and sector-specific requirements).
5) Incident response planning and testing.
6) Security awareness programs for staff and executives.
7) Regular board and executive reporting in plain English.
3. How is Cyber Ethos different from other vCISO providers in Australia?
Our Fractional CISOs are not just technologists – they are seasoned board advisors and business leaders. Cyber Ethos’ CEO, Dr Kiran Kewalramani, was recognised as Cybersecurity Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 and has worked directly with boards, audit & risk committees, and critical infrastructure providers. Unlike generic providers, we bring:
1) Proven experience in Australian sectors including mining, utilities, healthcare, and financial services.
2) Contributions to national frameworks such as the SOCI Act.
3) A human-centred approach that balances governance, innovation, and security.
4. How can a Fractional CISO help with compliance in Australia?
Compliance is often a moving target. Our Fractional CISOs help your business meet obligations under laws and frameworks like the SOCI Act, Privacy Act, APRA CPS 234, Essential 8, and SMB1001. We conduct assessments, design policies, and prepare compliance reports that regulators, auditors, and clients recognise. We also make sure compliance work strengthens your overall cyber resilience – not just tick-boxes.
5. How does a Fractional CISO help manage cyber risks?
We start by identifying where your business is most exposed – whether it’s through suppliers, systems, or staff behaviours. From there, we create a practical roadmap to reduce those risks. That may include vendor risk reviews, penetration testing, or setting up 24/7 monitoring. We also provide threat intelligence so you’re aware of the latest risks targeting Australian organisations, and ensure you have a clear incident response plan if something goes wrong.
6. How much does a Fractional CISO cost in Australia?
Costs vary depending on your business size, industry, and the level of support you need. Many SMBs in Australia engage us for a few days per month, while larger organisations may need more regular involvement. Cyber Ethos offers flexible packages – from fixed monthly retainers to project-based pricing – so you only pay for what you need. During an initial consultation, we’ll provide a tailored quote based on your goals and compliance requirements.
7. How do I get started with Cyber Ethos’ Fractional CISO service?
Getting started is simple. Contact us to arrange a free consultation with one of our senior cybersecurity advisors. We’ll discuss your current challenges, compliance needs, and business priorities. From there, we’ll design a tailored engagement plan that fits your budget and timeframes – whether that’s one-off advisory, ongoing monthly support, or project-based leadership.