The cybersecurity landscape is in a state of constant flux, but one trend is becoming undeniable: the virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) is no longer a niche service. It’s becoming a fundamental part of the security strategy for businesses of all sizes, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This shift is a key finding in The 2025 State of the vCISO Report, a document that offers a clear look at where the market is headed.
The report reveals a surge in demand. The numbers in the report highlight that 79% of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) are experiencing a high demand for vCISO services from SMBs. This is a big jump which demonstrates a growing awareness among SMB owners about the importance of a strategic, proactive cybersecurity posture.
This rising demand is leading to a growing adoption rate within the service provider community. The report found that vCISO adoption among MSPs and MSSPs has jumped by 319% in a single year, from 21% in 2024 to 67% in 2025. This indicates that vCISO services are quickly moving from being a premium add-on to a standard offering. This is a crucial development for the industry.
While the increased demand presents opportunities, it also comes with challenges. However, the report points to a solution that’s already revolutionising our work: artificial intelligence (AI). It notes that AI is currently used by 81% of MSPs and MSSPs, and its deeper integration is expected to make vCISO services more manageable and cost-effective to deliver.
Mondas are embracing AI to assist in the automation of routine tasks and focus our expertise where it’s needed most in providing strategic guidance and building robust security programmes.
The report confirms what many of us have been seeing firsthand: the vCISO is now an important partner for SMBs and MSPs looking to navigate the complexities of modern cybersecurity.
The future is bright for both businesses seeking expertise and the vCISO professionals who provide it, thanks in large part to the power of AI to scale our efforts and meet the growing demand.
Read more about our vCISO professional services, or get in touch with us today.
