What Does a vCISO Actually Cost in Ireland in 2026? The Honest Answer.

Could your business be paying €150,000 or more annually for cybersecurity leadership you don't fully utilise? Many Irish SMEs face this dilemma, grappling with the escalating costs of dedicated in-house Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs).

The Soaring Price of In-House Cybersecurity Leadership

The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals in Ireland continues to outstrip supply, driving salaries skyward. A full-time CISO in Ireland commands a salary often exceeding €100,000, and that's before factoring in PRSI, pension contributions, benefits, and recruitment costs. The total annual expenditure for an in-house CISO can easily surpass €150,000. For many small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this figure is simply unsustainable, creating a significant gap in their security posture.

This financial barrier leaves countless businesses, from bustling Sligo startups to established Donegal manufacturers, without the expert guidance needed to navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Ireland consistently highlights the growing sophistication of cyber threats targeting Irish organisations, underscoring the critical need for robust leadership in this area ¹. Without it, businesses are left vulnerable to attacks that can cripple operations and reputation.

The Consequence: Vulnerability and Regulatory Risk

When a business cannot afford a dedicated CISO, it often falls to IT managers or even business owners to shoulder the cybersecurity burden. These individuals, while competent in their primary roles, rarely possess the deep, strategic expertise required to build and maintain a comprehensive security programme. This gap in leadership can lead to critical vulnerabilities, misaligned security investments, and a reactive rather than proactive approach to cyber risk.

The absence of strategic cybersecurity oversight can have devastating consequences, ranging from data breaches to non-compliance with regulations like GDPR and the upcoming NIS2 Directive. An Garda Síochána frequently reports on the financial and reputational damage inflicted on Irish businesses by cybercrime, with many incidents stemming from preventable weaknesses ². Without a CISO-level professional, businesses are essentially navigating a minefield blindfolded, increasing their exposure to significant financial penalties and operational disruption.

The Solution: The Virtual CISO (vCISO) Model

Enter the Virtual CISO (vCISO): a flexible, cost-effective alternative that provides expert cybersecurity leadership without the overheads of a full-time employee. A vCISO offers strategic guidance, helps develop security roadmaps, manages compliance efforts, and advises on incident response, all on a part-time or retainer basis. It is the difference between owning a car and using a taxi — you get where you need to go, without the insurance, the NCT, and the parking.

This model allows businesses to access top-tier expertise tailored to their specific needs and budget. Instead of a fixed, high salary, you pay for the services you require, when you require them. This makes advanced cybersecurity leadership accessible to a much broader range of Irish businesses, ensuring that even smaller enterprises can benefit from strategic security guidance and reduce their overall risk exposure.

What Drives vCISO Price Variation in Ireland?

The cost of a vCISO in Ireland typically ranges from €2,500 to €8,000 per month for a retainer. This variation is primarily driven by several key factors:

• Scope of Services: A basic retainer might cover strategic oversight and regular check-ins, while a more comprehensive package could include detailed risk assessments, policy development, vendor management, and active participation in security committees. The more hands-on and extensive the services, the higher the cost.
• Experience and Expertise: Senior vCISOs with extensive experience in specific industries (e.g., finance, healthcare) or with particular regulatory frameworks (e.g., NIS2, PCI DSS) will command higher rates. Their proven track record and specialised knowledge are invaluable.
• Time Commitment: The number of hours per week or month dedicated to your organisation directly impacts the retainer fee. Some businesses may only need a few hours of strategic advice, while others require more substantial engagement for ongoing projects or compliance initiatives.
• Geographic Focus/Local Knowledge: While vCISOs operate remotely, those with a deep understanding of the Irish regulatory landscape and local business environment, particularly in regions like the North-West, can offer more tailored and effective guidance.

---

Not sure where your business stands on cyber risk? Download the Irish SME Cyber Survival Guide — a free, plain-English guide to the 10 controls every Irish business needs. No jargon, no sales pitch.

---

What to Look For in a vCISO Contract

When engaging a vCISO, the contract is crucial. It should clearly define the scope of work, deliverables, and expected outcomes. Look for a contract that specifies:

• Defined Hours and Availability: How many hours per month will the vCISO dedicate to your business, and what are their response times for urgent matters?
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): How will the vCISO's effectiveness be measured? This could include progress on security roadmap items, successful audit outcomes, or improvements in security posture assessments.
• Reporting Structure: To whom will the vCISO report, and how often will progress updates be provided? Clear communication channels are vital for effective collaboration.
• Exit Strategy: What happens if the engagement needs to end? A clear exit strategy ensures a smooth transition and knowledge transfer.
• Flexibility: Can the scope of services be adjusted as your business needs evolve? A flexible contract allows for scalability and adaptability.

Making an Informed Decision for Your Business

Choosing between an in-house CISO and a vCISO is a strategic decision that depends on your organisation's size, budget, and specific cybersecurity needs. For many Irish SMEs, the vCISO model offers a compelling balance of expert leadership and financial prudence. It provides access to high-level strategic guidance, helping to build a resilient security posture and navigate regulatory complexities, without the prohibitive costs associated with a full-time executive.

Understanding the factors that influence vCISO pricing and knowing what to look for in a contract will empower you to make an informed decision that strengthens your cybersecurity defences and protects your business for the long term. Explore our cybersecurity glossary to demystify technical terms, or learn more about NIS2 scope and its implications for your business.

Related Reading

• vCISO vs In-House CISO: Which Is Right for a Donegal SME?
• How a vCISO Helps You Pass a DORA Supplier Assessment First Time.
• How a vCISO Makes You More Insurable — and Saves You Money at Renewal.

Ready to find out exactly where your business stands? Book a free 20-minute strategy call with our vCISO team at pragmaticsecurity.ie/book-a-call. No sales pitch. No jargon. Just clarity on your cyber risk — and a clear plan to address it.

Footnotes

1. NCSC Ireland Annual Report 2023. Available at https://www.ncsc.gov.ie/ ↩

2. An Garda Síochána Cyber Crime Unit. Information available at https://www.garda.ie/ ↩