Cynomi’s latest 2025 State of the vCISO Report highlights a remarkable expansion in the adoption of virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) services across the cybersecurity sector, propelled by the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI).
The findings demonstrate how AI is revolutionising cybersecurity and compliance solutions offered by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), enabling significant efficiency improvements.
The report indicates that the proportion of MSPs and MSSPs providing vCISO services has leapt from just 21% to 67% within a year — a more than threefold increase — placing vCISO offerings among the fastest-growing segments in the cybersecurity market. This rapid expansion is largely attributed to increasing demand for sophisticated security capabilities at scale, with AI playing a pivotal role in this evolution.
AI and automation are at the forefront of these developments. Data from Cynomi reveals that service providers employing AI tools experience an average workflow reduction of 68% related to vCISO tasks. Currently, 81% of providers already utilise AI-driven solutions, with a further 15% planning to adopt such technologies in the coming year. This technological shift is estimated to decrease labour time associated with cybersecurity and compliance activities by approximately 58%, alleviating resource constraints and automating previously manual, labour-intensive processes that impeded scalability.
Despite these notable advances, the sector continues to face challenges in expanding further. High initial investment costs, a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, and persistent manual procedures remain significant barriers. Nonetheless, AI-powered platforms are increasingly seen as essential tools for overcoming these obstacles by streamlining operations and reducing manual workloads.
David Primor, CEO and Co-founder of Cynomi, remarked that three years ago, service providers were just beginning to recognise the strategic importance of cybersecurity offerings. Today, the rapid adoption of vCISO services and integration of AI confirm that cybersecurity has become a vital driver of business growth.
Cynomi’s specialised platform supports the swift development of vCISO services by automating crucial tasks such as risk assessments, compliance checks, and remediation planning. The platform claims to cut manual effort by up to 70%, helping providers enhance operational margins, increase customer lifetime value, and stay competitive amid an evolving threat landscape.
As threats and regulatory frameworks grow increasingly complex, outsourcing vCISO services combined with AI technology has become a strategic imperative for MSPs and MSSPs. These advancements enable providers to meet rising client demands more efficiently while addressing resource shortages, positioning AI-enabled vCISO offerings as a key factor in future growth and market differentiation.
