A virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) can be an effective and efficient cybersecurity executive within an institution of higher education.

Are you experiencing pushback when implementing and prioritizing your campus cybersecurity program?
Do you lack the time and resources needed to focus on cybersecurity?
Are you looking for an executive leader to guide cyber defense for your college or university?
Are you trying to implement controls to meet the requirements of GLBA?

Benefits of a DeepSeas CISO Advisory Program

AVOID EXCESSIVE COSTS & INCREASING DEMANDS

The demand for a top talent Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is significantly higher than the supply. With a vCISO from DeepSeas, you can eliminate the challenges involved with CISO recruitment while saving on costly salaries, benefits, training, and bonuses.

GET AN EXPANDED TEAM

When you invest in the DeepSeas CISO Advisory program, you’re getting a committed executive leader who is embedded in a team of seasoned CISOs and supported by an entire organization of the best and brightest cybersecurity experts in the world, many with specialized skills and knowledge specific to higher education.

ALWAYS ON. ALWAYS READY.

Your CISO from DeepSeas will partner with your team to transform your cyber defense program. We will ensure your organization achieves persistent defense and is always up to date on the latest security trends, threat intelligence, and compliance and security requirements.

INSIGHTS THAT EMPOWER

With a subscription to DeepSeas CISO Advisory, you will have access to actionable dashboards that show a window into the state of your entire cybersecurity program. These insights will improve your cyber defense posture and your CISO team will help complete prioritized tasks and identify gaps in your environment.

Why Higher Education Needs Virtual CISO Services Now

Higher education remains one of the most targeted sectors for ransomware, credential theft, and data exfiltration. Open networks, decentralized IT, legacy systems, and a large transient user population create a uniquely challenging threat landscape. Virtual CISO services help institutions unify fragmented security efforts under a single strategic vision.

A vCISO brings structure to cybersecurity programs by establishing governance, defining risk tolerance, prioritizing initiatives, and aligning security investments with institutional goals. For many campuses, this level of leadership is the missing link between technical controls and executive accountability.

Converting Security Guidance into Searchable, Actionable Content

Many institutions rely on downloadable PDFs for cybersecurity guidance and checklists. While useful, PDFs are difficult for search engines to fully index, limiting visibility and accessibility. Displaying this content directly on the page as structured text improves SEO, accessibility, and engagement.

By converting vCISO guidance, checklists, and frameworks into searchable web content, institutions improve discoverability while making critical information easier for stakeholders to consume, reference, and act on—especially during audits or incident response scenarios.

Virtual CISO Advisory Services and Compliance Alignment

Compliance is a major driver for higher education cybersecurity programs. Regulations such as GLBA, FERPA, state privacy laws, and emerging cyber insurance requirements demand documented controls, risk assessments, and ongoing oversight.

An outsourced CISO for higher education ensures these requirements are translated into actionable security programs. DeepSeas vCISOs help institutions develop policies, conduct risk assessments, guide audits, and demonstrate compliance without overwhelming internal teams.

Already Have a Cyber Leader but Ready to Transform Your Cyber Defense Program?

If you already have an executive security leader and don’t require a vCISO, DeepSeas offers
multiple CISO Advisory program levels that can meet your needs. Whether you require simple
office hours, an ongoing advisor for your existing security team, or a Deputy CISO, your DeepSeas
CISO Advisory program can be designed to augment your existing staff and help transform your
cybersecurity program.

Why Choose DeepSeas CISO Advisory?

Staying ahead of ever-evolving threats requires true expertise and guidance. Your DeepSeas CISO is embedded in a global team of cybersecurity experts who provide 24x7 protection against cyber threats. After all, in the cyber seas, it’s not just about checking boxes. Your DeepSeas CISOs will guide the continuous transformation of your cyber program to stay ahead of hackers, while ensuring your stakeholders understand the need to consistently prioritize security and compliance.

DeepSeas is recognized by Gartner as a top 40 provider of MDR and ranked as a top 5 MDR solution in the 2024 Frost Radar. With 30 years of experience in cyber defense, DeepSeas is trusted by nearly 1,000 clients around the world, including Fortune 100 enterprises and mid-market organizations, higher education institutions, municipality and local governments, and federal agencies. In addition to its market-leading MDR offering - DeepSeas MDR + - DeepSeas clients rely on its full suite of CISO advisory, compliance, and offensive security services to support their cybersecurity transformation journeys.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main virtual CISO responsibilities for colleges and universities?

A virtual CISO provides executive-level security leadership, including risk assessments, strategy development, compliance oversight, incident response guidance, and stakeholder communication. They align cybersecurity programs with institutional goals while coordinating technical teams and third-party providers.

How much does a virtual CISO cost compared to hiring full-time staff?

Virtual CISO services typically cost a fraction of a full-time CISO salary. Institutions avoid expenses such as benefits, bonuses, and long-term commitments while gaining immediate access to experienced leadership and a broader security team.

Why should higher education institutions consider virtual CISO advisory services?

Virtual CISO advisory services deliver expertise, scalability, and continuity without the challenges of recruitment and retention. They are especially valuable for institutions with limited budgets, decentralized IT environments, or increasing regulatory obligations.

How do virtual CISO companies support compliance with GLBA and FERPA?

Virtual CISO companies help institutions interpret regulatory requirements, implement appropriate controls, conduct risk assessments, and prepare for audits. They ensure compliance efforts are documented, defensible, and aligned with institutional risk tolerance.

What makes virtual CISO consulting services a long-term solution for campus security?

Virtual CISO consulting services evolve alongside the institution. As threats, technologies, and regulations change, the vCISO continuously adjusts strategy, ensuring sustained security maturity rather than one-time remediation.