Best Fractional Chief Information Security Officer Services in Australia

Australia Outsourced Chief Information Security Officer Agencies

Looking for trusted, local partners to lead your cybersecurity strategy without hiring a full-time CISO? You’re in the right place. At Digital Reference, we’ve researched the standout fractional, part-time, and virtual Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) providers in Australia.

These firms bring deep security expertise, trusted methodologies, and tailored leadership to mid-market, scaling, and enterprise clients across sectors.

Whether you're a fintech startup scaling to Series B or a national manufacturer handling sensitive IP, these providers know how to lead security programs that make sense and make an impact. They're Australia-based, proven, and operate with the flexibility modern businesses need.

Our Methodology - Virtual, Part-Time, & Fractional CISOs in Australia

We don’t just Google and guess. Here's how we chose this list:

• ✅ Research-Driven: Public case studies, proven security frameworks, client logos, and clear offerings.
• ✅ Founder-Led: Each company is helmed by a founder or CEO with direct cybersecurity leadership experience.
  ✅ Australia-Based: HQs or major operations located in Australia, serving local and international clients.
• ✅ Client-Reviewed: Verified success across LinkedIn, third-party platforms, or testimonials.
  ✅ Fit for Fractional: Companies that specialize in or openly offer outsourced/vCISO models

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Fractional CISO Services in Australia 🔦 Provider Spotlights

Artefakt

🔗 Website: https://artefakt.group/

What they do: Artefakt delivers cybersecurity advisory and CISO-as-a-Service solutions to forward-thinking organizations. Their focus is strategic alignment between security and business operations especially in regulated sectors like finance, healthcare, and public infrastructure.

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Clients: Enterprises, government bodies, critical infrastructure operators.

Operating model: Artefakt blends strategic security frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO27001) with custom threat modeling and board-level advisory.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Expertise in highly regulated industries
• Deep integration with client risk teams
• Clear communication for exec and board-level buy-in

Andrew Stephen, Founder, Artefakt

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-stephen-38a88b1/

Andrew Stephen brings decades of cybersecurity leadership from both the private and public sectors. On LinkedIn, he shares insights about aligning cyber governance with business resilience. Known for translating complex risks into boardroom-ready strategies, Andrew is a trusted advisor to critical infrastructure providers and financial institutions alike.

Insicon

🔗 Website: https://insicon.com.au/about

What they do: Insicon offers security leadership services tailored for digital businesses—think vCISO, security program design, and compliance oversight. Their strength lies in being tech-first and vendor-neutral.

Clients: SaaS, legal, fintech, and small enterprises with scaling compliance needs.

Operating model: Modular engagements—from virtual advisory to hands-on interim leadership.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Strong record with APRA and ISO27001 compliance
• Clear onboarding for fractional clients
• Practical security improvement plans over audits
  
  

Matt Miller, Founder, Insicon

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-m-1392141/

Matt Miller has led security teams in both startup and enterprise environments. His approach emphasizes pragmatism and measurable risk reduction. With a background in IT operations and security architecture, Matt is known for bridging the gap between security theory and business priorities.

CyberCognition

🔗 Website: https://cybercognition.com.au/

What they do: CyberCognition brings human-centric cybersecurity to the table. Their vCISO services focus on enabling secure culture alongside traditional tech solutions ideal for organizations prioritizing behavioral change and awareness.

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Clients: Education, non-profits, healthcare, and SMBs.

Operating model: Combines policy design, training, governance, and technical control oversight.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Focus on cybersecurity culture and awareness
• Tailored workshops for execs and employees
• Known for security maturity uplift in under-resourced orgs
  
  

Michael Collins, Founder, CyberCognition

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wmichaelcollins/

Michael Collins is a passionate advocate for human-first cybersecurity. With a foundation in defense and public-sector IT, he’s known for his ability to inspire security ownership at every level of an organization. On LinkedIn, he regularly discusses bridging security gaps through empathy and education.

Universal Computer Solutions

🔗 Website: https://universal.com.au/

What they do: Universal Computer Solutions provides end-to-end IT and cybersecurity solutions including vCISO and GRC (governance, risk, and compliance) services. Their focus is on making enterprise-grade cybersecurity accessible to SMBs.

Clients: Small and mid-market companies across retail, legal, and logistics.

Operating model: Combines IT managed services with dedicated security advisory.

💡 Why they stand out:

• One-stop shop for IT and security
• Decades of experience supporting growing Australian businesses
• Practical security policies and audit readiness support
  

Nenad Saflin, Director/Founder, Universal Computer Solutions

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nenad-saflin-b582b670/

Nenad Saflin has led UCS since its inception, focusing on IT modernization and cyber-readiness for Australian businesses. With a technical foundation in networks and systems, he understands where businesses get stuck and how to build resilient, secure IT environments that grow with them.

Gridware

🔗 Website: https://www.gridware.com.au/

What they do: Gridware is one of Australia’s most visible boutique cyber firms, offering virtual CISO, penetration testing, and cyber risk advisory. Their emphasis is on proactive security, threat intelligence, and executive-level strategy.

Clients: Law firms, banks, telcos, and enterprise-level corporations.

Operating model: Risk-led, with deep experience in cyber incident response and prevention.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Incident response and recovery expertise
• Recognized thought leadership (featured in media and conferences)
• Tailored vCISO programs for high-risk verticals
  

Ahmed Khanji, Founder, Gridware

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-khanji/

Ahmed Khanji is a recognized voice in Australia’s cybersecurity scene often featured in media for expert commentary on breaches and strategy. With a background in cyber forensics, Ahmed’s leadership style is informed by real-world attacks and recovery scenarios. He leads Gridware with a balance of vigilance and pragmatism.

Unified IT

🔗 Website: https://unifiedit.com.au/

What they do: Unified IT blends IT managed services with advanced cybersecurity, including CISO-as-a-Service and vulnerability management. They're built for businesses that want security baked into their broader tech strategy.

Clients: Education, government contractors, professional services.

Operating model: Flexible, with project-based or ongoing advisory models.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Strong integration of IT and security
• Ideal for orgs modernizing their entire digital estate
• Proactive risk audits and incident readiness planning
  

Matt Fitzpatrick, Director/Founder, Unified IT

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwfitzpatrick8/

Matt Fitzpatrick brings over two decades of experience in IT and security leadership. Known for his ability to scale security maturity across complex environments, he champions cybersecurity as a core business enabler not a checkbox. His LinkedIn showcases long-standing client relationships and a hands-on leadership style.

Aegis Cyber Security

🔗 Website: http://www.aegiscyber.com.au

What they do: Aegis Cyber Security delivers vCISO, risk management, and compliance services with a focus on small and mid-sized businesses. They take a tailored, low-bureaucracy approach ideal for orgs looking for security without enterprise complexity.

Clients: Family offices, mid-market, nonprofits, and financial services.

Operating model: Monthly vCISO retainer or compliance-led engagements.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Accessible vCISO offering for smaller firms
• Clear compliance roadmaps (including ACSC Essential Eight)
• Strategic without jargon
  

Luke Irwin, Founder, Aegis Cyber Security

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-irwin

Luke Irwin brings a direct, client-first mindset to vCISO services. With a hands-on background in systems administration and security engineering, he’s known for simplifying complex risk landscapes into clear security action plans. On LinkedIn, he shares perspectives on building resilient, right-sized cybersecurity frameworks for everyday businesses.

Closing Thoughts: Why Fractional CISOs Are on the Rise

If you’re an Australian business navigating cyber risk without in-house expertise, these providers offer a path forward with flexibility, leadership, and deep technical roots.

At Digital Reference, we believe in radical transparency. That’s why every professional in this list is highlighted as themselves—with the same clarity and candor we bring to our platform for video resumes, founder spotlights, and fractional leadership search. We're here to cut through the noise, not add to it.

Want more honest takes on the best fractional talent? Keep an eye on our editorial series spotlighting experts who lead with results, not fluff.

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