Cybersecurity questions from small and medium-sized businesses — answered plainly.
If your question isn't here, send us a note — we'll answer it and probably add it to this page.
About Shinrai Security
What does Shinrai Security do?+
Shinrai Security is a cybersecurity consulting firm for small and medium-sized businesses. We deliver assessments, awareness training, security program build-out, incident response planning, and fractional (vCISO) leadership — enterprise-grade guidance without the cost of a full-time hire.
Who does Shinrai Security work with?+
Small and medium-sized businesses that need practical cybersecurity guidance — companies just starting out, teams recovering from or preparing for an incident, businesses responding to customer security reviews, and founders who need a senior security voice without a full-time hire.
Where is Shinrai Security based and who do you serve?+
We serve small and medium-sized businesses globally. Engagements are delivered remotely with on-site sessions available when they add value.
What does 'Shinrai' mean?+
Shinrai (信頼) is Japanese for trust. It reflects how we work: honestly, transparently, and with the goal of earning long-term trust with every client we serve.
Services and engagements
What cybersecurity services do you offer for small and medium-sized businesses?+
Cybersecurity Assessment & Fundamentals, Cybersecurity Awareness Training, Security Risk Assessments, Incident Response & Recovery, Security Program Build-Out, and vCISO / Fractional CISO Advisory. We also scope custom engagements when a business needs something outside these categories.
Do I need to have any cybersecurity tools in place before working with you?+
No. We meet you where you are. Part of every engagement is understanding what you already have and what's missing — no prerequisites required.
Do you work with businesses that are not regulated?+
Yes. Our programs are built for both regulated and non-regulated businesses that want to prioritize cybersecurity as a foundation for growth.
How are engagements structured — retainer or project?+
Most engagements are project-based with a clear scope, timeline, and outcomes. vCISO / advisory engagements are typically ongoing on a monthly rhythm sized to your business.
vCISO and fractional CISO
What is a vCISO?+
A vCISO (virtual or fractional Chief Information Security Officer) is a senior security leader who works with your business on a part-time or advisory basis. You get executive-level security leadership — strategy, board reporting, vendor and customer security reviews, incident escalation — without hiring a full-time CISO.
When does a small business need a vCISO instead of a full-time hire?+
Most SMBs benefit from a vCISO before their business justifies a full-time CISO salary — typically when they have customers or investors asking security questions, are preparing for a certification, or are growing faster than their current security posture can support.
How much does a vCISO cost compared to a full-time hire?+
A vCISO engagement is a small fraction of the fully loaded cost of a full-time CISO because you only pay for the time and expertise you need. Exact pricing depends on scope, cadence, and any on-call requirements.
Assessments and incidents
How long does a cybersecurity assessment take for a small business?+
Most SMB cybersecurity assessments run 2–4 weeks depending on the size of your team, the tools you use, and stakeholder availability.
What frameworks do you align to?+
We draw from CIS Controls, NIST CSF, and common customer/vendor security expectations. For businesses preparing for certification, we build foundations that align with SOC 2 or ISO 27001 without over-engineering on day one.
We're dealing with a security incident right now — can you help?+
Reach out through the contact form and mark it urgent. We'll respond quickly and help you triage, coordinate, and communicate with stakeholders.
Working with us
How do I get started?+
Send a note through the contact page. We respond within one business day with next steps or a short discovery call.
Do you sign NDAs?+
Yes. We're happy to sign your NDA before discussing anything sensitive, or provide ours if that's easier.
Do you offer a newsletter?+
Yes — a weekly newsletter with practical cybersecurity and privacy tips for your business and personal life. You can sign up on the contact page.