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What is RealCISO?

RealCISO is a compliance intelligence platform for two audiences: MSPs and MSSPs managing security across multiple clients, and enterprise teams running compliance in-house.

It gives MSPs, MSSPs, consultants, and in-house security teams a single place to run compliance assessments, manage risk, track remediation, and demonstrate security posture to boards and auditors — without the spreadsheet chaos.

Built on NIST CSF and mapped to 30+ frameworks including SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and CMMC, RealCISO turns assessment data into action. Over 3,000 security providers use it to deliver vCISO services at scale.

Founded by Brian Haugli — former DoD, former VP & CSO at The Hanover Insurance Group, and co-author of the NIST CSF book published by Wiley — RealCISO was built by practitioners who ran these programs manually and knew there had to be a better way.

Pricing

Price Overview:
vCISO Platform: Pay as you Grow
GRC Platform: See Pricing Page
Free Version:
Free Version available.
Free Trial Offered?:
Yes

Integrations

Offers API?:
Yes, RealCISO provides an API

Screenshots and Video

Company Facts

Company Name:
RealCISO
Date Founded:
2020
Company Location:
United States
Company Website:
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Product Details

Deployment
SaaS
On-Prem
Training Options
Documentation Hub
Online Training
Webinars
On-Site Training
Video Library
Support
Standard Support
24 Hour Support
Web-Based Support

Product Details

Target Company Sizes
Individual
1-10
11-50
51-200
201-500
501-1000
1001-5000
5001-10000
10001+
Target Organization Types
Mid Size Business
Small Business
Enterprise
Freelance
Nonprofit
Government
Startup
Supported Languages
English

RealCISO Categories and Features

Security Compliance Software

RealCISO transforms the approach to security compliance from a frantic annual process into a seamless, ongoing effort. With the ability to evaluate frameworks such as NIST CSF 2.0, HIPAA, SOC 2, ISO 27001, and CMMC within a single project, users benefit from a unified set of evidence that applies across all these standards, eliminating redundant work. The platform utilizes AI-driven assessments to address inquiries, align controls, and generate remediation recommendations, all subject to human oversight. Features like evidence management, unalterable report versions, and comprehensive audit trails ensure your organization is always prepared for audits, with auditors like A-LIGN directly interfacing with the system. Designed for internal teams, managed service providers (MSPs), managed security service providers (MSSPs), and virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs), it offers options for white-labeling and multi-tenant management. Over 3,000 organizations currently leverage this innovative solution.

Risk-Based Vulnerability Management Software

RealCISO empowers teams to focus on remediation efforts based on business risk rather than just the sheer number of severity ratings. It connects identified gaps, findings, and vulnerabilities to the relevant assets, controls, and risks, while its AI engine, Cleo, evaluates and ranks each outstanding issue according to its actual impact on your security posture. The platform includes a "what-if" simulation feature that forecasts the benefits of each remediation, ensuring that resources are allocated to actions that mitigate the highest risks effectively. Additionally, it consolidates remediation planning, accountability, documentation, and progress monitoring into a single workflow, providing reports that demonstrate to leadership and auditors the downward trend of risk. RealCISO enhances the output of your security scanners by transforming their results into prioritized and justifiable actions. Trusted by over 3,000 organizations.

IT Risk Management Software

RealCISO offers a centralized solution for IT and security teams to comprehend and mitigate technology risks. Users can keep an organized inventory of assets, establish connections between assets, risks, and controls, and oversee third-party and vendor risks all within a unified platform. The traditional approach of using multiple spreadsheets is replaced with a comprehensive risk register that includes designated owners, treatment strategies, and tracking for remediation efforts. The integrated AI engine, Cleo, evaluates maturity levels, highlights critical gaps, and models the potential impact of various fixes. With integrations like Liongard, real-time environmental data is incorporated, while executive reports provide insights into risk and maturity trends over time. The platform is scalable, accommodating everything from individual organizations to complex multi-tier enterprise structures with consolidated dashboards.

GRC Software

RealCISO is an advanced Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) platform that utilizes a comprehensive compliance data graph to seamlessly integrate controls, risks, evidence, vendors, policies, and personnel. This innovative approach ensures that all assessments, risks, and audit materials remain interconnected, moving away from outdated spreadsheet methods. Teams can evaluate various frameworks, such as NIST CSF 2.0, HIPAA, SOC 2, ISO 27001, and CMMC, all within a single project while utilizing a unified set of evidence. The platform allows for tracking maturity levels from L1 to L5 over time, effectively manages third-party risks, and produces detailed reports suitable for board presentations, complete with thorough audit trails. Its AI component, Cleo, performs tasks such as answering queries, mapping controls, scoring maturity, and drafting remediation plans, all subject to human validation. RealCISO is trusted by over 3,000 organizations, including large enterprises, managed service providers (MSPs), managed security service providers (MSSPs), and virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs). It was recognized as the leading vCISO platform in SourceForge's Summer 2026 rankings.

Auditing
IT Risk Management
Internal Controls Management
Operational Risk Management
Policy Management

Cyber Risk Management Software

RealCISO transforms cyber risk management into a dynamic, quantifiable process. Its centralized risk register associates each identified risk with relevant controls, evidence, assets, and vendors, providing leaders with clear visibility into vulnerabilities and their underlying causes. Powered by Cleo, its AI engine, the platform prioritizes unresolved gaps based on their potential impact on your security score, and enables what-if simulations to forecast improvements before any time or financial investment is made. Monitor L1-L5 maturity trends, consolidate risk across various business units or client portfolios, and create professional reports with interactive widgets. In contrast to traditional GRC tools or spreadsheets, RealCISO maintains a connected and up-to-date risk context, empowering CISOs, vCISOs, and consultants to make well-informed, prioritized decisions.

More RealCISO Categories

vCISO

RealCISO stands out as the leading vCISO platform on SourceForge for the summer of 2026, specifically designed to cater to vCISOs, MSPs, MSSPs, and consultants who are focused on delivering extensive security leadership. This comprehensive multi-tenant platform allows users to conduct assessments, manage risk registers, create roadmaps, and generate board-ready reports for all clients, all while being customizable with your own branding. Powered by Cleo, an advanced AI engine, the platform efficiently addresses inquiries, organizes controls, evaluates maturity levels, and formulates remediation plans, significantly reducing the time needed for assessments while keeping you firmly in charge. Additionally, a portfolio view highlights potential upsell opportunities and tracks maturity progress from levels 1 to 5 across various clients. Developed by Brian Haugli, a seasoned vCISO practitioner and author of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, RealCISO is already trusted by over 3,000 organizations.

RealCISO Customer Reviews

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  • Reviewer Name: Kenan T.
    Position: Security Program Coordinator
    Has used product for: 6-12 Months
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 100 - 499
    Feature Set 5 out of 5 stars
    Layout 4 out of 5 stars
    Ease Of Use 4 out of 5 stars
    Cost 4 out of 5 stars
    Customer Service 4 out of 5 stars
    Would you Recommend to Others? 9 out of 10

    Useful for keeping Security Reviews Organized

    5 out of 5 stars Date: Jun 06 2026
    Summary

    Our security and compliance process used to be scattered across emails, spreadsheets and tickets. RealCISO helped bring everything together and gave us a clearer picture of where we stand. Its made has reduced manual tracking and made it easier to stay prepared for audits without rushing at the last minute.

    Positive

    We use RealCISO alongside Google Cloud and jira. What I like most is having compliance tasks, policy reviews and risk findings in one place. The platform makes it easy to see what still needs attention and what has already been completed. The automated evidence collection has also saves us time when preparing for internal reviews.

    Negative

    The reporting work well but I would like a little more flexibility when creating reports for different departments. It also tool a few weeks to learn some of the advanced features.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Hamisi J.
    Position: IT Security Manager
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 1,000 - 4,999
    Feature Set 5 out of 5 stars
    Layout 5 out of 5 stars
    Ease Of Use 5 out of 5 stars
    Cost 5 out of 5 stars
    Customer Service 5 out of 5 stars
    Would you Recommend to Others? 10 out of 10

    Supercharging Compliance Intelligence with RealCISO.

    5 out of 5 stars Date: Jun 05 2026
    Summary

    RealCISO is a reliable platform that provides an easy and secure way to access and remediate cybersecurity risks. Through RealCISO, it's now possible to evaluate, understand and improve our organizations cybersecurity risk posture.

    Positive

    I'm using RealCISO AI power to run risk assessment so as to identify and remediate potential security vulnerabilities across multiple pre-built frameworks. With RealCISO, it's simple to generate accurate and comprehensive compliance reports. RealCISO has a dedicated and responsive team that offers outstanding customer support.

    Negative

    During my time with RealCISO, I haven't come across any issues worth mentioning.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Frederick T.
    Position: Software Engineer
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 1,000 - 4,999
    Feature Set 4 out of 5 stars
    Layout 4 out of 5 stars
    Ease Of Use 4 out of 5 stars
    Cost 4 out of 5 stars
    Customer Service 5 out of 5 stars
    Would you Recommend to Others? 9 out of 10

    Reduced audit time and maximized cybersecurity

    4 out of 5 stars Date: Jun 05 2026
    Summary

    We reduce audit risks, improve internal efficiency, understand in detail all the risks we may have and avoid them before it is too late.

    Positive

    It's a system that reduces chaos in cybersecurity, the user interface adapts to my needs, and it has very detailed automated reports that allow us to know the real level of risk.

    Negative

    While the software isn't complex, some prior knowledge is required to avoid delays in achieving your goals. The price is somewhat high for small businesses, but it's essential, as it allows you to identify real risks that could harm you.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Chimdiebere U.
    Position: Information Technology Specialist
    Has used product for: 2+ Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 26 - 99
    Feature Set 5 out of 5 stars
    Layout 4 out of 5 stars
    Ease Of Use 5 out of 5 stars
    Cost 5 out of 5 stars
    Customer Service 5 out of 5 stars
    Would you Recommend to Others? 9 out of 10

    Robust Threat intelligence and Risk Assessment for MSPs to meet every Need.

    5 out of 5 stars Date: Jun 04 2026
    Summary

    I salute this accurate and robust threat intelligence and risk assessment for invaluable insights on vulnerabilities for quick and sure troubleshooting.

    Positive

    I appreciate this robust threat intelligence and risk assessment with invaluable insights on vulnerability for quicker and sure troubleshooting.

    Negative

    For the time have used it no challenges that i have faced.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: A Verified Reviewer
    Position: Compliance Coordinator
    Has used product for: 6-12 Months
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 500 - 999
    Feature Set 4 out of 5 stars
    Layout 4 out of 5 stars
    Ease Of Use 4 out of 5 stars
    Cost 4 out of 5 stars
    Customer Service 5 out of 5 stars
    Would you Recommend to Others? 9 out of 10

    Nice for keeping Audit Evidence Organized

    4 out of 5 stars Date: Jun 06 2026
    Summary

    RealCISO, we had compliance information stored in different places and it was difficult to keep everything updated. Now our documentation, risks and audit activities are much easier to manage. It has helped us stay organized throughout the year instead of rushing before review.

    Positive

    I mainly use RealCISO to keep audit evidence, policy documents and security tasks orgainzed. We integreted it with Google Cloud and Microsoft 365 and it helped cut down a lot manually tracking. I like that I can fastest check outstanding items and see what still needs attention without digging through emails or spreadsheets. The policy management section especially useful for our team.

    Negative

    The search function could be a little better when looking for older records. Some pages also take a few extra clicks to get where you need to go.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Michael N.
    Position: CEO
    Has used product for: Less than 6 months
    Uses the product: Weekly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 26 - 99
    Feature Set 5 out of 5 stars
    Layout 4 out of 5 stars
    Ease Of Use 5 out of 5 stars
    Cost 4 out of 5 stars
    Customer Service 5 out of 5 stars
    Would you Recommend to Others? 9 out of 10

    Streamlined Compliance That Actually Makes Sense

    5 out of 5 stars Date: Jun 02 2026
    Summary

    Overall, I’ve found it to be a dependable tool that brings structure to what used to be a very scattered process.

    Positive

    I really liked how RealCISO organizes risk and compliance into a clear, structured workflow.
    I like how it translates complex frameworks into actual actionable steps.

    Negative

    The learning curve at the beginning felt slightly steep until I understood the workflow.
    Some areas could use a more modern UI refresh for better visual clarity.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Stephanie W.
    Position: Project Analyst
    Has used product for: Less than 6 months
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 1 - 25
    Feature Set 5 out of 5 stars
    Layout 5 out of 5 stars
    Ease Of Use 5 out of 5 stars
    Cost 5 out of 5 stars
    Customer Service 5 out of 5 stars
    Would you Recommend to Others? 10 out of 10

    My Perspective on RealCISO

    5 out of 5 stars Date: Jun 09 2026
    Summary

    Broadly speaking, I see RealCISO as the perfect bridge for companies that need to move from "word-of-mouth" security to a documented and certifiable market strategy. It won't solve your malware problems or configure your servers for you, but it does organize your systems impressively. If your short-term goal is to pass an audit or demonstrate to a large client that you take data protection seriously, it will save you months of confusion.

    Positive

    What I really like about this tool is that it works like a virtual security consultant that doesn't charge by the hour; it breaks down all the paperwork and requirements of complex frameworks like SOC 2 or NIST into extremely understandable tasks. The dashboard is highly visual, which is perfect for sitting down with founders or the board of directors and showing them exactly what percentage of compliance the company has without boring them with technical jargon. It also saves you the hassle of writing policies from scratch, since it generates the necessary templates based on the answers you provide.

    Negative

    The important detail is that it's a purely declarative platform; that is, the system blindly trusts what you tell it you're doing, instead of automatically auditing your systems to verify its accuracy. This means that if someone on your team accidentally answers a questionnaire incorrectly, your final report will be biased and won't accurately reflect your infrastructure. Furthermore, if your company already has a high level of technical maturity, the advice and action plans provided by the software will likely seem somewhat obvious or superficial.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Enock G.
    Position: Systems Administrator
    Has used product for: 6-12 Months
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 26 - 99
    Feature Set 5 out of 5 stars
    Layout 4 out of 5 stars
    Ease Of Use 5 out of 5 stars
    Cost 4 out of 5 stars
    Customer Service 5 out of 5 stars
    Would you Recommend to Others? 9 out of 10

    Practical Security Management Platform for Growing Organizations.

    5 out of 5 stars Date: Jun 05 2026
    Summary

    RealCISO has helped our team take a more structured approach to cybersecurity and compliance management. Before using the platform, many security tasks were tracked manually, making it difficult to prioritize risks and monitor progress. The platform provides clear visibility into security gaps, risk assessments, and compliance activities, helping us stay organized and make informed decisions. While there was a learning curve during the initial setup, the overall experience has been positive. The dashboards, reporting capabilities, and guidance provided by the platform have made it easier to strengthen our security posture and track ongoing improvements.

    Positive

    RealCISO helped us organize our cybersecurity program in a more structured way. The risk assessments, compliance tracking, and security planning tools made it easier to identify gaps and prioritize improvements. The dashboard provides good visibility into our security posture and helps keep security initiatives on track.

    Negative

    The platform has a learning curve for new users, especially those without a security background. Some reports and workflows could be more customizable, and it took a little time for our team to fully understand all available features.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Kathleen D.
    Position: Solutions Engineer
    Has used product for: 6-12 Months
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 100 - 499
    Feature Set 4 out of 5 stars
    Layout 4 out of 5 stars
    Ease Of Use 4 out of 5 stars
    Cost 4 out of 5 stars
    Customer Service 5 out of 5 stars
    Would you Recommend to Others? 9 out of 10

    Makes Internal Reviews Easier to Manage

    5 out of 5 stars Date: Jun 06 2026
    Summary

    RealCISO platform brought more structure to our review process. Instead of chasing updates through email threads, we have a central place for tracking activities and documentation. Its helped improve communication and reduced a lot of manual follow up work.

    Positive

    I work with several teams and often need access to compliance related information. RealCISO makes it easier to find documents, review progress and keep track of outstanding items. We integrated it with Google Workspace and document management has become much simpler.

    Negative

    A few sections feel crowded when there is a lot of information. New users may need some time to learn where everything is located.

    Read More...