Virtual CISO for Hotels
We take on the CISO or ISO role at your hotel directly: we run the information security programme, support the leadership team and oversee regulatory compliance, without the cost of a permanent hire.
What's included
We take on the work with the same responsibility as an in-house CISO, covering both routine security and the governance the leadership team expects, across the areas below.
Acting directly as CISO
We act directly as your hotel's CISO or ISO, running the information security programme: the security roadmap, investment priorities, budget and the indicators reported regularly to the board.
Compliance management
Guidance aligned with the LGPD, PCI DSS and good practice such as ISO 27001, where applicable.
Board and owner reporting
Regular reporting to owners, boards and asset managers in business terms, proposing the risk appetite for board approval, and support during security audits.
Incident response plan
Writing, reviewing and testing the security incident response plan, so the hotel is prepared before an incident happens.
Security supplier management
Managing relationships with information security suppliers, assessing contracts, SLAs and technical performance.
Cyber insurance optimisation
Preparing the answers insurers ask for, closing the gaps that raise premiums or limit cover, and reviewing policy terms with your broker.
Tabletop exercises and crisis management
Rehearsing a ransomware or data breach scenario with leadership, and agreeing who decides, who communicates and who calls whom when a real crisis hits.
Security culture
Awareness that goes beyond an annual training video: phishing simulations, clear rules for the front desk and back office, and leaders who set the example.
Our team has led information security for international hotel groups, such as PPHE Hotel Group, before HotelTI. Minimum engagement of three months, with the option of an ongoing fractional contract.
- Documented information security programme
- Regular reports to the leadership team
- Risk appetite matrix and an up-to-date risk register
- Reviewed and tested incident response plan
- Documented support during external audits
Why this matters for your hotel
Experienced CISOs and ISOs command high salaries and benefits. Many hotels carry real security risk and regulatory exposure with nobody responsible for the function, but without the budget for a permanent hire. We take on the role directly, running your operation's security programme and guiding the hotel through its regulatory obligations, while your IT team looks after day-to-day operations.
The service comes in two formats. On an interim basis, we step in quickly to cover a departure, create the role for the first time or lead a specific project or audit, with a clean handover when the hotel is ready to continue on its own or hire permanently. On a fractional basis, we provide ongoing senior oversight, with recurring dedicated days, attendance at leadership and audit meetings, and management of security supplier relationships.
How it works
- First conversation: a meeting of about 30 minutes to understand your hotel's situation, gaps and timeline, with no preparation needed.
- Scope: we propose the format (interim or fractional), the level of commitment and a start date, normally within 48 hours.
- In the role: engagements are planned to start within about two weeks of agreement, with a clear work plan from day one.
Related articles (in Portuguese)
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The four attack surfaces that expose hotels most, and the security baseline the LGPD requires in practice.
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PCI DSS for hotels: a practical v4.0.1 guide for hotel operations
Hotels have one of the most complex PCI DSS scopes in retail: PMS, POS, booking engine and OTAs create multiple cardholder data environments with different requirements.
Read articleFrequently asked questions about the Virtual CISO
What is a Virtual CISO?
A senior professional who takes on a hotel's CISO or ISO role directly: runs the information security programme, reports to the leadership team, proposes the risk appetite for board approval and supports audits and regulatory compliance, without the cost of a permanent hire. They can work on an interim basis (covering a departure or a specific project) or a fractional basis (ongoing senior oversight).
When does a hotel need a Virtual CISO?
Usually when the hotel carries real security risk and regulatory exposure (guest data, PCI DSS, LGPD) but has nobody formally responsible for the function and no budget for a permanent hire. It also makes sense ahead of a scheduled security audit, when the person responsible for security leaves, or when the role is being created for the first time.
How much does a Virtual CISO cost for a hotel?
There is no fixed price: the cost depends on the format (interim or fractional), the level of commitment needed, the size of the operation and number of properties, the regulatory exposure (PCI DSS, LGPD, ISO 27001) and the number of security systems and suppliers to manage. Even so, it is far below the salary and benefits of a full-time senior CISO. We propose the format, the level of commitment, a start date and an investment estimate, normally within 48 hours of the first conversation.
What is the difference between a Virtual CISO and a Virtual IT Manager?
The Virtual IT Manager answers for the strategy, coordination and results of IT as a whole: infrastructure, systems, suppliers, budget. The Virtual CISO answers specifically for the information security programme: risk, compliance, incident response and security reporting to the leadership team. Hotels with significant regulatory exposure (PCI DSS, LGPD) usually need both roles, often working together.
Does a Virtual CISO replace the hotel's IT Manager or IT team?
No. The Virtual CISO takes on leadership of and responsibility for the information security programme, but technical IT operations (support, infrastructure, systems) stay with the in-house team, the MSP or the hotel's Virtual IT Manager. The Virtual CISO manages relationships with security suppliers, but does not replace whoever runs IT day to day.
When does a full-time CISO make more sense than a Virtual CISO?
When the operation has reached a size or regulatory complexity (several properties, international exposure, a large PCI DSS scope) that requires exclusive dedication and constant presence. For most hotels and small groups, the volume of information security work does not justify a full-time role, and the fractional format covers the same responsibility for a fraction of the cost.
Ready to strengthen your hotel's security leadership?
Find out whether your hotel needs dedicated security leadership. We work in English or Portuguese, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:00 Brasília time.