Securing Networks | Protecting Data | Since 2011
Strategic Security Advisory
Cybersecurity Advisory Services
Create an effective security strategy and posture for your organization with hands-on advice from experienced security specialists. Navigate compliance, manage risk, and build resilience.
15+
Years UAE Experience
200+
Programs Delivered
100%
Compliance Success
50+
Active Retainers
Overview
What Are Cyber Advisory Services?
The world of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and so do cyber threats and security breaches. A cybersecurity advisory service helps your organization stay ahead of the latest threats by providing insights, advice, and guidance tailored to your unique situation.
ITSEC's cyber advisory services are based on decades of successful experience in the security landscape and expertise gained throughout years of serving as cyber advisors to UAE's leading organizations.
With our assistance, information security planning, governance, compliance, and risk management become easier to manage. We provide security training for your staff and executive briefings for your leadership team.
Risk Management
Identify and prioritize security risks
Compliance
Meet UAE regulatory requirements
Governance
Establish security frameworks
Training
Build security awareness
Our Services
Comprehensive Advisory Services
From strategy to implementation, we provide the expertise you need to build and maintain a robust security program.
Comprehensive evaluation of your organization's security posture and risk landscape
Asset identification and classification
Threat and vulnerability analysis
Risk quantification and prioritization
Risk treatment recommendations
Executive risk dashboards
Develop robust security strategies aligned with business objectives
Security roadmap development
Defense-in-depth architecture
Security policy framework
Business continuity integration
Incident response planning
Establish security governance frameworks and achieve regulatory compliance
ISMS implementation (ISO 27001)
UAE regulatory compliance
Policy and procedure development
Audit preparation and support
Compliance gap analysis
Build a security-conscious culture across your organization
Executive security briefings
Staff awareness programs
Phishing simulation campaigns
Role-based training modules
Security champion programs
Optimize your security operations and incident response capabilities
SOC maturity assessment
SIEM optimization
Incident response procedures
Threat hunting strategies
Security metrics and KPIs
Manage security risks from vendors, partners, and supply chain
Vendor security assessments
Third-party risk framework
Contract security requirements
Ongoing monitoring programs
Supply chain security
Our Approach
How We Work With You
A structured approach that ensures lasting results and continuous improvement.
01
Discovery & Assessment
Understand your current security posture and business context
Stakeholder interviews
Documentation review
Current state assessment
Gap identification
Risk profile development
02
Strategy Development
Create a tailored security strategy aligned with your goals
Security roadmap
Priority initiatives
Resource requirements
Budget recommendations
Quick wins identification
03
Implementation Support
Hands-on guidance to execute your security initiatives
Policy development
Tool selection guidance
Vendor evaluation
Project oversight
Change management
04
Ongoing Advisory
Continuous support as your security program matures
Monthly advisory sessions
Emerging threat briefings
Program health checks
Board reporting support
Incident advisory
Compliance Expertise
Frameworks We Support
Deep expertise across international standards and UAE-specific regulatory requirements.
ISO 27001
Information Security Management System
Comprehensive ISMS implementation and certification support
NESA/IAS
UAE National Electronic Security Authority
Critical infrastructure protection compliance
CBUAE
Central Bank of UAE Cyber Framework
Financial sector security requirements
DFSA/ADGM
Free Zone Financial Regulators
Technology risk management compliance
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Standard
Payment processing security
VARA
Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority
Crypto and blockchain compliance
Why ITSEC
The ITSEC Difference
We're not just consultants—we're practitioners who have built and led security programs.
15+ Years UAE Experience
Web application security testing for financial institutions
Hands-On Practitioners
Advisors who have implemented security programs, not just consulted
Regulatory Relationships
Direct experience working with UAE regulators on compliance matters
Business-Aligned Approach
Security recommendations that support, not hinder, business objectives
Recent Success Story
Real Results for UAE Clients
CLIENT
UAE Financial Services Group
CHALLENGE
A rapidly growing financial services company needed to establish a comprehensive security program to meet Central Bank requirements and support their expansion plans. They had no dedicated security team and limited security governance.
SOLUTION
ITSEC provided end-to-end advisory services over 12 months, including security strategy development, policy creation, technology recommendations, and staff training. We established their security governance framework and prepared them for regulatory audits.
RESULTS ACHIEVED
100% compliance with CBUAE Cyber Framework achieved
Security program established from ground up in 12 months
Passed regulatory audit with zero findings
40% reduction in security incidents within first year
"ITSEC became an extension of our team. Their practical, business-focused approach helped us build a security program that actually works, not just one that looks good on paper."
— Group CIO, UAE Financial Services Company
Why Choose ITSEC
We deliver faster results, deeper UAE expertise, and stronger regulatory relationships than traditional security consultancies
Capability | ITSEC | Big 4 Firms | Local Startups |
UAE Regulatory Expertise | 15+ years direct experience | Generic frameworks | Limited exposure |
Practitioner Experience | Former CISOs & security leaders | Junior consultants | Varied experience |
Implementation Support | Hands-on execution | Reports only | Limited capacity |
Industry Specialization | Finance, Crypto, Healthcare | Generalist | Generalist |
Ongoing Advisory | Retained advisory programs | Project-based only | Ad-hoc support |
Regulatory Relationships | Direct regulator experience | Indirect knowledge | Minimal |
15+ Years UAE Market Leadership
Unlike Big 4 consultancies with generic security practices or startup firms with limited track records, ITSEC specializes exclusively in cybersecurity for UAE regulated sectors. Our proven methodologies have secured $2B+ in digital assets and achieved 100% regulatory compliance success across VARA, Central Bank, and DFSA audits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our cybersecurity advisory services.
How is cybersecurity advisory different from consulting?
Traditional consulting often delivers reports and recommendations, then leaves. Our advisory approach means we partner with you for the long term, providing ongoing guidance, hands-on support during implementation, and continuous optimization of your security program. We measure success by outcomes, not deliverables.
Do we need a CISO before engaging advisory services?
No. Many clients engage us specifically because they don't have a CISO or dedicated security leadership. Our advisory services can fill this gap while you build internal capabilities, or we can support your existing security leadership with specialized expertise and additional bandwidth.
How do you tailor advice to UAE regulatory requirements?
Our team has 15+ years of direct experience with UAE regulators including the Central Bank, VARA, DFSA, ADGM, and sector-specific authorities. We understand not just the written requirements, but the practical interpretation and expectations of each regulator.
Can you help with ISO 27001 certification?
Yes, we provide comprehensive ISO 27001 support including gap assessment, ISMS design and implementation, documentation development, internal audit preparation, and certification body selection. We've helped dozens of UAE organizations achieve certification.
What industries do you specialize in?
We have deep expertise in financial services (banks, fintech, investment firms), virtual assets (exchanges, custodians, blockchain), healthcare, and government/critical infrastructure. Our advisors understand the unique security challenges and regulatory requirements of each sector.
How quickly can you start an engagement?
We can typically begin initial discovery within 1-2 weeks of engagement. For urgent matters like incident response or regulatory deadlines, we can mobilize resources within 24-48 hours.
Do you provide security awareness training?
Yes, security awareness is a core component of our advisory services. We design and deliver customized training programs including executive briefings, staff awareness sessions, phishing simulations, and role-based training for technical teams. Learn more about our dedicated Security Awareness Training platform.
How do you measure the success of advisory engagements?
We establish clear, measurable objectives at the start of each engagement. This might include compliance achievement, risk reduction metrics, security maturity improvements, incident reduction, or specific program milestones. We report progress regularly and adjust our approach based on results.
What is the difference between vCISO and advisory services?
vCISO (Virtual Chief Information Security Officer) is a dedicated fractional role where our expert acts as your CISO on a part-time basis, attending leadership meetings, owning the security program, and making strategic decisions. Advisory services are more project-based or consultative, providing guidance and recommendations without taking on the CISO role. Many organizations start with advisory and evolve to vCISO as their needs grow.
How do you handle confidentiality of our security information?
We take confidentiality extremely seriously. All engagements are covered by strict NDAs, our team follows need-to-know principles, and we maintain ISO 27001 certification ourselves. Sensitive findings are encrypted, securely transmitted, and retained only as long as necessary. We never share client information without explicit consent.
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