Lora Vaughn | Vaughn Cyber Group

Security Leadership Without the Full-Time Cost

Virtual CISO services for startups, SMBs, and community banks. Former NSA. Two-time CISO. Security without the theater.

SOC 2 readiness. FFIEC exam prep. Board reporting. Security questionnaires. I help you get compliant and stay that way. No overbuilding. No overspending.

ISC2 Security Congress Speaker 4.7/5.0 rating
CISOs Connect A100 Honoree 2024 & 2025
LinkedIn Learning Instructor
Experience 20+ Years
Background Former NSA

What cybersecurity services does Vaughn Cyber Group offer?

Virtual CISO, SOC 2 compliance, FFIEC exam prep, and post-incident advisory for startups, SMBs, and community banks.

Virtual CISO Services

Board-ready security leadership without the full-time cost.

Learn more

SOC 2 Compliance

Get certified in 6-9 months. Fixed pricing. No Big 4 price tag.

Learn more

Post-Incident Advisory

The breach is contained. Now what? We help you recover.

Learn more

Security Stack Consolidation

Overlapping tools, shelfware, and mystery renewals. We clean it up.

Learn more

Community Bank Security

FFIEC exam prep and GLBA compliance without the enterprise overhead.

Learn more

What security frameworks does Vaughn Cyber Group work with?

NIST CSF, SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR. Security programs built around standards that work, not ones that are trendy.

NIST CSF
SOC 2
PCI DSS 4.0
HIPAA
GDPR

Why work with me?

I've done this before. At scale. In environments where getting it wrong isn't an option.

NSA Background

I started my career at the NSA. That's where I learned that security isn't about checking boxes. It's about understanding threats and building defenses that actually work.

Fintech & Banking

CISO at MoneyGram (global payments/fintech) and Simmons Bank. I know what auditors and regulators expect, and how to build programs that pass without the panic.

Compliance That Works

SOC 2, PCI DSS, FFIEC, HIPAA, and beyond. I've been through them all. I build programs that satisfy auditors and actually protect your business. Not one or the other. Both.

Regulatory Exams

FFIEC, state examiners, OCC. Been there.

Vendor Risk

Third-party risk programs that actually work.

Board Reporting

Explaining cyber risk without the jargon.

Want to talk about what you're dealing with? No pitch. Just a conversation.

Let's Talk

Free Resources

Practical security tools and guides. No fluff. Just what you need to get started.

Startup Security Kit

Essential security controls checklist, incident response template, and the "Oh Sh!t Playbook" for startups getting SOC 2 ready.

Community Bank Security Kit

Five essential CIS controls for banks, guidance for when you may need outside help, and ready-to-use CIS template.

Virtual CISO FAQ

Everything you need to know about Virtual CISO services: pricing, qualifications, when to hire, and how it works. 15 common questions answered.

Lora Vaughn, CISSP, founder of Vaughn Cyber Group

Security that makes sense for how you actually work.

Vaughn Cyber Group was founded by Lora Vaughn, a former NSA analyst and two-time CISO with 20+ years of enterprise experience. Our firm bridges the gap between technical security and executive business risk.

With CISO roles at MoneyGram (global payments/fintech) and Simmons Bank, I bring a deep understanding of the security and compliance challenges facing startups, SMBs, and financial institutions. I know what works and what's just theater. Here's what I don't do: Fear-mongering. Selling you stuff you don't need. Making security so complicated you ignore it.

Here's what I do: Give you straight answers. Build security programs that fit your business. Help startups, SMBs, and community banks get secure without going broke or losing their minds.

Security without the theater. That's the whole deal.

Mission

Make security actually useful. No bloat. No theater. Just what works.

Vision

Prove that good security doesn't have to be complicated, expensive, or painful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions about SOC 2, Virtual CISO services, and working together.

Do I need SOC 2 to close enterprise deals?

Not always. Many startups close their first enterprise deals with a strong security narrative and documentation, without waiting for full SOC 2 certification. Enterprise Deal Prep gets you through security reviews now, while you build toward certification on your timeline.

How long does SOC 2 certification take?

A Type I report typically takes 3-4 months. Type II requires a 3-6 month observation period after that. But you don't have to wait. Enterprise Deal Prep can help you pass security reviews while certification is in progress.

What's the difference between a Virtual CISO and a consultant?

A consultant gives you a report and leaves. A Virtual CISO becomes part of your team: attending board meetings, talking to customers, handling auditor questions, and making security decisions with you over time. It's ongoing partnership, not a one-time engagement.

Do you work with companies outside Birmingham?

Yes. While I'm based in Birmingham, AL, I work with clients nationwide. Most engagements are remote with video calls and async communication. I've worked with companies from Silicon Valley to New York.

Ready to close the deal?

I'm a one-person firm by design. That means you work directly with me, not a junior consultant. It also means I only take on a few clients at a time. If your timeline matters, let's talk now.