--- title: Carolin Desirée Toepfer | Home description: Carolin Désirée Toepfer is a cybersecurity expert and external CISO helping startups and SMEs manage cyber risk, AI-driven threats and compliance requirements. Carolin Desirée Töpfer image: https://cdtoepfer.com/hubfs/cdtoepfer.com-1.png --- [Skip to content](https://cdtoepfer.com#main-content) ![cyttraction-logo-hdpi](https://cdtoepfer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cyttraction-logo-hdpi.jpg?width=751&height=839&name=cyttraction-logo-hdpi.jpg)Homepage - [Home](https://cdtoepfer.com) - [Mailing List](https://cdtoepfer.com/en/mailing-list-carolin-desir%C3%A9e-toepfer?hsLang=en) - [Contact](https://cdtoepfer.com/en/contact-carolin-desir%C3%A9e-toepfer?hsLang=en) - [Legal & Privacy](https://cdtoepfer.com/legal-privacy-carolin-desir%C3%A9e-toepfer?hsLang=en) English Select a language ✕ - [Deutsch](https://cdtoepfer.com/de/) - [English](https://cdtoepfer.com) - [Home](https://cdtoepfer.com) - [Mailing List](https://cdtoepfer.com/en/mailing-list-carolin-desir%C3%A9e-toepfer?hsLang=en) - [Contact](https://cdtoepfer.com/en/contact-carolin-desir%C3%A9e-toepfer?hsLang=en) - [Legal & Privacy](https://cdtoepfer.com/legal-privacy-carolin-desir%C3%A9e-toepfer?hsLang=en) English Select a language - [Deutsch](https://cdtoepfer.com/de/) - [English](https://cdtoepfer.com) # Cybersecurity that helps businesses grow. ### I support founders and SME decision-makers in understanding the cyber risks and opportunities associated with technology. Empower to protect businesses against cybercrime, digital fraud, and AI-driven attacks, as well as meeting compliance requirements — without slowing down innovation. ![Carolin Desiree Toepfer - Photo: Tina Schoen, Vienna](https://cdtoepfer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Carolin%20Desiree%20Toepfer.png?width=1080&height=1350&name=Carolin%20Desiree%20Toepfer.png "Carolin Desiree Toepfer - Photo: Tina Schoen, Vienna") ### You might have seen me in the media: ![OE24.TV](https://cdtoepfer.com/hubfs/senderlogo-oesterreichprogramm-oe24.avif) ![Design ohne Titel (3)](https://cdtoepfer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Design%20ohne%20Titel%20(3).png?width=2000&height=1000&name=Design%20ohne%20Titel%20(3).png) ![Brutkasten Magazin](https://cdtoepfer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/brutkasten_logo.png?width=1000&height=120&name=brutkasten_logo.png) ![Industrie Magazin](https://cdtoepfer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Industriemagazin_logo_435713460d3e31987cb834b97131afbe.png?width=1088&height=394&name=Industriemagazin_logo_435713460d3e31987cb834b97131afbe.png) ![Golem](https://cdtoepfer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/golem%20logo.png?width=2000&height=1000&name=golem%20logo.png) ### ...or on stage: ![CyberTech Tel Aviv](https://cdtoepfer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CyberTech%20TA.png?width=654&height=190&name=CyberTech%20TA.png) ![marconomy](https://cdtoepfer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/marconomy%20logo.jpg?width=1200&height=243&name=marconomy%20logo.jpg) ![code.talks logo (2)](https://cdtoepfer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/code.talks%20logo%20(2).png?width=2000&height=1000&name=code.talks%20logo%20(2).png) ![Data Center Dynamics](https://cdtoepfer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DCD.webp?width=280&height=185&name=DCD.webp) ![bitkom](https://cdtoepfer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Bitkom.webp?width=960&height=227&name=Bitkom.webp) ![Vienna Business Agency](https://cdtoepfer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/vba%20logo.jpg?width=350&height=350&name=vba%20logo.jpg) #### My Expertise: ### **Cybersecurity · External Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) · Digital Fraud Prevention · IT Forensics · Secure AI Solutions · CyberTrust · ISO 27001** ## FREE Checklist for a quick Cyber Risk Assessment! Understand your cybersecurity maturity before you invest. Identify your current capabilities, key gaps, and priorities before committing to new tools or services. [Download](https://cdtoepfer.com/freebie-cybersecurity-checklist-carolin-desir%C3%A9e-toepfer?hsLang=en) ![Website Graphic CISO Support - Carolin Desirée Toepfer](https://cdtoepfer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Graphic%20CISO%20Support%20-%20Carolin%20Desir%C3%A9e%20Toepfer.png?width=1600&height=900&name=Website%20Graphic%20CISO%20Support%20-%20Carolin%20Desir%C3%A9e%20Toepfer.png) ### I work with companies that are growing faster than their security can keep up: - When successful companies see a rise of attacks against their business model, a cybersecurity certification like CyberTrust or ISO27001 shall be prepared, but there are no internal capacities to reach this goal in time. - When the company wants to work with or build AI tools - but based on security guardrails and qualified vendor checks. - When IT teams are currently working with bits and pieces to protect the company and want to implement a clear cost-efficient strategy. - When senior level Chief Information Security Officer expertise is needed to provide a full overview as baseline for management and investment decisions. - When B2B partners, investors or authorities ask for an overview of implemented protection measures, but there is no Information Security Management System (ISMS) yet - or not in the right format. ##### ...and use my learnings from client projects and cybersecurity trainings to build online courses, communities as well as a global risk prevention and training platform. Our services ## \[Cyber\] Risk Management with Impact. ### Cybersecurity Advisory Proven cybersecurity stratgies against cybercrime, digital fraud and AI-driven risks for regulated companies (EU NIS2, DORA, CRA) and their supply chain partners. Implement technology innovation and use/ develop AI securely, fulfill regulatory and compliance standards on the way and impress (new) clients!     [Schedule call!](https://calendar.google.com/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ0XBL9wGu2Qai_5s1Q2YlBcqV0pmla7X6HEDjqVBJz9Gfgvw1tXx8j7qF8qXk61xG_4JuwqOiKn) ### Cybersecurity Courses & Community Up to date cybersecurity knowledge and implementation guidance by a real-world Chief Information Security Officer. No matter your budget, start protecting your company and show your new cybersecurity skills today! "First Steps Cybersecurity" for Freelancers and Solopreneurs "From Zero to Cybersecurity Certification" for Small and Medium Enterprises [Start now!](https://cy-guide.com) ### Cyttraction Risk Prevention Plattform Risk prevention and training at your fingertip: ♡ Cybersecurity ♡ First Aid ♡ Travel Safety ♡ Catastrophe Prevention ♡ ...and more. Making risk training work for humans - while attention spans shrink thanks to AI.   [Sign up for updates!](https://cdtoepfer.com/de/freebie-cybersecurity-checklist-carolin-desir%C3%A9e-toepfer?hsLang=en) ![Website Graphic FZ2CC - Carolin Desirée Toepfer](https://cdtoepfer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Graphic%20FZ2CC%20-%20Carolin%20Desir%C3%A9e%20Toepfer.png?width=1600&height=900&name=Website%20Graphic%20FZ2CC%20-%20Carolin%20Desir%C3%A9e%20Toepfer.png) ### From Zero to Cybersecurity Certification As external Chief Information Security Officer, I help my clients and cy-guide.com community members to understand the full attack surface of their business model, implement a holistic cybersecurity strategy with protection measures against cybercrime, digital fraud and AI-driven risks. On the way, we produce the needed documentation and evidence for CyberTrust or ISO27001 certification audits, authorities and clients. ![Website Graphic Cyttraction Platform - Carolin Desirée Toepfer](https://cdtoepfer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Graphic%20Cyttraction%20Platform%20-%20Carolin%20Desir%C3%A9e%20Toepfer.png?width=1600&height=900&name=Website%20Graphic%20Cyttraction%20Platform%20-%20Carolin%20Desir%C3%A9e%20Toepfer.png) ### ...to better Risk and Catastrophy Prevention for all Humans! Meanwhile, I use real user feedback, meta data insights and secure AI to build a global risk prevention platform that not only makes cyber risk prevention entertaining, but also first aid and other areas of crime and catastrophe prevention. ![Website Graphic Managing Uncertainty - Carolin Desirée Toepfer](https://cdtoepfer.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Graphic%20Managing%20Uncertainty%20-%20Carolin%20Desir%C3%A9e%20Toepfer.png?width=1600&height=900&name=Website%20Graphic%20Managing%20Uncertainty%20-%20Carolin%20Desir%C3%A9e%20Toepfer.png) ### Managing Uncertainty. Being an entrepreneur at heart with a background in computer engineering, IT forensics and political science, developing digital things and communities since 2002, I enable decision makers to understand different technology risk scenarios and make balanced decisions for their business initiatives - mitigating risks without limiting innovation! ## Read, watch, listen... ### Linkedin My global business network and cybersecurity deep dives for startups and SME decision makers. Join 14.000+ followers! [Connect here!](https://linkedin.com/in/cdtoepfer) ### YouTube Cybersecurity learning and snacks and training videos. Free and ready to share with family, friends and colleagues. [Watch now!](https://youtube.com/@carolindesireetoepfer) ### Podcast The interview podcast with interesting interview guests and discussions how to deal with business and life challenges in uncertain times launches soon! [Listen now!](https://open.spotify.com/show/0n0KxyKUk9PzHTRlsti4bc?si=aaptyWqpQ8WVJiMg8JdDpQ) ## Frequently asked Questions: What does Carolin Desirée Toepfer/ Carolin Desirée Töpfer do? Carolin provides external Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and cybersecurity services for start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs. I help company leaders understand their cybersecurity risks, establish the right security structures, meet client and regulatory requirements, and turn cybersecurity into a managed business function. The focus is on **practical security, clear priorities and implementation**. What is an external CISO? A CISO — Chief Information Security Officer — is responsible for an organization's information security strategy, governance and risk management. An external or fractional CISO provides this leadership on a part-time or project basis rather than as a full-time employee. This gives companies access to senior cybersecurity expertise without having to build a complete internal security function. When should we hire an external CISO? You should consider an external CISO when cybersecurity has become important enough that someone needs to own it at management level, but hiring a full-time CISO is not yet necessary. A typical trigger is: “We know cybersecurity matters, but we don't have a clear picture of our risks, priorities and responsibilities.” You do not need to wait for a security incident. What specific problems does Carolin solve and how many clients does she have? I help when companies face situations such as: - Rapid growth without corresponding security structures - Enterprise customers demanding security documentation - Security questionnaires that are difficult to answer because measures are not implemented yet - Upcoming audits or certifications - NIS2, DORA, CRA or other regulatory requirements - Security risks across SaaS, cloud and third-party providers - Increasing use of AI tools and AI-powered products - "Cleaning up" after security incidents or finding serious vulnerabilities - Lack of security policies and processes - Investors, partners or customers asking for evidence of security controls - Preparation for a new market, major client, investment or acquisition While all leaders and future cybersecurity leads are invited to sign up for the Cy Guide "From Zero to Cybersecurity Certification" I usually only work with 2-3 hand-picked CISO clients personally and at the same time.  Do we need a CISO if we already have an IT team? Startup/ SME IT teams normally have no additional capacities to build and maintain a full holistic cybersecurity strategy. But it's not necessary to wait until you hire/ find a full-time CISO. Your IT team typically focuses on keeping systems running and supporting users. A CISO provides the answers to questions like: \- What are our critical risks? \- What security controls do we need? \- Which risks are acceptable? \- Who is responsible for the 60+  different aspects of security? \- How do we meet regulatory and customer requirements? \- How do we manage security across suppliers? \- How do we prepare for incidents? \- How do we measure security performance? An external CISO can work alongside your existing IT team rather than replacing it! Do you replace our IT provider(s), MSSP or SOC? No. Your IT provider(s) continues with managing infrastructure, endpoints, cloud environments, networks, 24/7 infrastructure scanning, alerts, incident response and other technical services. I help you build the security strategy, governance, risk management and coordination around those activities. I also help management define what should be expected from an IT provider and how security performance should be measured. Do you only provide advice or do you also implement technical security controls? The engagement can include assessment, strategy, implementation support and ongoing management. I can work directly with management, IT, development teams, HR, legal, external IT providers and other stakeholders to turn security requirements into practical actions. Where appropriate, I help define requirements, prioritize controls and coordinate implementation. I am not intended to replace specialist technical providers for every technical task. Instead I help them find gaps and adjust their work processes to comply with the new cybersecurity level. For example, implementation of endpoint protection, network infrastructure, penetration testing or SOC services may be performed by specialist partners or the company's existing IT team, while I give an overview of all needed measures and observe the effectiveness. My role is to ensure that these measures form part of a coherent long-term security strategy. Why use an external CISO instead of hiring internally? A full-time CISO ist often too expensive and too often wasting time with waiting for replies when working for just 1 startup or SME. An external CISO provides access to senior security leadership without the cost and commitment of a permanent executive hire. It can be particularly useful when you need experienced security leadership for: \- A kick-start for your cybersecurity strategy \- A defined transformation \- A regulatory requirement that has to be fulfilled in time \- Customer or audit requirements \- A period of rapid growth and/ or additional investments with additional security risks -  Building an initial security function or team and defining the foundations before \- Ongoing part-time security management to support IT and leadership Why use an external CISO instead of a traditional security consultant? Traditional consulting often focuses on analysis and recommendations, has a longer time to implementation. The external CISO model adds ongoing ownership, prioritization and implementation support. The question is not only: “What security gaps do we have?” It's more : “What do we fix first, who is responsible, and how do we know that our security is improving?” My CISO project clients receive a mapping of their attack suface and holistic cybersecurity stratgy incl. a project timeline with milestones and we agree to reach those in time. They are not left alone with slides.  What does a typical CISO project look like and how long does it take? A typical engagement has four stages: 1\. Understand I listen and understand your business, technology, data, people, suppliers and existing security measures. 2\. Assess Then I identify relevant risks, vulnerabilities, requirements and organizational gaps. 3\. Prioritize We determine which issues matter most and what needs to happen first. 4\. Implement & manage We turn priorities into actions, assign responsibility and establish processes for continuous improvement. The exact approach is adapted to the company and objective. It depends on the scope as well, especially for group or holding structures. SME clients normally need 6-12 months to build a cybersecurity culture, establish all needed measures and prepare for certification.  I offer 3, 6 or 12 months of CISO Support. Depending on the client's needs and budget. Some clients use it as kick-start for their cybersecurity strategy and create an internal cybersecurity project lead role. Others book CISO packages regularly. The Cy Guide "From Zero to Cybersecurity Certification" starts with intensive 12 weeks of regular input and access . also to community events - is active for 12 months.  What company sizes do you work with and what is the result of working with you? My clients are primarily start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs with up to ca. 1000 employees. The relevant factor is not simply the number of employees. Corporates also use the Cy Guide "From Zero to Cybersecurity Certification" for efficient vendor risk management or to train their sales teams.  On the other side, also a smaller AI, Quantum or SaaS company can have significant cybersecurity requirements because of its technology, client base, data or regulatory environment. The service is particularly relevant for companies that have outgrown informal security management but do not yet need a full-time CISO. I empower CxOs and management teams to clearly answer cybersecurity challenges and implement needed measures. The result is a structured and managed cybersecurity strategy with precise project management and goals, rather than a collection of disconnected security activities.   Can you help companies that use AI tools internally and with AI governance? Yes. Actually, secure use or deveelopment of AI is much easier, less risky and more cost-efficient if the company has a clear cybersecurity strategy implemented first! Depending on the use case, my work includes understanding how employees use or build AI tools, defining responsibilities, policies, risk management, security requirements, documentation and governance processes around AI use. AI governance should be aligned with the company's actual risks and regulatory obligations rather than treated as a stand-alone exercise. Can you help us prepare for EU regulations like NIS2, DORA or CRA? Yes. All of my clients fall under one of these regulations or are business partners of regulated clients.  I am also part of different EU expert groups and global cybersecurity networks, so you always get latest information and rumours about regulations and actions of authorities.  As part of our CISO project, I can help assess your security posture, identify relevant gaps and establish or improve the processes and controls needed to address applicable cybersecurity requirements. Whether and how NIS2, DORA or CRA applies depends on the company's sector, size, services and jurisdiction! I work with specialised lawyers to establish the company's specific regulatory situation. Can you help with client security questionnaires, CyberTrust or ISO27001 certification? Yes. Following an established global framework and do annual audits to maintain a certification is actually the easiest way to keep your cybersecurity strategy lean and cost-efficient - including answering client requests and those from authorities in time. Or as I say in a Cy Guide "From Zero to Cybersecurity Certification" video: Building a cybersecurity strategy and not get it certified, is like studying for 20 years and never write a test. :-) What happens after the initial project? All clients get acces to the Cy Guide "From Zero to Cybersecurity Certification" for 12 months, also in addition to their CISO Support package. So the cybersecurity strategy does not freeze on a certain level after working together. There are still regular updates, community events and alerts in case attack scenarios are evolving. The objective is to build sustainable security capabilities rather than create unnecessary dependency. - [Home](https://cdtoepfer.com) - [Mailing List](https://cdtoepfer.com/en/mailing-list-carolin-desir%C3%A9e-toepfer?hsLang=en) - [Contact](https://cdtoepfer.com/en/contact-carolin-desir%C3%A9e-toepfer?hsLang=en) - [Legal & Privacy](https://cdtoepfer.com/legal-privacy-carolin-desir%C3%A9e-toepfer?hsLang=en) --- Carolin Desirée Toepfer, Cyttraction GmbH © 2026. All rights reserved.