Support
Find the answers to the most frequent questions
General
Question: Where can I find a BUY button ?
Answer: You cannot buy our service directly from our website. Please book a free discovery session first. The discovery session helps us understand how we can assist you and if there is a match between you and your future CG. After this session, you will receive instructions on how to purchase our service.
Question: What is a CG ?
Answer: A “CG” is a Cynergence Guide using an AWAKEN Growth Model to support your cybersecurity Growth Journey. CGs are world-class cybersecurity experts with CISO, consulting, coaching, training, and mentoring experience.
Question: Can I use a CG as a virtual CISO for my company?
Answer: No. The CG (Cynergence Guide) aims to support CISOs, not replace them. However, we can help you during the hiring process.
Question: What does ELS mean ?
Answer: Elevate Lead Succeed.
Question: How long does it take to be able to lead cybersecurity based on my role ?
Answer: There is no straightforward answer to this question. Everybody is different.
Question: What equipment do I need ?
Answer: The equipment you currently use when you have an online meeting (Headphones, Microphone, Computer, Internet Access) and Internet access that supports video conferences.
Question: What language do you currently support ?
Answer: We currently can deliver our services in English and French.
More languages will be added in the future.
Question: Are you affiliated with vendor(s) ?
Answer: No. We are totally independent from vendors.
Question: Do you hold conferences ?
Answer: Cynergence regularly participates in cybersecurity and leadership events. Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on our conference agenda. If you would like to invite us, please get in touch.
Services
Question: Is it an in-person service or an online service ?
Answer: Online service only.
Question: How can I buy your service ?
Answer: Individuals buy our services online with a credit card. Organizations that want to buy a large number of hours (100+) for multiple individuals, please contact us.
Question: How much does it Cost ?
Answer: Please contact us.
Question: Do I have to pay at the end of each session ?
Answer: No. It’s a retainer service. You select the number of hours you want, and you pay for those hours. When the payment has been confirmed, you can book your first session.
Question: Do you apply sales tax ?
Answer: No. According to the North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR), professional services are exempt from Sales tax. Cynergence does not charge VAT/GSP for clients outside of the US. ‘Reverse Charge’ will be mentioned on the invoice.
Question: How is a session duration ?
Answer: A session is one hour, but the interaction between the client and the CG is limited to 45 minutes. The remaining 15 minutes are used to record notes and progress and prepare reports and support documents for future exchanges.
Question: Can I cancel a session ?
Answer: Yes, you can Cancel or Reschedule a session. If you cancel 48 hours (2 business days) before the session, you will not be charged; if you cancel after 48 hours, the session will be charged.
Question: Can I be refunded ?
Answer: You can be refunded if:
-
We cannot deliver the service more than three consecutive times.
-
You are not satisfied with our services.
The refund is limited to the hours you did not use.
Example: You buy 10 hours, you had two sessions (= 2 hours), and you are unsatisfied. When we receive your refund request, you will be refunded for 8 hours (10 -2) minus fixed administrative fees ($200) within 30 days.
Question: In which Country do you deliver your services ?
Answer: We currently serve the following countries:
America
-
USA, Canada
Europe
-
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain Sweden, United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland
Middle East
-
United Arab Emirates
Asia
-
Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Japan
More countries could be added in the future.
Question: Are your services only for large companies ?
Answer: No. In fact, our services can strongly benefit CEOs of small or medium companies.
Question: I am Deputy CISO. Can I use your services ?
Answer: Yes. Our services are available to deputy CISOs, Group CISOs, Global CISOs, and CISOs.
Question: My job title is Director, but I act as a CISO. Can I use your services ?
Answer: Yes. Many CISOs have different employment titles (Director, Senior Director, VP, Head of, etc.). If you act as a CISO, you can benefit from our services.
Question: I am a large bank's Security Governance and Strategy Director. Can I use your services ?
Answer: Please Contact us. Cybergence is a boutique firm with limited resources. Our purpose is to serve senior leaders, but if we have some availability, we will be pleased to support you in your growth journey if you have a management position. Again, contact us.
Question: I am a CISO. I need a trusted advisor to help me with my strategy. Can I use your services ?
Answer: Yes. We support several CISOs worldwide with mentoring and advisory services. We help them build strategies, develop cybersecurity programs, improve organizational structure, and prioritize actions.
Question: I am a CEO. I need an independent advisor to help me with the cybersecurity strategy.
Can you help me ?
Answer: Yes. We support CEOs through coaching, training, and advisory services. We help them understand cybersecurity strategies, ask the right questions, and identify potential issues.
Question: My position does not appear in the C-Suite list you serve. Can I have access to your services ?
Answer: The list is compiled based on the most popular roles we serve. If you are :
-
Chief Legal Officer (CLO)
-
Chief Data Officer (CDO)
-
Chief Digital Officer (CDO)
-
Chief Audit Officer (CAO)
-
Others
You can also benefit from our services to grow in cybersecurity.
Question: What type of Advisory service does Cynergence provide ?
Answer: The objective of the advisory service is to analyze information or situations, identify potential options, and provide recommendations and guidance. Senior Executives stay in the driver's seat and make the decisions.
Question: What is the difference between Advisory and Consulting ?
Answer: Here’s a breakdown of the primary differences:
The main characteristics of Advisory are:
-
Strategic Focus
-
Guidance and Recommendations
-
Ongoing and Long-term Relationship
The main characteristics of Consulting are:
-
Problem-Solving Focus
-
Implementation-Oriented
-
Short- to Medium-Term Engagement
Cynergence does not provide IT Consulting or IT Services.
Question: What type of Training service do you provide ?
Answer: The objective of the Training service is to develop knowledge about cybersecurity, management principles, and organizational structure, which senior executives (including CISOs) must adopt based on the leading practices. Training is provided in a tutoring mode (one-on-one) and focuses on the knowledge gaps.
Question: What type of Mentoring service do you provide ?
Answer: The Objective of the Mentoring service is to learn from a master (CG) how to Lead cybersecurity at the executive level. This service is often used by CISOs.
Question: What type of Coaching service do you provide ?
Answer: The objective of the coaching service is to unlock potential and grow as a cybersecurity leader. We use the GROW model and directive coaching approach.
Question: Can I mix Coaching, Mentoring, Training, and Advisory to achieve my goal ?
Answer: Yes. The AWAKEN Growth Model is exactly the design for that. You define a goal, and for each action or milestone, your CG selects the best tool to help you achieve it.
Question: Do you provide coaching or training for a group ?
Answer: We do not provide group coaching or training. However, we offer a four-hour on-site awareness presentation for a group of up to 10 senior leaders. This session emphasizes the importance of actively participating in the cybersecurity ecosystem. Please contact us for more details.
Approach
Question: What is the AWAKEN Growth Model ?
Answer: There is no straightforward answer to this question. Everybody is different.
Question: Is the AWAKEN Growth Model approved by ICF or IAC ?
Answer: The AWAKEN is a growth model, not a coaching model. Professional coaching organizations recognized only the coaching model/approach.
Question: Is the AWAKEN Growth Model an open-source model?
Answer: No. The AWAKEN Growth Model is a proprietary model developed by Fredric Marc Georgel and owned by Cynergence.
Question: Why is the AWAKEN Growth Model good for me ?
Answer: The main advantage of the AWAKEN model is its flexibility. Depending on the person's profile, goal, and actions, we can support them through Coaching, Mentoring, Training, or Advisory. This flexibility is important if you want to grow quickly in cybersecurity.
Question: Why is growing at speed in cybersecurity key for senior leaders ?
Answer: There are two major reasons
-
Most senior executives don’t have the time or availability to invest long hours in studying cybersecurity.
-
The challenge of cybersecurity is now, and organizations have a real sense of urgency in the current context.
The term at speed means that knowledge, expertise, role, and responsibility in the cybersecurity eco-system must be acquired in months versus years.
Question: Is CG certified AWAKEN Growth Model (AGM) ?
Answer: All CGs (Cynergence Guide) are trained on the AGM and pass an exam to validate their knowledge. We are currently studying the possibility of creating a certification process.
Question: Does a CG have certifications ?
Answer: Yes. All our CGs (Cynergence Guide) own several certifications (cybersecurity and coaching)
Cybersecurity certifications could include CCISO, CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CGEIT, CSSK, CISA, CSSLP, ITIL, GCIH, SSCP, OSCP, OSCE, CEH, CMMC, GSE, etc.
Coaching and mentoring certification: Cynergence is not affiliated with any specific organization. CGs must be certified by a professional organization or have graduated from university in coaching.
We recognize coaching certification from the following organizations:
-
ICF (International Coaching Federation)
-
IAC (International Association of Coaching)
-
EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council)
-
CCE (Center for Credentialing and Education)
-
AC (Association for Coaching)
-
IOC (Institute of Coaching)
-
CFA (Coach Federation of Asia)
-
APAC (Asia Pacific Alliance of Coaches)
-
ACEC (Association of Corporate Executive Coaches)
-
SIOP (Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology)
-
ISCP (International Society for Coaching Psychology)
We recognize coaching degrees or certifications from the following Universities:
-
Harvard University
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
-
Georgetown University
-
New York University
-
Northwestern University
-
University of California, Berkeley
-
Johns Hopkins University
-
Paris Dauphine university
-
Oxford university
Question: How often should I meet my CG ?
Answer: You must discuss it with your CG (Cynergence Guide). It depends on your goal and availability.
Security & Privacy
Question: Are your services confidential ?
Answer: Yes. We have strict protocols to maintain confidentiality regarding our clients' identities and personal information. Each CG (Cybergence Guide) respects a strict code of ethics and conduct.
Question: Should I sign an NDA before we start ?
Answer: Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is included in our contract. When you signed a contract, you also signed a NDA.
Question: Can I share confidential information or Documents with you ?
Answer: Yes. We know that sometimes you need to share confidential information or documents with us, especially for advisory or mentoring services. It’s normal, but some rules must be applied before you do so:
-
Don’t share sensitive or confidential information if you are not authorized to do so
-
Use your corporate infrastructure to share documents when it’s possible.
-
You are accountable for sharing confidential information with us
-
Please note that Cynergence does NOT have clearance to access confidential information from government offices in any country where we provide services.
Question: What Information do you collect about me ?
Answer: We strictly collect the information we need to provide our services. We do not collect information without your explicit consent. The mandatory information we collect is limited to your identification, contact, and billing information. Other information can be requested to conduct our services (professional situation, challenges, etc.)
Question: How do you secure my information and documents ?
Answer: All your personal information is stored in our backend platform (SAAS), which is compliant with GDPR, ISO 2700, HIPAA, and SOC2. Data in Transit and at rest are encrypted. The Documents you share with us are stored in a Secure Cloud with End-to-End encryption. The Cloud storage platform we used (SAAS) complies with GDPR, DPA, CCAP, ISO 2700, HIPAA, GDPR, and Digital Trust. Access to your information is granted based on the need to know. Both platforms are constantly monitored.
Question: How do you secure my Payment ?
Answer: Cynergence processes each transaction using a third-party platform (SAAS). The platform we use is Compliance PCI DSS Level 1 Service Provider, PSD2, E-Money, Money Transmitter, SOC1, and SOC 2.
Question: Do you use my data outside of your service ?
Answer: We can use your data for internal research purposes to improve our service.
-
We do not sell or share your data with any third parties.
-
We do not use your data for other purposes than the company mission.
-
We do not use your data for marketing purposes.
Question: Are you compliant with GDPR ?
Answer: The platform we use to provide our services complies with GDPR.
Question: Do you share or sell my information with a third Party ?
Answer: No. We do not share or sell your information to any third party.
Question: Will you inform me if my information is stolen after a cyber incident ?
Answer: Yes. You will be informed within 72 hours after we receive notification of a confirmed data breach that exposes your information.
Question: How many people have access to my information ?
Answer: Only your CG (Cynergence Guide) will have access to your information. A strict protocol will be followed if your CG is no longer with the company. You will be invited to work with another CG. If you consent, he or she will have access to your information.
Question: Can you delete my information ?
Answer: Yes. We can delete your information after you make a formal request. The process takes a maximum of 72 hours. Your data will be automatically deleted if your account has been inactive for over two years.
Question: Do you record the session ?
Answer: We do not usually record sessions. If the CG (Cynergence Guide) needs to record one, you must approve it. The records are stored in an encrypted vault for a maximum of one month.
Question: Will you report our session to HR or someone else in the company ?
Answer: It depends.
If the service buyer is HR, we will report your progress to them (only). Sessions are strictly confidential, and we do not share any discussion with HR.
If you are the service buyer, we will only report to you.
Publications
Question: Can I share or republish a Cynergence Publication from the section: Our Perspective ?
Answer: Yes, you can if you maintain the integrity of the document (No modification)
Question: What is publication Frequency ?
Answer: Monthly
Question: Do you pay Students or Researchers to publish a study ?
Answer: No. It's a free contribution. We aim to offer a platform for students and researchers to be published and recognized as a key contributor to the cybersecurity community. Cynergence does not sell or monetize its publications.
Question: Do you own the copyright of the publication ?
Answer: Publications written by Cynergence's employees are owned by Cynergence. Studies provided by students and researchers are owned by the author. There is no Copyright transfer.
Question: Can I limit the usage of my Study ?
Answer: All documents published by Cynergence in the 'Our Perspective' section are public.
Question: How long a study is published ?
Answer: Cynergence published studies and analyses for 48 months. Each publication is reviewed every 24 months. If a publication needs to be updated after 24 months, the Cynergence Publication Committee contacts the author.
Question: How long does it take to be published ?
Answer: Between 1 to 3 months
Question: Where can I find the Cynergence publication Template ?
Answer: Authors receive the publication template when they are selected.
Career
Question: Are you accepting spontaneous applications ?
Answer: Unfortunately, no
Question: Are you hiring Students for the summer internship ?
Answer: Yes, we do. Please follow us on Linkedin.
Question: What qualifications are required to be a CG (Cynergence guide) ?
Answer: CGs are the elite in cybersecurity. Here are the minimum requirements to be a CG:
-
CISO Experience - Minimum 2,5 Years in a publicly traded company or company with critical infrastructure or 4 Years in a regular company.
-
15 years of experience in cybersecurity
-
5 years of experience in consulting services
-
Bachelor's degree, Master Preferred
-
Minimum of 3 cybersecurity active certifications (CCISO, CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CGEIT, CSSK, CISA, CSSLP, ITIL, GCIH, SSCP, OSCP, OSCE, CEH, CMMC, GSE, ISL 27001, etc.)
-
Coaching certification from the ICF, IAC, or the following universities: Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of California, Berkeley, and Johns Hopkins University.
-
Language: English + 1 other languages
-
Exceptional relationships and communication skills
Question: How long is the hiring process ?
Answer: The hiring process takes 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the position. If you are in the hiring process and have not received an update after 8 weeks, please contact us.
Question: Can I Work Remotely ?
Answer: All our positions are on-site. We use a hybrid approach to accommodate employee personal obligations.
Question: What benefits do you offer ?
Answer: Please see the Career page
Booking
Question: Do I need to sign in to book a session ?
Answer: You don’t have to sign in to book a discovery session. However, as a client, you need to sign in to our platform to manage your sessions over time.
Question: Who can book a discovery session ?
Answer: To book a discovery session, you must be in a business Leadership position (C-Suite and senior executives). If you are not in this category, please get in touch with us before.
Question: How many free discovery sessions can I have?
Answer: One per person (1)
Question: What is the objective of the discovery session ?
Answer: The discovery session is essential to understanding who you are, your challenges, and your goals. It’s also the opportunity for you to check whether our services and approach are valuable to you before moving forward. A good match is key to success.
Question: Can you assure me there will be no sales pressure following my discovery session ?
Answer: Absolutely! After the session, you will receive only two messages. The first is to thank you for your time, and the second is a quick survey. That’s all.
Question: Will you record the discovery session ?
Answer: No.
Question: Does a free discovery session engage me in any way ?
Answer: No.