SideChannel Deploys AI Across Sales, Marketing, and Cybersecurity Delivery

Public cybersecurity firm applies AI-powered operations to scale vCISO delivery, accelerate go-to-market, and increase client coverage without proportional headcount growth

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:18pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a complex cybersecurity infrastructure, with illuminated servers, cables, and other digital components in a palette of neon cyan and magenta, conceptually representing the advanced technology powering SideChannel's AI-driven operations.SideChannel's AI-powered cybersecurity operations aim to increase efficiency and scale without sacrificing quality or client service.Worcester Today

SideChannel, Inc., the largest virtual CISO (vCISO) firm in North America, has integrated artificial intelligence into its sales, marketing, and cybersecurity delivery operations. The initiative is designed to increase the capacity and speed of each function without a proportional increase in headcount.

Why it matters

SideChannel's adoption of AI across its internal operations reflects a broader strategy of using technology to maximize impact and make cybersecurity more accessible. By automating certain tasks, the company can scale its vCISO services, sales outreach, and marketing efforts without needing to hire proportionally more staff.

The details

SideChannel now uses AI to support its vCISO practitioners with faster assessment generation, more consistent deliverable quality, and reduced administrative overhead. On the go-to-market side, AI-powered workflows handle prospect research, content development, and campaign execution at a pace that would otherwise require a significantly larger team.

  • SideChannel announced the AI integration on March 31, 2026.
  • The company plans to continue expanding its AI-powered operations across additional functions in 2026.

The players

SideChannel, Inc.

The largest virtual CISO (vCISO) firm in North America, providing cybersecurity and privacy risk management solutions.

Brian Haugli

CEO of SideChannel, who stated that the company's AI adoption is part of its strategy to make cybersecurity accessible.

Paige Roderick

The new Director of Growth Marketing at SideChannel, reflecting the company's focus on combining technology and talent.

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What they’re saying

“We built SideChannel to make cybersecurity accessible. AI lets us apply that same principle to how we operate as a company.”

— Brian Haugli, CEO, SideChannel

“Every dollar we don't spend hiring a third person to do what two people plus AI can handle is a dollar we invest in Enclave. That's the trade-off we're making-and it's the right one for this stage of the company.”

— Brian Haugli, CEO, SideChannel

What’s next

SideChannel will host a Happy Hour event during SecureWorld, offering attendees an opportunity to connect with the company's leadership team and learn more about its cybersecurity solutions.

The takeaway

SideChannel's strategic adoption of AI across its internal operations demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to enhance the accessibility and scalability of cybersecurity services, allowing the company to focus on its mission of making cybersecurity more accessible for businesses of all sizes.