Toronto

# Cybersecurity for Toronto startups

ShadeSec is a Toronto security engineering firm. We work on-site across downtown Toronto and the GTA, or remotely, with startups and scaling teams that need security handled properly before a full-time security hire makes sense.

## When Toronto teams call us

-   An enterprise customer sends a security questionnaire, or asks for a recent penetration test report, before they sign.
-   You are preparing for SOC 2 and need the controls to actually exist, not just the policies.
-   You ship fast with AI coding tools and nobody owns security full time.
-   A government or regulated buyer wants to know exactly how you protect their data.
-   Investors are about to run technical due diligence.

## What we do for Toronto startups

-   [
    
    ### A penetration test you can share
    
    Agentic penetration testing led by a senior tester, with a report your customers and investors will take seriously.
    
    Learn more](/services/penetration-testing)
-   [
    
    ### A security hire, on demand
    
    A staff-level security engineer embedded in your team for the months before a full-time hire makes sense.
    
    Learn more](/services/forward-deployed-security-engineering)
-   [
    
    ### SOC 2 and questionnaire readiness
    
    We build the controls, close the gaps and automate the evidence, so audits and questionnaires stop stalling deals.
    
    Learn more](/services/forward-deployed-security-engineering)
-   [
    
    ### A secure software factory
    
    Coding agents and a hardened path from laptop to production, for teams moving fast with AI.
    
    Learn more](/services/secure-software-factory)

## In the room when it matters

Most of the work happens remotely, in your repositories and your chat. Some of it goes better in person: the kickoff where we map your systems on a whiteboard, the architecture decision that needs everyone at the table, the incident where you want someone sitting next to you.

Being in Toronto means we can be there for those moments without a flight. We are a Canadian, veteran-owned firm, and we work best with teams that want to move fast.

## Questions Toronto founders ask

Do you work on-site in Toronto?

Yes. We work on-site across downtown Toronto and the GTA, and remotely everywhere else. Quebec engagements are facilitated through our partnership with Commissionnaires du Québec.

Can you help us pass a SOC 2 audit?

We get you ready. We build the controls, fix the gaps and automate evidence collection so the audit holds up. The audit itself is done by an independent auditor.

Is this the same as a fractional CISO?

It is closer to a fractional security engineer. We do the hands-on work, like reviews, fixes and automation, and we can act as your security lead until you hire one.

How much does a penetration test cost?

It depends on what is in scope. Tell us what you want tested and when, and we will reply with a scope and a quote.

Can you answer an enterprise security questionnaire for us?

Yes, and pragmatically. We keep answers short, truthful and backed by what you actually run, instead of piling on policy language, and we fix what would make the honest answer uncomfortable. A recent penetration test report often settles most of the questions.

Do you only work with Toronto companies?

No. Toronto is home and where we can be in the room, but we work remotely with teams across Canada and beyond.

## Tell us what's stuck.

If we can materially improve the outcome, we'll come back with a concrete first step. On-site in Toronto or remote.

[Start a conversation](/contact)

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Source: https://shadesec.com/cybersecurity-toronto