Killswitch Advisory
Expert Cybersecurity Solutions for Startups
Cut The Noise, Flip The Switch
KILLSWITCH ADVISORY
Killswitch Advisory: Embedded Security Leaderhip for Fast-Moving Teams.
At Killswitch Advisory, we help startups and high-growth companies make smart, surgical decisions about security—before they’re forced to. Led by a seasoned vCISO with deep roots in offensive security, compliance, and boardroom strategy, we don’t just identify risks—we help you act decisively.Our approach blends tactical expertise with executive foresight. Whether you’re scaling fast, navigating audits, or just trying to stay ahead of the next breach headline, we embed alongside your team, two days a week or full throttle, to give you clear, no-BS security leadership when and where it counts most.
BIL HARMER
Founder & CEO
With over two decades in the trenches of cybersecurity, Bil Harmer has helped steer startups through chaos, scale, and scrutiny. He’s built programs from scratch, cleaned up after breaches, and advised boards before the regulators came knocking. Former CISO, trusted advisor, and frequent speaker, Bil blends deep technical knowledge with the business acumen to make security a strategic advantage—not just a fire drill.At Killswitch Advisory, he brings this experience to bear for companies that need more than checkbox compliance. His style? Direct. Strategic. And always aligned to what matters most: protecting the mission while enabling the business to move fast—without blowing itself up.
LOCATION
Forged in San Francisco, Built for the Fight.
Killswitch Advisory was born in the same pressure cooker that launches unicorns and burns out good ideas. We’ve lived the zero-day pace of Bay Area startups—and we bring that same urgency, precision, and grit to every client we advise.
CUSTOMERS
What They're Saying
(When We're Not in the Room)
“I’ve known Bil since the very beginning of his journey at Craft Ventures, and working with him has been a game-changer. He brings a rare combination of deep technical and security expertise, a visionary sense of where the future is headed, and a grounded understanding of business fundamentals and startup dynamics. From day one, he grasped the urgency and intensity of our environment and offered expert, actionable guidance on navigating the friction points we were facing. His ability to distill complex security challenges into clear priorities—understandable to both our technical team and our board—is exceptional. Bil isn’t just an advisor; he’s a true extension of our team.”
Pukar Hamal - Founder & CEO @ SecurityPal
"Bil is one of the most innovative and forward-thinking CISOs I’ve had the pleasure of working with. His deep experience, sharp instincts, and no-nonsense approach to security make him an invaluable partner, especially for early-stage companies navigating complex risk landscapes. As we began building Dune, Bil’s guidance was instrumental. He not only asked the right questions, but also rolled up his sleeves to help us think through architecture, controls, and go-to-market considerations. Bil also has a wonderful personality—he is approachable, generous with his time, and deeply committed to helping the next generation of security leaders. He’s a natural community builder who brings people together and creates meaningful connections."
David DellaPelle - Co-Founder & CEO @ Dune Security
“Security advice is easy to find. Practical, no-nonsense security leadership is not. That’s what Bil brings to the table. He knows how to align security with the speed and reality of a growing tech company. Working with him isn’t about endless reports—it’s about making the right calls, at the right time, with someone who’s been there before.”
Bob Remeika - Co-Founder & CEO @ Ragie
CONTACT US
Ready When You Are
Wether you're chasing a SOC2, untangling a breach, or just need a grown-up in the room - reach out. We don't do endless discovery calls or recycled decks. We listen, assess, and get to work
