Cybersecurity has become a strategic issue for all companies, including SMEs. Long perceived as a challenge reserved for large corporations, it now affects the entire French economic landscape, which is exposed to increasingly frequent, sophisticated, and costly cyber threats.

Ransomware attacks, data breaches, CEO fraud, supply chain attacks, and regulatory non-compliance (GDPR, NIS2, ISO 27001) now impact organizations of all sizes. In this context, choosing a cybersecurity consulting firm adapted to SMEs has become a key factor for resilience and competitiveness.

However, not all cybersecurity companies are equal, and not all are suited to the budgetary, organizational, and operational realities of SMEs. This article presents a Top 5 of the best cybersecurity companies for SMEs and mid-sized enterprises in France, taking into account the diversity of SME and mid-sized enterprise profiles, ranging from 50 to 5,000 employees.

Definition of an SME and a Mid-Sized Enterprise in France

Before presenting the ranking, it is essential to clarify what is meant by SMEs and mid-sized enterprises in France.

According to the official definition from INSEE and the European Union, an SME is a company:

• with fewer than 250 employees

• with annual revenue below €50 million or a total balance sheet below €43 million

A mid-sized enterprise is a company:

• with between 250 and 4,999 employees

• with annual revenue below €1.5 billion or a total balance sheet below €2 billion

In practice, the SME category is extremely broad. A company with 50 employees does not face the same constraints or have the same needs as a mid-sized enterprise with 2,000 employees, which is often already structured and sometimes international.

That is why this ranking offers a panel of players covering different levels of maturity, budget, and requirements, in order to address the full spectrum of French SMEs and mid-sized enterprises.

Selection Criteria

To establish this Top 5 of the best cybersecurity companies for SMEs and mid-sized enterprises in France, several criteria were taken into account:

• the ability to support these organizations (and not only large corporations)

• the quality and depth of cybersecurity expertise

• value for money

• flexibility of engagement models

• the ability to cover the entire cybersecurity lifecycle (governance, technical security, detection, response, compliance)

• credibility, references, and experience

1. Systelium: The Best Value for Money for SMEs and Mid-Sized Enterprises

General Positioning

Systelium is currently positioned as one of the most suitable players for French SMEs and mid-sized enterprises in cybersecurity, especially those seeking comprehensive, structured, and cost-controlled cybersecurity support.

Unlike many consulting firms that sell cybersecurity services as separate components, Systelium offers an integrated CISO Office model covering all dimensions of cybersecurity.

An Integrated and Optimized Offering

Systelium’s approach is based on a simple principle: cybersecurity only works when all components are connected. The Systelium CISO Office brings together and coordinates:

• cyber governance (GRC, NIS2, ISO 27001, policies)

• technical security (architecture, hardening, audits)

• incident detection and response

• employee awareness and training

• integration and optimization of security tools

This approach allows SMEs to avoid multiplying vendors, redundant tools, and disconnected projects.

A Highly Competitive Economic Model

Systelium stands out with some of the lowest prices on the market, made possible by a well-structured nearshore, offshore, and inshore delivery model:

• daily rates starting at €250 per day

• CISO Office starting at €700 per day for 3 FTEs

• L3 SOC services starting at €5,800 per month

With an equivalent budget, an SME gains access not to a single consultant, but to a full cybersecurity team.

Expertise and Credibility

Systelium has around 100 experts, split between French-speaking and English-speaking teams, with: three commercial offices (France, United States, United Arab Emirates), international clients and projects, strong open-source expertise and numerous technology partners (SIEM, EDR, IAM, GRC, and others).

The company was co-founded by a former CAC 40 CISO and a recognized expert in offshore and nearshore IT, explaining its rare combination of high cybersecurity standards and economic efficiency.

Which SMEs and Mid-Sized Enterprises Is It For?

Systelium is particularly suited for SMEs and mid-sized enterprises:

• with 100 to 1,500 employees

• in growth or structuring phases

• subject to regulatory requirements (NIS2, GDPR, ISO)

• seeking a global, pragmatic, and ROI-driven approach

• with a small cybersecurity team or no internal cybersecurity team (low cyber maturity)

Contact our team of experts or meet them directly by booking a meeting.

2. Neotrust: Excellence in CISO Expertise

Neotrust is a French consulting firm recognized for the quality of its network of CISOs and cybersecurity experts. Founded by a former CISO, Neotrust focuses on deep technical and strategic expertise.

Strengths

• very high-level expertise

• advanced CISO support

• strong credibility with IT and security management

• proximity to clients

Limitations for SMEs and Mid-Sized Enterprises

• 100% inshore delivery model

• high pricing, with daily rates starting at €750 per day

• an approach better suited to already mature SMEs or mid-sized enterprises

Neotrust is an excellent choice for organizations with significant budgets looking for very senior expertise on specific topics.

3. Synetis: The Reference for Critical Environments

Synetis is a long-standing French cybersecurity player, recognized by ANSSI and holder of the “Label Sécurité Numérique”. Founded in 2010, the company now has around 400 employees, more than 600 clients and a strong presence in sensitive sectors.

Positioning

Synetis is particularly suited to mid-sized enterprises operating in critical environments:

• defense

• aerospace

• energy

• critical infrastructure

• regulated industries

Advantages

• Institutional recognition

• High level of rigor

• Expertise in complex and sensitive topics

Limitations

• Less flexible for generalist mid-sized enterprises

• Often high costs

• Sometimes over-engineered for organizations with limited scope

4. Orange Cyberdefense: Industrial-Scale Power

Orange Cyberdefense is one of Europe’s leading cybersecurity providers, particularly in managed SOC services and threat detection. With more than 3,200 consultants and 36 detection centers, including 24 in France, the company benefits from exceptional coverage.

Strengths

• Operational excellence

• Some of the highest security standards

• Very mature managed SOC offerings

• Very good value for money on certain standardized services

Limitations for SMEs

• Very heavy organizational structure

• Lack of flexibility and agility

• Priority often given to large enterprises and CAC 40 companies

Orange Cyberdefense is relevant for large mid-sized enterprises primarily seeking an industrial-grade SOC and high security standards.

5. Intrinsec: Historical and Versatile Expertise

Intrinsec has more than 30 years of expertise and over 250 consultants. The company is recognized through numerous certifications and partnerships (ANSSI, UGAP, RESAH, INTERCERT).

Strengths

• Strong institutional credibility

• Broad expertise

• Best-of-breed technology partnerships

• Offshore teams (Romania, Poland, Tunisia)

Limitations

• No packaged offering specifically for SMEs

• Very broad positioning (all sectors, all company sizes, all cybersecurity services)

• Mainly relevant for one-off engagements or digital transformation projects

Conclusion: Which Cybersecurity Company Should an SME or Mid-Sized Enterprise Choose?

There is no single answer. The best cybersecurity consulting firm for SMEs and mid-sized enterprises depends on the organization’s maturity level, budget, and specific challenges.

However, for French companies seeking a comprehensive cybersecurity approach
cost control, a 360-degree view of cybersecurity and a pragmatic and operational mindset. Systelium stands out as one of the best choices on the market, combining expertise, flexibility, and economic efficiency.

In a context of growing regulatory pressure and increasingly industrialized cyber threats, choosing the right cybersecurity partner is no longer a luxury but a strategic lever for the long-term sustainability of French SMEs and mid-sized enterprises.