Many Cybersecurity Leaders Want to Quit within Six Months

Amidst a variety of uncertainties and liabilities associated with cybersecurity, new research commissioned by BlackFog suggests that 24% of CISOs or IT security decision makers are actively looking to leave their position. A further 54%, while not actively looking to quit, are open to new opportunities.

The research, which explored the cause and impact of stress, also highlights how security leaders are managing the demands they face, and what they need from their organizations to feel more supported. Conducted with UK and US cybersecurity leaders, the research also reveals that, of those considering leaving their role, 93% state that the stress and demands are impacting their decision to leave.

When asked about their typical working week, nearly every respondent, 98%, reported that they work more than their contracted hours. On average, they are clocking up an extra nine hours – more than one working day 2 – every week, with 15% of all respondents typically working more than 16 hours over their contracted time each week.

“These findings validate the turnover we witness in the market every day, compounded by the lack of resources and tools to combat new AI based threats” said Dr. Darren Williams, CEO and Founder of the San Francisco-based cybersecurity company. “The cost and time involved in replacing senior level security leaders is considerable so it’s absolutely essential that organizations address the root cause of stress to reverse the cycle of churn.”

More than two thirds of respondents, 37%, stated that malware and ransomware attacks are the biggest source of stress. As the ransomware attack landscape continues to evolve, 42% of respondents also stated they are most worried about attackers using AI to launch their assaults while data exfiltration, a tactic increasingly used by ransomware attackers, was cited as the top concern by a quarter of respondents.

Almost two thirds of security leaders have been offered practical support to manage the stress of their role. This includes flexible hours (64%) and hybrid or remote working (62%).

However, the majority of respondents feel that their organization could do more to make them feel supported in their role. This ranged from increasing their budget so they can afford the security tools they need (41%) to having more time to focus on the problems that matter (40%).

The results published in the report are from an online survey fielded on behalf of BlackFog with IT Security Decision Makers in companies of over 500 employees across the UK (200) and US (200). The research was conducted in July and August 2024.

Channel Impact^®
The data underscore the degree to which companies of all types need to monitor the well being of their employees and adopt strategies and practices to address the threat of high-level churn.