The Rising Pressure on Cybersecurity Leaders
The role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has drastically evolved. They now manage increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats, such as AI-driven attacks and ransomware, in an era where data security is paramount. The workload has increased to unsustainable levels, with 98% of CISOs working beyond contracted hours. The average CISO adds 9 hours a week, and some are clocking over 16 hours extra.
This overwork is contributing to widespread burnout, with 25% of CISOs actively considering leaving their roles due to overwhelming stress. The high turnover in this field exacerbates existing security vulnerabilities, as experienced leaders exit while threats grow more sophisticated.
CISOs face ever-evolving cyberthreats, such as AI-powered attacks, which are particularly concerning for 42% of respondents. These threats use advanced machine learning algorithms to bypass traditional security measures, making them hard to detect and neutralize. Additionally, ransomware is still a major concern, with 37% of CISOs citing it as a significant stressor. The combination of ransomware and data exfiltration forces organizations to defend against attacks on multiple fronts. These heightened risks contribute to a work environment where cybersecurity teams are continually reactive, always “putting out fires” rather than focusing on long-term security strategies. This cycle of incident response leads to burnout and further stress.
Burnout doesn’t just affect productivity; it also impacts the mental health of CISOs and security teams. According to the study, 45% of security leaders admit to using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress, while 69% report withdrawing from social activities. Although some prioritize physical health—86% allocate time for exercise—many CISOs are still struggling to maintain work-life balance. The emotional toll is immense, with security professionals experiencing the pressure to protect their organizations from increasing cyberthreats while facing a lack of sufficient resources and support.
To combat the burnout crisis and retain top talent, organizations must rethink their approach to cybersecurity management. Offering flexible work hours, remote work options, and additional mental health resources can alleviate some of the pressure. Companies must also prioritize long-term security planning over constant reactive measures, allowing CISOs the bandwidth to implement proactive strategies. By addressing these critical issues, businesses can protect not only their security infrastructure but also the well-being of the leaders safeguarding it.
