A new study by cybersecurity firm BlackFog found that almost a third of chief information security officers (CISOs) and IT security managers in the UK and the US are considering leaving their current organization due to issues such as lack of work-life balance, recruitment and retention difficulties, and an inability to keep up with evolving threats and cybersecurity practices.
The study surveyed over 400 IT decision-makers at companies with 500+ employees in the US and UK. Of those planning to leave, a third plan to do so within the next six months, while 52% admitted struggling to keep up with new frameworks and models such as Zero Trust, and 20% felt that having the right skills on their team was "a serious challenge."
The research highlights the immense strain cybersecurity professionals face, who are increasingly leaving the profession due to stress, burnout, and well-being challenges.
However, 75% of respondents felt there is "full alignment" between board expectations and what CISOs can deliver, and 64% said they can complete their priority tasks within the first six months of starting their role.
CISOs also report a sense of purpose in their roles: 44% of respondents said the most enjoyable aspect is acting as the company's 'protector' and keeping people working in safe environments. BlackFog's CEO encourages organizations to ensure their security teams are given the time and resources to keep up with the latest thinking, frameworks, and innovations designed to lower cyber risk.
Read the full article at ZDNet: https://www.zdnet.com/article/cybersecurity-leaders-want-to-quit-heres-what-is-pushing-them-to-leave/