Behind those numbers are executives who are frustrated with an ever-expanding job without the budget and authority to match.

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69% of security executives are open to career moves within the next year, driven by structural issues rather than compensation. CISOs face expanding responsibilities without matching authority, budget, or board support, leading to burnout and talent exodus. The role suffers from misalignment between accountability and control, with many CISOs lacking veto power over procurement or risk decisions despite being held responsible for breaches. Personal liability concerns, especially at public companies post-SEC scrutiny, compound the problem. Experts recommend giving CISOs enterprise-level standing with direct CEO/board access, decision-making authority aligned with responsibilities, and proper succession planning to address what's becoming a systemic organizational vulnerability.

69% of CISOs open to career move — including leaving role entirely