Nearly a third of cybersecurity leaders are considering leaving

Cheyenne, Wyoming, November 1, 2022 – Almost a third (32%) of UK and US CISO or IT cybersecurity leaders are considering leaving their current organizations, according to a new BlackFog survey released today. His one-third of those considering leaving their current roles plan to retire within the next six months. These findings come as demand for cybersecurity talent rises due to reports of difficulty filling vacancies and skills shortages across UK and US organizations.

Examining the frustrations and challenges faced by cybersecurity leaders, the study also highlights the impact cyber incidents have on turnover and job security. Two-fifths (41%) of those who served as her CISO or IT security lead at her previous organization were revealed to have left or been fired due to an attack or data breach.

When asked about their least favorite role, 30% cite a lack of work-life balance, and 27% say they spend a lot of time on firefighting rather than focusing on strategic issues.

However, their role in keeping the organization safe from cyberthreats is clearly valued, with 44% of respondents saying that the most enjoyable aspect of the job is being a “guardian” of the company and keeping everyone safe. He said he was able to keep working.

“The demand for cybersecurity expertise has never been higher. However, these numbers highlight serious issues with retention on the ground. We need to recognize that maintaining a strong team is critical to the safety and security of our company, said Dr. Darren Williams, CEO and Founder of BlackFog.

“With recruitment being a global challenge and intense competition for the best talent, organizations must address persistent well-being and work-life balance issues across industries. I don’t want to risk my security posture crumbling after losing my CISO.”

While growing cybersecurity threats are driving new innovations to help organizations improve their cybersecurity posture, BlackFog research shows:

• More than half, 52%, admit that they struggle to keep up to date with new frameworks and models such as Zero Trust.
• A further 20% felt that keeping their team’s skill levels aligned with these was a “serious challenge.”
• In addition, 54% felt they were unable to stay up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity solutions such as data loss prevention.
• 43% of respondents find it difficult to keep up with the latest innovations in the cybersecurity market. The figure varied by country, with 49% of her respondents in the US agreeing, compared to 36% in the UK.

The survey reflected some key positives, especially in the area of ​​board expectations for respondents. According to BlackFog survey results, 3 out of 4 (75%) agree there is a perfect alignment between what the board can accomplish in its role and what the board can prepare and deliver . In fact, two-thirds of her respondents (64%) were able to complete the priority task within her six months from the start date. This may be due to the fact that on average she spends 27% of her IT spending on security budgets.

“These results show that while the role of security leaders comes with great challenges and great pressures, there are encouraging signs that boards are listening to their needs and, by and large, their expectations and leadership roles. Dr. Darren Williams, CEO and founder of BlackFog, said, “However, it is important to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. , organizations must ensure that security teams have the time and resources to dedicate themselves to keeping up with the latest thinking, frameworks and innovations designed to mitigate cyber risk.”

Founded in 2015, BlackFog provides on-device data loss prevention (ADX) technology to protect enterprises from global security threats such as ransomware, spyware, malware, phishing, and unauthorized data collection and profiling. Developed by a global cyber security company. The company’s software monitors corporate compliance with global privacy regulations and prevents cyberattacks on all endpoints.

BlackFog uses behavioral analytics to proactively prevent hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities in enterprise security systems and data structures. BlackFog won Gold for Best Data Security and Best Ransomware Protection North America at the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards, and won Bronze for Most Innovative Cybersecurity Company and Best Cybersecurity Startup in 2022. BlackFog has been named 2020 HOT. Privacy and security vendor by Aragon Research.

BlackFog’s proactive approach to security recognizes the limitations of existing perimeter defense technologies and neutralizes attacks before they occur at multiple points in their lifecycle. Trusted by businesses around the world, BlackFog is redefining modern cybersecurity practices. For more information, please visit https://www.blackfog.com.

The results of this study are the results of an online survey of IT cybersecurity leaders and decision makers at companies with over 500 employees in the UK (200) and US (205), conducted by Sapio Research on behalf of BlackFog. It is due to The survey he conducted in August and September 2022.