CISO Turnover Soars Amidst Growing Pressure and Liability Fears
The role of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is under intense scrutiny, with high turnover rates and increasing pressure. A recent survey by BlackFog has shed light on the obstacles faced by CISOs, while public records show no recent high-profile resignations due to personal liability.
CISOs are leaving their posts at an alarming rate, with tenures averaging between 18 to 26 months. This is a stark contrast to the nearly five-year average for the broader C-suite. The BlackFog survey revealed that 70 percent of CISOs have been negatively impacted by tales of their peers being held personally accountable for cybersecurity incidents.
The relentless responsibility and exposure to risk that CISOs face can be overwhelming. Despite their best efforts, the sense of never being fully prepared for blame is ever-present. This constant pressure may contribute to the high turnover rates in the role. Interestingly, despite these hurdles, there has been no widely reported case in the last year of a globally recognized CISO resigning due to personal liability, according to available public sources.
The CISO role is facing significant challenges, with high turnover rates and increasing pressure. While there have been no recent high-profile resignations due to personal liability, the fear of such consequences is negatively impacting CISOs. Initiatives to improve the working conditions and tenure of CISOs are crucial to ensure the security of organizations.
