The role of cybersecurity leaders has never been more vital—or more stressful. A new study from BlackFog reveals that nearly a quarter of CISOs and IT Security Decision Makers are actively considering leaving their roles, with 93% citing overwhelming stress as the key driver. As organizations face mounting pressure from increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats, including AI-powered attacks, ransomware, and data exfiltration, CISOs are working longer hours with fewer resources. This growing cybersecurity burnout crisis has a direct impact on organizations, and highlights the urgent need for businesses to better support their security teams.
The Rising Pressure on Cybersecurity Leaders
The modern CISO’s role has evolved far beyond traditional IT management. Today, they are tasked with protecting vast digital ecosystems from an ever-growing array of threats. These leaders are not only responsible for safeguarding data and infrastructure but are also on the front lines of mitigating damage from incidents like ransomware attacks, data breaches, and insider threats. As the cyberthreat landscape becomes more complex, so does the job.
According to BlackFog’s research, the pressure on security leaders is immense. Nearly 98% of respondents reported working beyond their contracted hours, with the average CISO clocking an additional nine hours per week. In extreme cases, 15% of respondents are working more than 16 hours above their contracted time each week. This work overload is not sustainable. It’s leading to burnout, with many security leaders ready to exit the industry, and this turnover is creating significant risks for organizations.
The Cybersecurity Threat Landscape: Driving Burnout
The stress driving these leaders to the brink isn’t solely due to heavy workloads. The nature of the cyberthreats they face has changed dramatically. Traditional threats like phishing and malware are still prevalent, but today’s attackers are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to launch more advanced, AI-driven assaults. The BlackFog research found that 42% of respondents are most concerned about the rise of AI-enabled cyberattacks. These attacks, which use machine learning to evade detection, have increased in frequency and sophistication, making them more difficult to defend against.
Ransomware remains a major concern, with 37% of security leaders identifying it as a top source of stress. Attackers are increasingly combining ransomware with data exfiltration, a tactic that compounds the damage by stealing sensitive data before encrypting systems. This dual threat forces CISOs into an ongoing battle to stay ahead of evolving attack vectors.
The constant need to respond to these threats has created a reactive security environment—one where leaders are always putting out fires rather than focusing on long-term strategies to strengthen defenses. This never-ending cycle of incident response exacerbates burnout and prevents CISOs from stepping back to plan more proactive, strategic security measures.
The Human Toll: Burnout and Turnover in Cybersecurity
The relentless pace and high stakes of cybersecurity have led to significant mental health challenges for CISOs and their teams. BlackFog’s research revealed that 93% of those considering leaving their roles cite stress and job demands as primary reasons. In an industry where the cost of replacing senior security leaders is high, turnover not only impacts team morale but also leaves organizations vulnerable to new and emerging threats.
Beyond the work hours, the emotional toll is evident in how cybersecurity leaders cope with stress. On the positive side, 86% of participants prioritize physical health by allocating time for sports and exercise, and 75% report getting enough sleep. Additionally, 82% believe they have clear boundaries between work and personal time.
However, the research also highlights more concerning trends. Nearly half (45%) of respondents admitted to using drugs or alcohol as a means of alleviating work pressures, while 69% reported withdrawing from social activities. These coping mechanisms reflect the intensity of the pressures security leaders face daily, further underscoring the urgent need for organizational support.
Organizational Responsibility: How to Address Burnout and Retain Top Talent
Organizations must take action to address the cybersecurity burnout crisis before it undermines their ability to protect against the very threats they are working so hard to defend. Fortunately, some companies are already offering solutions to help their teams manage stress. BlackFog’s research found that 64% of security leaders have been offered flexible work hours, and 62% have the option to work remotely or in a hybrid capacity. These initiatives are steps in the right direction but may not be enough to combat the deeper issues.
Security leaders need more than flexible hours; they need increased budgets and resources. Forty-one percent of respondents reported that insufficient budgets prevent them from accessing the necessary security tools to do their jobs effectively, while 40% say they need more time to focus on the problems that matter. By allocating additional resources, organizations can alleviate some of the workload pressure, allowing CISOs to adopt more strategic approaches to cybersecurity.
Building a supportive culture is equally important. Leadership teams must actively engage with their security leaders, not only to understand the challenges they face but to foster an environment where mental health and well-being are prioritized. Encouraging CISOs to take time off, disconnect from work when possible, and seek mental health support can reduce the long-term risk of burnout.
Reversing the Cycle of Cybersecurity Burnout
The cybersecurity burnout crisis is not just a leadership issue—it’s a threat to the entire organization. As cyberattacks become more frequent and complex, the pressure on security leaders will only intensify. Organizations that fail to address the underlying causes of burnout risk losing top talent, leaving critical security gaps in their defenses.
By investing in the right resources, creating a supportive culture, and addressing the root causes of stress, businesses can ensure their CISOs and security teams are equipped not just to survive—but to thrive. A proactive approach to managing cybersecurity stress will not only retain talent but also enhance the organization’s ability to stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape.
