New research by Nominet has found that heightened stress levels has led to mental and physical health issues, relationship problems, medication and alcohol abuse, and in some cases an eventual burnout, resulting in an average 26-month tenure before CISOs find new employment.
The vast majority of interviewed CISO executives (88%) report high levels of stress, a third report having stress-caused physical health issues and half report mental health issues.
Average Tenure of a CISO is Just 26 Months Due To High Stress and Burnout: https://t.co/c8r7zbKbgd Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs, or CSOs) across the industry are reporting high levels of stress. From a report: Many say the heightened stress levels has led to menta…
— VenueHomes (@VenueHomes_vn) February 12, 2020
The findings of this report are indeed quite disastrous, however, I’d refrain from looking at the cybersecurity industry through the grim prism of doom. Compared to many other industries, including finance and banking, cybersecurity professionals feel fairly comfortable. In light of spiraling digitalization, emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain, political instability and escalating economic wars, many industries are extremely stressful today, largely surpassing cybersecurity. While cybersecurity usually offers competitive salaries, and new opportunities are largely available on the booming market. Moreover, virtually all large companies and organizations now handle cybersecurity with high caution, providing CISO with reasonable budget and opportunity to interact directly with a Board.