Today’s columnist, Christopher Muffat of Dathena, offers CISOs ideas on doing more with less from his experiences working as a security leader at Barclays and other organizations. ell brown CreativeCommons (Credit: CC BY 2.0)

Even before the coronavirus pandemic, being a chief information security officer (CISO) was a tough job. According to one recent survey, nine out of 10 C-level information security execs are stressed out, leaving half with mental health issues and one-third with physical health problems. The average CISO lasts barely two years before they burn out and seek a less stressful role. 

Now, the coronavirus pandemic has raised the stakes still further, with cybercriminals launching a flurry of attacks against struggling organizations, and remote work creating countless new vulnerabilities that CISOs have had to patch. With organizations tightening their belts, more than 70 percent of CISOs believe their budgets will shrink in 2021. Already, many are shelving much-needed upgrades or grappling with hiring freezes and staffing cuts as they struggle to cope with the new challenges they’re facing.

Please register to continue.

Already registered? Log in.

Create Free Account Log in to Existing Account

Once you register, you'll receive:

  • News analysis

    The context and insight you need to stay abreast of the most important developments in cybersecurity. CISO and practitioner perspectives; strategy and tactics; solutions and innovation; policy and regulation.

  • Archives

    Unlimited access to nearly 20 years of SC Media industry analysis and news-you-can-use.

  • Daily Newswire

    SC Media’s essential morning briefing for cybersecurity professionals.

  • Learning Express

    One-click access to our extensive program of virtual events, with convenient calendar reminders and ability to earn CISSP credits.

Topics:

artificial intelligence Security strategy