CISO Roles Face Increased Pressure Amid Rising Compensation

CISOs are experiencing heightened internal pressures and expectations, with many reporting that internal conflicts are more damaging than external cyberattacks. Despite these challenges, compensation packages for CISOs are rising, with an average increase of 6.7% reported in 2025, even as security budgets tighten. The evolving role of CISOs now includes legal accountability and the need for diverse skills to navigate complex security landscapes.