Global CISO Workforce Surges: 35,000+ Professionals Employed by 2026

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Chief Information Security Officers Employed Globally Surpass 35,000 in 2026

Cybersecurity Ventures has released its annual report on the state of the CISO market, providing insight into the growth of chief information security officers and their role in addressing the cybersecurity needs of small to mid-sized businesses.

Significant Increase in CISO Employment Reflects Growing Recognition of Cybersecurity Importance

According to the report, there are now over 35,000 CISOs employed worldwide, up from 32,000 in 2023. This significant increase reflects the growing recognition of the importance of cybersecurity in the face of escalating cyber threats. The report predicts that cybercrime will cost the world $12.2 trillion annually by 2031, up from $10.5 trillion in 2025 and $6 trillion in 2021.

“The cybersecurity ecosystem has failed to address the gap in security leadership among small businesses,” — Joe Levy, CEO at Sophos.

Virtual CISOs and Managed Service Providers Fill the Gap in Small Businesses

To bridge the gap, many small businesses are turning to virtual CISOs who can provide on-call security strategy support, incident response leadership, governance, and other security services. Managed service providers (MSPs) and managed security service providers (MSSPs) are seen as a key solution in scaling security leadership, much like managed detection and response (MDR).

The Role of MSPs and MSSPs in Scaling Security Leadership

Sophos views these MSPs and MSSPs as a force multiplier in security leadership, and various industry estimates put the number of such providers at tens of thousands globally. The 2026 CISO Report highlights the opportunities and challenges in this area, including the need for effective leadership, AI, ransomware, supply chain attacks, and human risk management.

The Future of CISOs and Cybersecurity

The report provides comprehensive insights into the CISO market, including compensation data, turnover rates, CISO certifications, budget trends, and regulatory issues. It also explores the role of CISOs in addressing emerging threats and vulnerabilities, and highlights the need for continued innovation and collaboration in the field of cybersecurity.