Cyber Security Fright Night: a CISO's Guide to Surviving Every Day of the Year

Cyber-attacks are constant and it’s not if but when any organisation in any sector will succumb to one. With the huge weight of responsibility on the role, it’s no wonder that CISOs can feel stressed and isolated.

The average time a CISO spends in post is around two and a half years, but a single cyber-attack can bring their tenure to an end almost overnight. According to the latest Microsoft Digital Defense Report (DDR), over 600 million cyber-attacks are, on average, launched at Microsoft’s customers every day. CISOs can be forgiven for feeling like every night is fright night! While cybercriminals may have plenty of tricks up their sleeves, cyber security services can be the treat to keep threat actors at bay.

No magic wand to prevent attacks

While costs for security products and licences keep rising, simply spending more on kit isn’t a sure-fire way of keeping the wolves from the door. The overused ‘best-of-breed’ approach, where companies bought a wide range of tools that aren’t fully integrated, has led to gaps in visibility, control, and security.

Smart organisations are now consolidating their tools into a single security stack and partnering with an experienced cyber security specialist that can manage it for them. This solution can significantly reduce risks overnight. Furthermore, a cyber security company that safeguards hundreds of organisations sees threats early and can take appropriate actions to safeguard all of them quickly – often before a single customer knew there was a threat in the first place.

Factors keeping CISOs awake at night

While the position of CISO is still fairly new, several factors contribute to giving them sleepless nights:

High stress levels due to the constant threat of cyber-attacks and lack of support from the executive board
Rapidly, ever-evolving threat landscape requiring constant adaptation
Accountability for any security breaches and incidents
Burnout thanks to high stress, long hours, and the critical nature of the role
Career opportunities at other organisations because experienced CISOs are in high demand and low supply.

CISOs needn’t work alone in the dark

At Quorum Cyber, we understand the stress and worry that CISOs and their teams go through every day and night. We have hundreds of cyber security experts to help strengthen your cyber security posture, stop threats in their tracks, and minimise risks.