A new research report from Nagomi Security has revealed that, over the past six months, nearly three quarters (73%) of US CISOs have reported a significant cyber incident. The 2025 CISO Pressure Index emphasises how continuous widespread breaches and rising internal strain are reshaping the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) role.
Nagomi’s 2025 CISO Pressure Index is based on a quantitative survey of 100 US-based CISOs across major industries.
Interestingly, the most consistent pressure isn’t coming from attackers, it’s coming from inside the organisation. According to the data, 87% of CISOs say pressure in their role has increased over the past year. Two-thirds report feeling burned out weekly or daily, and 40% considered leaving their role altogether.
Board expectations, shrinking resources, and tool fatigue are also factors causing additional strain. Notably, 42% of CISOs say expectations from boards and executives are now their greatest source of stress, more than the threats themselves. Most oversee sprawling tool stacks, with 65% managing 20 or more security tools, yet 58% say incidents occurred even though those tools were in place.
What’s more, CISOs face personal accountability when it comes to breaches. Worryingly, 17% say they always feel personally blamed for security incidents, regardless of root cause, and 39% say they often feel blamed – even when incidents fall outside their direct control. If a breach were to occur, 90% say their role may be at risk to some degree. Such pressured environments create the perfect place for burnout to thrive.
We know that AI has introduced new security risks and challenges, but the report notes that it’s also becoming a cost-cutting directive: 82% of CISOs say they’re under pressure to reduce staff using AI. The result is a widening gap between responsibility and control.
Emanuel Salmona, co-founder and CEO of Nagomi Security, said: “CISOs are managing nonstop risk with limited support and even less time. They’re expected to be strategic leaders and first responders all at once. The best way to support them is to share accountability across the business, make outcomes clearer, and give them the space to focus on what actually reduces risk.”
Finally, Nagomi is launching a new docuseries entitled Holding the Line, which features in-depth conversations with security leaders about the personal and professional toll of the role. The series dives into how the job is evolving, where pressure is coming from, and what needs to change.
