IANS Research Reveals Security Leadership Insights for 2024

Insights from the 2024 Security Leadership and Organization Report

Today, IANS Research and Artico Search unveiled the 2024 Security Leadership and Organization Benchmark Report, a pivotal document that conveys essential information for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) focusing on organizational planning and resource management in security departments.

Significance of the CISO's Role

CISOs play a crucial role in shaping the structure and efficiency of security organizations. Their responsibilities encompass making critical decisions concerning hierarchical design, span of control, and compensation strategies. This becomes even more important as businesses continue to evolve.

Nick Kakolowski, Sr. Research Director at IANS, explained, "In today's landscape, justifying resources for building resilient security teams can be challenging. Our report provides CISOs with a comparative viewpoint to evaluate team structures and compensation, enabling them to make decisions that align with their strategic goals."

Key Findings from the Report

Compensation Trends Across Industries

The report reveals that compensation for security roles varies significantly across different sectors. Notably, the technology, financial services, and consumer goods industries offer the highest pay for security leadership positions. This trend has remained consistent over the past five years.

Average Compensation and Leadership Roles

Total compensation for cybersecurity leaders typically averages around $280K, with the top 25% quartile starting at $345,000. Positions such as Deputy CISOs and heads of product security are among the highest compensated roles, particularly in tech and finance, where strategic and operational skills are especially prized.

Global Enterprises and Compensation Packages

Large, billion-dollar enterprises provide even more generous compensation packages for security leaders, often exceeding $500,000. For those in crucial positions like product security heads and deputy CISOs, these packages may include equity options, further enhancing their allure.

Engagement with the Board

The level of CISO engagement with the company board shows divergence lately. For organizations at the Fortune level, 73% of CISOs engage with the board quarterly. This number drops to 49% for large organizations and 36% for mid-sized security teams.

Preparing for the Future of Cybersecurity Leadership

As organizations expand their security teams, new leadership roles are emerging on the horizon. Business Information Security Officers (BISOs), chiefs of staff, and heads of privacy are now favorites among CISOs elevating their leadership structures. However, despite the BISO role growing in popularity, widespread industry adoption still comes slowly.

Anticipating Movement in Leadership

Steve Martano, IANS Faculty and Executive Cyber Recruiter at Artico Search, noted, "We saw significantly less attrition in 2024 compared to previous years, leading CISOs to focus on succession planning and hiring appropriate deputies for future transitions. Many organizations are starting their hiring processes in Q4 in anticipation of these changes."

About the CISO Compensation and Budget Research Study

The CISO Compensation and Budget Research Study by IANS and Artico Search is an annual analysis providing insight into compensation, hiring trends, and security budgets across the industry landscape. It serves as an invaluable resource for CISOs as they undertake organizational planning, talent acquisition, and compensation strategies.

Study Methodology and Participants

Conducted from April to September, this survey collected responses from 805 security executives representing various companies in terms of size and industry. Their responses encompassed valuable security organizational data, leading to insights into compensation metrics and levels of experience among security leaders.

About Artico Search and IANS Research

Founded in 2021, Artico Search focuses on recruiting top-tier security executives for a variety of organizations, including growth ventures and private equity firms. The firm emphasizes the search for leading CISOs across multiple sectors.

IANS Research provides invaluable insights for leaders confronting complex security challenges. They offer access to experienced practitioners and expert guidance that enhances decision-making within security settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the 2024 Security Leadership and Organization Report?

The report aims to provide CISOs with insightful data regarding organizational planning, design, talent acquisition, and compensation strategies within security departments.

How is compensation measured in the report?

Compensation is analyzed based on responses from over 800 CISOs, looking into different sectors and sizes of organizations.

What are some new roles highlighted in the report?

The report highlights the growing importance of Business Information Security Officers (BISOs) and other leadership roles aimed at enhancing security team efficiency.

What trends are anticipated for cybersecurity roles in the near future?

There is an expectation of more movement in cybersecurity leadership roles and a focus on hiring strategies, especially as organizations prepare for changes in personnel and structure.

Who are the primary contributors to this report?

The report is published by IANS Research and Artico Search, with contributions from industry experts and data gathered from significant security executives across various sectors.

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