Security Professionals Eye the Exit as Retention Rates Plummet
New industry data shows only about one-third of cybersecurity workers plan to remain in their current roles as burnout and culture concerns rise.
- By Jesse Jacobs
- Apr 14, 2026
A significant majority of cybersecurity professionals are considering leaving their current employers, according to a report released Tuesday by IANS and Artico Search.
The 2026 Cybersecurity Talent Report, which surveyed more than 500 security practitioners, found that only 34% of professionals plan to stay in their current roles. The findings suggest a sharp decline in job satisfaction and pose a significant challenge for chief information security officers attempting to maintain stable teams.
While compensation remains a factor in career decisions, the report indicates that pay is no longer the primary driver for retention. Instead, career progression, organizational culture and flexible work arrangements have become the dominant influences on employee loyalty.
Data shows that even modest wage growth has a greater impact on retention than high base salaries. Employees receiving small, consistent pay increases reported higher satisfaction levels than those with stagnant compensation, regardless of their total earnings.
Work-life balance also remains a priority. According to the report, hybrid work models—specifically those requiring one to two days in the office per week—correlate with the highest levels of employee satisfaction.
The report also highlights a direct link between executive support and staff commitment. Among security professionals who believe their organization views security as a core priority, 73% reported career satisfaction. In contrast, satisfaction dropped to 19% among staff who feel their department lacks organizational backing.
Researchers noted that as security teams face an increasing volume of threats with limited resources, leadership must focus on mentorship and career development to prevent burnout and retain top performers.