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New Insights from the 2025 CISO Compensation Benchmark Report

IANS and Artico Search have recently published their sixth annual CISO Compensation Benchmark Report, shedding light on the changing landscape of compensation for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). As organizations navigate economic uncertainties and evolving digital risks, this report highlights a 6.7% increase in CISO salaries for 2025. This is a significant finding considering that it comes at a time when many companies are tightening their budgets, revealing the strategic importance of cybersecurity leadership in today’s business environment.

Key Findings of the Report

The report, based on compensation data collected from over 550 CISOs across the United States and Canada, presents a comprehensive analysis of market trends influencing CISO compensation. Here are some of the standout findings:

• - Compensation Growth vs. Security Budgets: The average increase in CISO compensation stands at 6.7%, while security budgets have only increased by 4%, the slowest growth rate in five years. This disparity suggests a shift towards valuing the strategic role of CISOs and their overall contribution to mitigating enterprise risk.

• - Increased Mobility Among CISOs: There has been a notable increase in CISO mobility, with 15% of CISOs changing employers this year, compared to 11% in 2024. Interestingly, however, those who transitioned to new roles experienced less compensation growth (5%) compared to their counterparts who stayed at their companies but took on greater responsibilities, who saw an average salary increase of 8.1%.

• - Disparities in Compensation: The report reveals a significant compensation gap among CISOs, where the top 1% earn total compensation exceeding $3.2 million, approximately ten times the median figure and twenty times that of the bottom 10%. This gap is largely influenced by equity package size and organizational scale.

• - Sector-Based Variations: CISOs in technology and financial services enjoy the highest average total compensations at $844,000 and $744,000 respectively. Those managing large teams and substantial budgets typically find themselves in the upper compensation quartile.

• - Expanding Executive Perks: There is an increasing trend towards providing executive perks to CISOs. Over 71% of CISOs now receive benefits such as Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance, which has risen from 40% in previous years. Other valuable benefits include deferred compensation plans and enhanced health benefits, along with a notable uptick in non-financial perks like legal counsel access.

Changing Motivations in Security Leadership

The findings suggest a transformation in the motivations of CISOs, as many individuals in these roles are now prioritizing influence, visibility, and organizational culture over compensation alone. Steve Martano, a partner at Artico Search, notes, “The demand for top security talent is still fierce, but motivations are evolving. Companies that recognize the importance of giving security leaders a senior position at the organizational table are likely to attract and retain the best talent.”

Conclusion

The 2025 CISO Compensation Benchmark Report by IANS and Artico Search highlights the continued growth and significance of CISO roles in modern organizations. As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, it is evident that CISOs are transitioning from mere operational roles to becoming essential leaders in enterprise risk management. With compensation growth outpacing the broader budget trends, the report underscores the need for organizations to invest in strong cybersecurity leadership to navigate the complexities of today’s digital ecosystem.

For detailed figures and comprehensive analysis, interested parties can download the Snapshot Report or request the full benchmark report by contacting IANS directly. This invaluable resource not only assists security leaders in benchmarking their compensation but also provides critical insights into ongoing market trends affecting their roles within organizations.