Cybersecurity professionals plan job changes amid inadequate rewards and rising AI threats
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Apr 26
Cybersecurity professionals plan job changes amid inadequate rewards and rising AI threats
13 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Apr 26
A Harvey Nash survey of 3,646 tech professionals finds 49% of cybersecurity staff want to switch jobs within 12 months, citing low pay and increasing AI-driven threats like Anthropic's Mythos.
Only 29% of cyber professionals received pay increases last year, compared to over half in other tech roles, while nearly 20% of organizations faced major security attacks in the past two years.
Experts warn that board complacency and rapid AI evolution are intensifying pressure and burnout, but note that AI also offers opportunities for proactive security professionals to add value through strategy and communication skills.
Why are the world's most in-demand tech professionals also the unhappiest?
As AI creates super-threats, can it also solve the burnout crisis for cyber defenders?
Are aging computer systems the biggest invitation for advanced AI hackers?
Will the future CISO need more communication skills than coding skills to succeed?
How can companies reward cybersecurity teams for crises that did not happen?
With 94% of boards feeling secure, are they ignoring a multi-trillion dollar 'risk debt'?
The 2026 Cybersecurity Crossroads: Combating AI-Powered Fraud Amid a 54% Skills Shortage
Overview
In early 2026, AI-driven cyber threats have surged dramatically, with attackers using AI to create faster, more personalized attacks that overwhelm traditional defenses. Cyber fraud, fueled by AI-powered social engineering like deepfakes and hyper-personalized phishing, is now the top concern for business leaders. However, cybersecurity professionals feel unprepared due to a critical skills shortage worsened by regulatory pressures and AI automation eroding entry-level roles. This shortage, combined with high job stress and unclear career paths, leads to morale and retention crises. Organizations are responding by prioritizing workforce upskilling and integrating AI-enabled security tools, emphasizing human oversight to build resilience against evolving AI threats.