From Security Operations to Security Leadership: Sophos CISO Advantage
Sophos, Tuesday, February 10th, 2026
For years, cybersecurity progress has been measured by innovation. Faster detection. Better response. Smarter automation. And yet, real-world outcomes have failed to match the pace of technological advancement.
This gap between technological progress and outcomes has driven a predictable response: spend more. Global security and risk management spend has hit record highs, surpassing $200B annually and is on track to hit $240B in 2026 (Gartner). In some ways, this has compounded the problem. Increased investment in cybersecurity tools has added complexity without necessarily restoring control or reducing risk. Meanwhile, breaches continue to increase in frequency, cost, and organizational impact.
The problem is not insufficient innovation or investment. It is a lack of strategy, clarity, and leadership at scale.