Nearly Half of Cybersecurity Pros Want to Quit - Here's Why
ZDNET, Sunday, April 26th, 2026
Survey reveals 49% of cybersecurity professionals plan to leave jobs due to lack of recognition and pay increases despite rising security threats.
According to the Harvey Nash Global Tech Talent & Salary Report, nearly half of cybersecurity professionals want to quit their jobs in the next 12 months, making them the third-most unhappy IT workers globally.
The research reveals a significant mismatch between demand and rewards in cybersecurity, with only 29% receiving pay increases compared to 50%+ in other tech roles like DevOps and product management. Security specialists face mounting pressure from evolving threats, including AI-enabled attacks, while receiving minimal recognition for preventing damage to their organizations.
However, the report suggests cybersecurity professionals can improve retention by developing AI capabilities alongside strategic communication skills, positioning themselves as valuable contributors to broader business strategy rather than purely technical experts.