2026 Global CISO Benchmark Survey Results
Presented by Hitch Partners, our ninth annual report examines the rapidly evolving security leadership landscape. This year’s global analysis explores compensation, reporting structures, and the expanding mandate of both CISOs and NextGen security leaders — the executives shaping strategy and the operators driving execution.
As cyber threats intensify and organizational reliance on security grows, experienced leadership has never been more critical — or more competitive.
Access the data-driven insights trusted by security leaders worldwide.
Click below to explore the 2026 Global CISO Benchmark Report ↓
(This interactive report is best experienced on a desktop)
As security leadership continues to mature, we at Hitch Partners are witnessing a fundamental shift — organizations are no longer simply investing in protection, but in trusted executives who enable resilience, growth, and long-term enterprise value. The global expansion of the CISO role signals not just rising demand, but a deeper recognition that great security leadership is foundational to modern business.
“The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday’s logic.”
— Peter Drucker
We extend our sincere thanks to the security leaders who contributed their time and insight to this report, and to the broader community who helped rally participation across North America and international markets. This benchmark exists because of your engagement and trust.
We are grateful to the many CISOs and security leaders we connected with throughout the year - at CISO Sanctuary gatherings, speaking engagements, our annual Brewery Party, Black Hat, and other industry events around the world. These conversations continue to shape our perspective and strengthen this community.
We also want to recognize and thank the Hitch team for the care, rigor, and coordination behind this effort - from research and analysis to community outreach and execution.
We look forward to even deeper engagement in 2026 and remain committed to supporting and advocating for a security leadership community we truly admire and care about.
