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New research from BSS reveals that 48% of CISOs regard the skills gap as the primary people-related concern in their organisations this year.
The survey also cites a lack of job applicants (36%) and hiring difficulties in key cybersecurity areas like cloud engineering (34%).
Furthermore, only 28% of CISOs feel recognised at the board level, and just 22% are actively involved in broader business planning, indicating a disconnect between cybersecurity and overall business goals.
To combat these challenges, 97% are turning to external partners and service providers including the use of virtual CISOs.
BSS Director, Chris Wilkinson said: "In the midst of a relentless digital skills shortage sweeping across all industries, the urgent call for senior leaders is crystal clear: embrace the paramount significance of cyber security and, above all, recognise the immense value their information security teams bring."