Recent data indicates that while many companies are tightening their budgets, 45% of cybersecurity budgets have remained unchanged or even increased. Specifically, 33.3% of CISOs reported no change in their budgets, and 12.2% saw an increase. However, another third have experienced budget cuts, and 21.2% are managing frozen budgets.

CISOs are increasingly focused on demonstrating ROI and cost reduction, which together account for 60% of their decision-making criteria when evaluating vendors. They are looking for solutions that can streamline operations and consolidate their security stacks, as many are under pressure to manage costs effectively.

Despite budget constraints, 75.8% of cybersecurity leaders are still open to meeting new vendors. Many prefer smaller startups that offer flexible contracts and innovative solutions tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, 26.7% of respondents are utilizing free trials, indicating a willingness to explore new options without immediate financial commitment.