One-in-five CISOs skip Patch Tuesday to avoid burnout, says Socura
A new survey reveals cybersecurity leaders are calling in sick or taking leave to evade the stress of monthly security update deployments.
Key points
- % of UK security leaders take time off to avoid Patch Tuesday.
- Microsoft fixed a record 974 vulnerabilities in September 2026.
- % of respondents feel significant anxiety before update releases.
One in five cybersecurity leaders in the UK has deliberately taken time off or called in sick to avoid working on Patch Tuesday, according to new data from managed detection and response specialist Socura. The report highlights growing burnout among security executives as the volume of monthly software updates continues to rise.
Socura surveyed 500 UK chief security officers, CISOs, and heads of IT security to assess their attitudes toward artificial intelligence and the monthly release cycle used by vendors like Microsoft and Adobe. While 41% of respondents worked overtime and 37% worked late to manage deployments, a significant 22% attempted to avoid the date entirely.
Rising Workloads and Stress
Socura attributes this avoidance behavior to an increasing number of patches and rising stress levels within the industry. Over a quarter (29%) of respondents reported feeling significant anxiety the night before Patch Tuesday arrives. The same proportion admitted to becoming more irritable with colleagues or family members during that specific week of heightened activity.
Andrew Kays, CEO of Socura, compared the situation to expecting an accountant to be available for tax deadlines. He stated that the willingness of leaders to miss their most consequential work day speaks volumes about the unhealthy stress and burnout currently plaguing the cybersecurity sector.
Impact of AI on Vulnerability Volume
The workload driving this stress is increasing partly because AI-powered vulnerability research helps vendors discover software flaws in greater volumes than before. Microsoft fixed a record 974 CVEs in its September 2026 Patch Tuesday release, surpassing the previous record of 570 set just two months earlier.
For context, only 1,130 vulnerabilities were published in the entirety of 2025. This surge in monthly patching requirements contrasts sharply with historical totals, placing additional pressure on teams responsible for deploying these security updates across enterprise environments.
Broader Industry Burnout Trends
These findings align with previous reports on CISO stress levels. A March 2026 report by Seemplicity revealed that 45% of cybersecurity leaders work more than 11 extra hours per week, equivalent to an additional full day. Another 20% work an extra 16 or more hours weekly.
Additionally, 43% of security leaders said they are unable to take time off without creating significant stress upon their return. Kays emphasized that security teams must be properly resourced on Patch Tuesday and supported emotionally, technically, and financially to prevent exploitation of their dedication.
What should you do?
Security leaders should monitor team workload metrics during patch cycles to identify signs of burnout. Organizations can evaluate if current staffing levels are sufficient for the volume of monthly updates. Leaders should also explore automation tools that might reduce manual effort in deployment processes.
What to do and how to stay safe: Microsoft
- Review internal staffing plans to ensure adequate coverage during high-volume patch releases.
- Implement automated patch deployment tools to reduce manual workload on security teams.
- Establish clear communication protocols for urgent security issues during scheduled time off.
- Monitor employee stress indicators and adjust expectations for overtime during patch cycles.
Step-by-step guide: Risk Based Vulnerability Management: Prioritize Fixes by Actual Threat
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Why are CISOs taking time off during Patch Tuesday?
A Socura survey found that 22% of UK security leaders take leave to avoid the high stress and anxiety associated with the monthly update cycle.
How many vulnerabilities did Microsoft fix in September 2026?
Microsoft fixed a record 974 CVEs in its September 2026 release, beating the previous record of 570 from July 2026.
What percentage of security leaders feel anxiety before Patch Tuesday?
According to the Socura report, 29% of respondents said they feel significant anxiety the night before Patch Tuesday.
