Significant budget constraints and a lack of visibility into software spend along with vendor management issues challenge security leaders who need to maximize tool stack value.

BOSTON, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, IANS Research and Artico Search released the 2025 Security Software and Services Benchmark Summary Report. This new report offers a closer look at security software spending, including the areas seeing the highest growth, the trends toward tool and vendor consolidation, and the use of managed security service providers (MSSPs), offering CISOs critical data to guide upcoming budget cycles.

As budgets tighten, CISOs are faced with tough decisions. This report was developed to deliver insights into current software and services spending to help CISOs plan their budgets for the coming year. Based on survey responses and budget data requests from 628 CISOs, the report provides a detailed view into how enterprises are balancing budget priorities and vendor strategies. According to the report:

Software now accounts for roughly 30% of security budgets, making it the second-largest line item after staff and compensation, and highlighting its central role in enterprise security programs.Within that spend, CISOs are prioritizing foundational areas, such as SecOps, IAM, and cloud security, which provide broad impact across complex infrastructures."Security leaders are facing mounting pressure to maximize the value of their tool stack. In response, we're seeing a prioritization of tools that address foundational areas of security, consolidate capabilities into manageable packages, and automate low-value tasks so staff can focus on impactful work," said Nick Kakolowski, Senior Research Director at IANS Research

Additional Key Findings from the 2025 Security Software and Services Benchmark Summary Report include:

SecOps dominates spending: SecOps solutions represent the largest share of software budgets at 16%, followed by endpoint, network, cloud security, and IAM.Platform consolidation is accelerating: Nearly 70% of CISOs have consolidated or are consolidating tools into integrated platforms, and another 13% have made plans to do so, with Microsoft, CrowdStrike, and Palo Alto Networks as leading suppliers.MSSP reliance is high: Two-thirds of security programs use MSSPs, especially midmarket organizations seeking cost-effective scaling of security operations."Budgets are tight, yet the stakes are higher than ever," said Steve Martano, IANS Faculty and Partner at Artico Search's Cyber Practice. "CISOs are being asked to do more with less, which is fueling both the adoption of integrated platforms and increased reliance on MSSPs. The report's data gives executives a valuable reference point as they make difficult resourcing decisions."

To learn how security programs are adapting in the face of economic pressure and rising cyber threats, please download the 2025 Security Software and Services Benchmark Summary Report. Security leaders will find practical strategies for managing vendors and MSSPs, especially during periods of budget constraints.

Methodology

The 2025 Security Software and Services Benchmark Report is part of the annual 2025 CISO Compensation and Budget Research Survey conducted by IANS Research and Artico Search. Fielded between April and September 2025, the study collected survey responses from 628 security executives across a diverse set of companies. The research design incorporated rigorous respondent recruitment, data hygiene, and analysis processes to ensure validity and objectivity. Respondents provided data on security budgets, software allocations, platform consolidation, and MSSP adoption.

About Artico Search

Founded in 2021, Artico Search's team of executive recruiters focuses on a "grow and protect" model, recruiting senior go-to-market and security executives in growth venture, private equity and public companies. Artico's dedicated security practice delivers CISOs and other senior-level information security professionals for a diverse set of clients.

About IANS Research

IANS helps cybersecurity leaders act faster and make better decisions that move the business forward. With insight and actionable guidance from over 150 expert practitioners on everything from evolving security risks to executive coaching, you've got a team 100% focused on security that's always in your corner.

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SOURCE IANS Research