Does your organization suffer from a cybersecurity perception gap? Conclusion from Bitdefender 2025 Cybersecurity Assessment Suggest that the answer is probably “yes” – and many leaders won’t even realize it.
This disconnection matters. Small differences in perception today can develop into major blind spots tomorrow. After all, perception influences what organizations prioritize, where they allocate resources, and how they respond at critical moments.
Confidence at the top, caution at the bottom
Bitdefender’s latest valuation surveyed 1,200 cyber security and IT professionalsAnd at first glance, the results suggest optimism. an impressive 93% Say they are “somewhat” or “very confident” in their ability to manage cyber risk as the attack surface expands.
But on digging deeper the optimism begins to crumble.
about half (45%) C-level respondents – including CISOs and CIOs – describe themselves as “very confident” in their organization’s preparedness. Yet among mid-level managers, this number has dropped sharply to just 19%,
It appears that executive teams are more than twice as likely to feel confident about their cybersecurity stance as operational teams.
When leadership overestimates urgency, it can lead to underinvestment in people, processes, and technology. But perhaps it’s not about who is right – rather, it’s about how differently each group sees the same scenario.
Why does the cybersecurity perception gap exist?
In a recent conversation with several Bitdefender cybersecurity experts, we explored what’s causing this perception gap – and why it persists in so many organizations.
sean nickelon team lead Bitdefender Cyber Intelligence Fusion Cellsays it’s no surprise that front-line professionals have less confidence in their organization’s cyber resilience. They are the ones who face the risks closely.
“Think about what happens after a merger or acquisition,” explains Nikkel. “Whatever risk the acquired company took on, you’ve now inherited. You can go from 100% green to yellow overnight – legacy systems, forgotten shadow IT, old processes. Those details are often invisible to leadership but painfully obvious to security teams.”
martin zugekBitdefender Technical Solutions Director, agrees. “In my investigations, I often see a completely different version of cybersecurity than is discussed online,” he says. “There is a gap between perception and reality – and that gap appears to be growing.”
For nick jacksonBitdefender’s director of cybersecurity services, this issue comes up frequently Communications“Mid-level managers handle most of the operational load, while CISOs and C-level leaders focus on strategic planning,” he said. “Without strong reporting and collaboration, they could be worlds apart.”
How to close the perception gap
Bridging this divide is not just about improving communications – it is a strategic imperative. Jackson, who helps organizations unite Bitdefender Security AdvisorIt is said that the solution starts with mutual understanding.
Jackson explains, “When both parties understand each other’s perspectives – the executive’s risk appetite and focus on business priorities, and the manager’s daily reality of operational threats – they can make better, faster decisions.”
Better alignment helps everyone. Mid-level managers gain insight into why the company may accept certain risks or limit spending in specific areas. Meanwhile, officials gain a clearer view of the challenges on the ground that created those concerns in the first place.
Ultimately, cybersecurity success depends on shared visibility and trust. Closing the perception gap creates a culture where executives and practitioners walk together – connecting strategy with reality to strengthen the entire organization.
Learn more about the C-level vs. frontline divide
Perception gap identified Bitdefender 2025 Cybersecurity Assessment Reaches beyond readiness, revealing differing cybersecurity priorities for 2025 and contrasting views on the global skills shortage.
To know the full conclusion, download the complete Bitdefender 2025 Cybersecurity Assessment Report And get a data-driven view of what’s shaping cybersecurity strategy in the year ahead.
