One in Five CISOs Take Time Off to Avoid Patch Tuesday

A Socura survey of 500 UK security leaders found that 22% have called in sick or booked holiday to avoid Patch Tuesday. Some 29% feel significant anxiety the night before, as Microsoft fixed a record 974 CVEs in September 2026.

• 22% of CISOs took sick leave or holiday to dodge Patch Tuesday
• 29% feel significant anxiety the night before patching
• Microsoft fixed a record 974 CVEs in September 2026
• 40% say AI automates mundane security work