The CTEM Divide: Why 84% of Security Programs Are Falling Behind

A new 2026 market intelligence study of 128 enterprise security decision-makers highlights a CTEM divide, with 84% of organisations not implementing CTEM and therefore falling behind, while 16% have implemented it. The research shows that those using CTEM achieve 50% better attack surface visibility and 23-point higher solution adoption, alongside superior threat awareness across all measured dimensions.

Awareness of CTEM is high, with 87% of security leaders recognising its importance, yet only 16% have translated that awareness into operational reality. The report aligns with Gartner’s view that businesses adopting CTEM will consistently demonstrate stronger security outcomes than those that don’t. It also notes a broader context: 91% of CISOs report more third-party incidents, and average breach costs have climbed to $4.44 million, underscoring why CTEM is increasingly a boardroom and C-suite concern.