Nurture a Culture that Improves Cybersecurity Performance

Burnout is a silent epidemic in cybersecurity. Practitioners are constantly under siege—new threats emerging daily, endless alerts, and the weight of protecting sensitive data. It’s a high-pressure environment with immense stakes; this relentless pace, coupled with the complexities of our work, can lead to burnout.

Burnout isn’t just about being tired. It’s a complex interplay between the demands placed on us and the resources available to us. When the demands consistently outweigh our ability to cope, burnout sets in. In my presentation at SANSFIRE 2024, I examined how to recognize burnout, its impact on us and our teams, and most importantly, what we can do to combat it.

Burnout and its impact:

Studies show that burnout is shockingly prevalent for cybersecurity. A staggering 44% of cybersecurity professionals report feeling unable to control important tasks, and 43% feel overwhelmed to the point of hopelessness—those are shocking statistics to highlight the crisis we’re facing.

Burnout manifests in two primary ways: attitudinal fatigue and cognitive fatigue. Attitudinal fatigue is a loss of enthusiasm and motivation for the job. You might find yourself becoming increasingly cynical or detached, unwilling to engage with your responsibilities beyond the bare minimum. Cognitive fatigue impacts your ability to think clearly and make sound decisions. Constant exposure to high-pressure situations can erode your problem-solving skills and decision-making speed.

The consequences of burnout extend far beyond the individual. When team members are burned out, overall team performance suffers, collaboration decreases, and morale plummets. On an organizational level, burnout contributes to increased turnover, higher costs for recruitment and training, and a weaker security posture. Ultimately, a burned-out workforce is a vulnerable workforce.

Understanding the heart of the issue:

To better grasp the complexities of burnout, psychologists have provided us a simple quadrant. On one axis, we have demands, which represent the pressures and challenges of the job. On the other axis, we have resources, encompassing factors like support, autonomy, and work-life balance.

The ideal state is the “Engagement” quadrant, where demands are low and resources are high. However, 59% of respondents find themselves in the “Burnout and Engaged” quadrant. They are passionate about the work but overwhelmed by the demands. This is a precarious position, as it’s a short step to full-blown burnout.

Technology is a powerful tool, but it can inadvertently contribute to burnout. The constant influx of alerts, the pressure to stay updated on the latest threats, and the increasing reliance on technology can overwhelm an individual or a team. Additionally, the rapid pace of technological advancements can lead to a steep learning curve, adding to the stress cybersecurity practitioners experience.

How do we address burnout?

The key to combating burnout for cybersecurity lies in prioritizing people over technology. While technology can be a valuable tool, it is essential to remember it’s people who ultimately drive our successes. Rather than focusing solely on implementing new technologies, we should concentrate on improving our processes. By identifying and streamlining inefficient workflows, we can significantly reduce workload and create a more manageable environment.

Empowering your team through delegation and autonomy is crucial. When employees feel trusted and capable of making decisions, and they are invited to participate in that decision-making, they are more engaged and less likely to succumb to burnout. By delegating tasks and providing opportunities for growth, you create a more positive and supportive work culture.

Technology can be a powerful ally in the fight against burnout, just as it benefits a cybersecurity team to have the best tools. By automating repetitive tasks and leveraging AI or machine learning, we can free up valuable time for more strategic and rewarding work. However, it’s essential to use technology as a tool to enhance human capabilities, not as a replacement for them. (See Gartner’s Hype Cycle for some insight into this concept.)

Combat burnout and see better results from an engaged team.

Addressing burnout necessitates a people-centric approach. Prioritize the wellbeing of your team to improve morale and enhance your overall security posture. A burned-out workforce is more susceptible to errors, and it can lead to increased turnover that affects your team’s knowledge and experience.

To learn more about burnout and effective strategies for prevention, I encourage you to explore additional resources and research on this topic. Because there is a wealth of information available on burnout in healthcare and other high-stress professions, the insights gained from these fields can be applied to cybersecurity.

Understanding the High-Stress Environment in Cybersecurity is our resource detailing MindPoint Group’s approach to the security risks posed by burned out staff. Download the whitepaper now for a deeper dive into cybersecurity burnout, tailored approaches to improve employee wellbeing, and the benefits realized by an employee-focused culture.

A healthy and engaged workforce is the foundation of a strong cybersecurity program. I encourage you to download the slides from this presentation and dig into the resources below yourself. By investing in your team’s wellbeing, you’re not only improving their lives but safeguarding the future of your organization’s security.

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Request a copy of the slides from the presentation

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