A concerning trend is emerging in the cybersecurity sector, with stress and burnout rising among professionals.
- Half of cybersecurity professionals predict experiencing burnout within the next year due to job-related pressures.
- A staggering 35% anticipate reaching burnout within a mere six months, raising alarm bells across the industry.
- Despite recognising stress issues, few believe senior management is actively working to alleviate their burdens.
- A cultural overhaul within organisations is needed to mitigate burnout and tackle increasing cyber threats effectively.
A pressing issue is unfolding within the cybersecurity profession, revealing that half of the workforce anticipates experiencing burnout within the forthcoming year because of occupational pressures. This trend, highlighted in a recent report titled ‘Stress & Burnout in Cybersecurity: The Risk of a Thousand Papercuts’ by MultiTeam Solutions, underscores a significant mental health challenge facing the industry.
The survey, conducted among 173 international cybersecurity professionals, indicates that while 52% consider themselves relatively resilient to stress, nearly an equal proportion—50%—expect to reach burnout soon, with 35% foreseeing this eventuality within six months. The report defines burnout as a state of lacking motivation to perform job functions effectively, prompting many professionals to contemplate leaving their roles or seeking new opportunities to manage their stress levels.
Additional findings from the report reveal that although 79% of respondents feel moderately comfortable discussing burnout concerns with their supervisors, only a small percentage, 23%, believe senior level management genuinely engages in efforts to reduce stress. Alarmingly, almost half identify senior management as a significant stressor contributing to their burnout.
Dr Daniel Shore, a co-founder and social behavioural scientist at MultiTeam Solutions, illuminated the gravity of the situation, noting that as cybersecurity threats rise, the burnout crisis is concurrently worsening. He emphasised the impact of work-induced stress on motivation, leading to high turnover rates in the industry. Shore stated, “When these professionals transition to new roles, they often encounter similar cultures, resulting in short-lived improvements before burnout re-emerges.”
The need for a comprehensive cultural shift is evident, demanding an appreciation of the mental health burdens on cybersecurity professionals. This transformation should involve dismantling isolating silos and addressing the human factors closely linked to burnout. Without such changes, the industry risks continued disadvantage in confronting the escalating complexity and frequency of cyber threats.
Urgent organisational changes are essential to address cybersecurity burnout and safeguard professionals’ well-being.
