From Passion to Exhaustion: The Hidden Burnout Crisis in Cybersecurity

In the fast-paced world of cybersecurity, professionals are increasingly facing a crisis of burnout, impacting both their mental health and job performance. Tony, a cybersecurity awareness expert at a UK ecommerce company, experienced burnout after being consumed by the stress of protecting his organization from cyber threats, recalling the demanding environment during the Wannacry ransomware attack. Tony’s situation is echoed by others in the field, illustrating that the pressure has intensified with the rise of sophisticated cyber threats, including nation-state attacks targeting critical infrastructure and financial systems.

According to research by ISC2, job satisfaction among cybersecurity professionals has declined, with many feeling overwhelmed by the expectation to “do more with less.” The nature of the job often means that cybersecurity professionals are on call around the clock, as cyber threats do not adhere to standard working hours. This constant vigilance is exacerbated by the aggressive tactics employed by today’s hackers, making the stakes of potential breaches incredibly high.

With organizations digitizing operations, the potential consequences of cyber attacks grow, leading to heightened anxiety among workers about potential impacts on public safety and employment. Staff turnover in entry-level positions remains high, as the stress of continuous alerts and the blameless blame culture creates an unhealthy work environment. Experts like Lisa Ackerman and Peter Coroneos emphasize the need for greater awareness of mental health, particularly among young professionals whose cognitive and emotional well-being can be compromised in high-stress roles.

Cybermindz, an organization that addresses burnout in cybersecurity, proposes methods to promote psychological safety, advocating for legislation to protect cybersecurity workers similar to that for other high-stress professions. As the threat landscape evolves, it becomes crucial for both employers and employees to recognize the signs of burnout—like changes in sleep or eating habits—and work proactively to mitigate the risks associated with this growing problem.