Information Technologies professionals are enduring increasing pressure as cyber-criminal tactics become increasingly sophisticated.
“Anxiety and stress can have a corrosive effect on performance, decision-making, and workplace culture. They often stem from situations where we face problems that we don’t have clarity on. Unfortunately, that’s life in cyber security - where environments are complex, and sophisticated attackers frequently change their approach. The challenge is compounded by industry skills shortages and mounting pressure from the board. It not only threatens to imperil corporate IT systems and data, but also the mental health of security professionals. Finding a way through the storm should be a priority for IT and business leaders.” (Continuity Central).
According to Info Security, some ways to combat the inherent burnout caused by this pressure is to not only increase the efficiency of cyber security practices, but to diversify hiring practices and increase training and upskilling.
“A wide range of skills is valued in cybersecurity, from critical thinking to teamwork. Therefore, employers should diversify their hiring practices by considering employees with these skills from non-traditional cybersecurity backgrounds. For instance, hiring a candidate with an investigative background could ease the workload among overburdened SecOps teams while ensuring a fresh perspective.” (Info Security).
Training and upskilling includes developing skills, fostering a culture that invests in cyber security, and required certifications.
“The importance of training for employees at all levels should not be understated. Organizations should conduct regular cyber hygiene training, focusing on issues including phishing scams and encouraging compulsory use of multi-factor authentication (MFA). This way, security teams are better supported by reducing the risk of easily preventable security breaches.” (Info Security).
Finding a solution should remain a priority until a solution is found. Lives could be on the line, as cyber security professionals struggle to fulfill the needs of cyber security departments.
“The resulting impact on security professionals is increasingly severe. Research shows that over half have experienced negative emotions because of excessive work, including depression, anger and anxiety. A similar number have had sleepless nights over the past year, and over two-fifths have dreaded going into work. Half feel ready to throw in the towel. This is unsustainable. A security function where half of the team is on the verge of quitting and many others are calling in sick creates an inevitable cycle of stress, staff shortages and greater risk exposure. Unmanaged anxiety and stress can also negatively impact memory retention and decision making. And it’s unlikely that the brightest and best young talent - a generation where work-life balance is of primary importance - will want to join this type of strained working environment.” (Continuity Central).
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Sources:
https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/opinions/overcome-burnout-cybersecurity/
