A recent MultiTeam Solutions report has highlighted a looming burnout crisis among cybersecurity professionals, with half expecting burnout in the coming year.
- Cybersecurity roles are under immense stress, with 50% anticipating burnout within the next year, according to a MultiTeam Solutions survey.
- The survey included 173 international cybersecurity professionals, revealing burnout risks and stress factors affecting mental health.
- Despite high resilience, burnout is prevalent, with 35% anticipating it within six months, and 80% within three years.
- Support from Senior Level Management is lacking, as only 23% believe their stress is actively managed, adding to burnout pressures.
Recent findings from MultiTeam Solutions underscore the pervasive stress affecting cybersecurity professionals. Based on a survey of 173 international respondents, half of these experts foresee reaching burnout within a year. This alarming statistic captures the increasing occupational pressures and psychological strains these professionals endure.
Despite a reported 52% of cybersecurity professionals feeling somewhat resilient to stress, burnout remains a critical concern. A striking 35% anticipate reaching this breaking point within the next six months. The projected figure escalates further, as 80% expect to face burnout in less than three years. Such statistics underscore the dire need for systemic changes within the industry to address these challenges.
Cybersecurity professionals define burnout as a significant lack of motivation to perform their duties effectively. This mental health crisis often drives individuals to resign or seek new job opportunities as they grapple with stress. The industry’s high turnover is exacerbated by this relentless cycle of burnout, as employees move between organizations without finding lasting relief from the pressures they face.
Regarding organizational support, the report reveals mixed perceptions about managerial understanding of stress-related issues. Although 79% of professionals feel somewhat comfortable discussing stress with supervisors, only 23% believe that Senior Level Management is effectively addressing these concerns. In fact, nearly half of the respondents view SLM as contributing to their stress levels.
Dr. Daniel Shore, co-founder of MultiTeam Solutions, commented, “At a time when the frequency of cybersecurity attacks is exponentially on the rise, our research has revealed that the burnout crisis is now.” He emphasized the urgent need for organizations to rethink their approaches to managing employee stress. According to him, “A complete cultural shift is needed which properly appreciates the mental health pressures placed on cybersecurity professionals.” Shore warns of potential industry disadvantages if these issues continue unaddressed, hindering the sector’s ability to combat increasing cyber threats.
The cybersecurity industry must address these burnout risks to sustain a reliable, motivated workforce capable of countering growing cyber threats.
