A recent Cynet survey reveals cybersecurity burnout affecting CISOs and their teams, causing high turnover rates, difficulties in recruitment, and the need for additional resources.
The role of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is one of the most demanding positions in today’s business landscape. The cybersecurity industry has long been known for its high-stress environment, with constantly evolving threats and the pressure to protect sensitive information. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, CISOs are under tremendous pressure to keep their organizations safe from a wide range of attacks, from phishing scams to ransomware. This pressure can take a toll on their mental and physical health, leading to burnout and high turnover rates.
A recent survey conducted by Cynet, a cybersecurity firm, reveals that CISOs, in particular, are feeling the effects of this stress, with 94% reporting being stressed at work. In addition, 65% of those surveyed admitted that work-related stress is compromising their ability to protect their organization.
The survey also revealed that CISOs are not the only ones feeling the effects of this stress. Cybersecurity team members are leaving their positions at a significant rate, with 74% of cybersecurity leaders saying that they are losing team members due to work-related stress issues. In fact, nearly half of them reported that more than one team member has left in the past 12 months.
This high turnover rate is also affecting the recruitment of cybersecurity professionals. According to the survey, 83% of CISOs have had to revise their hiring criteria to fill gaps left by employees who have resigned, and more than a third of CISOs are actively looking for or considering a new role themselves.
The impact of stress is not only affecting the cybersecurity industry but also the physical and mental health of those working in the field. The survey revealed that 77% of CISOs stated that work-related stress was directly impacting their physical and mental health and sleep patterns. This stress is also affecting their personal lives, with 84% of CISOs reporting that they have had to cancel a vacation due to an urgent work matter, and 64% reporting that they have missed a private event because of overwork fatigue. More than 90% of those surveyed consistently work 40+ hours a week without a break.
Cynet’s CEO, Eyal Gruner, acknowledges the devastating impact that this stress is having on mental health but also notes that CISOs know what they need to reduce stress levels. The survey found that CISOs believe that more automated tools to manage repetitive tasks, better training, and the ability to outsource some work responsibilities would help reduce stress levels.
One of the most significant findings from the survey is that more than 50% of the CISOs surveyed said that consolidating multiple security technologies into a single platform would lower work-related stress levels. This consolidation would address the limited enterprise bandwidth and lack of resources that 77% of CISOs believe have led to the failure of important security initiatives. Additionally, 79% of these cybersecurity leaders say they have received complaints from board members, peers, or employees that security tasks are not being handled effectively.
Another significant finding from the survey is that 93% of CISOs believe they are spending too much time on tactical tasks instead of performing high-value strategic work and management responsibilities. Among CISOs who believe they are overly involved in tactical tasks, more than a quarter report spending their day-to-day work almost exclusively on tactical/operational tasks.
The impact of burnout among CISOs can be significant, not only for the individual but for the organization as a whole. A stressed and overworked CISO is more likely to make mistakes and miss critical threats, putting the entire organization at risk. In addition, high turnover rates among cybersecurity teams can lead to a lack of continuity and knowledge transfer, making it more difficult for organizations to maintain a strong security posture.
As the demands on cybersecurity professionals continue to increase, burnout has become a pervasive problem in the industry. However, there are strategies that CISOs can use to overcome burnout and achieve success in cybersecurity leadership.
Read also: Tips For Preventing Cybersecurity Brain DrainI. Prioritize Self-Care and Mental Health:
One of the most important steps that CISOs and their teams can take to avoid burnout is to prioritize self-care and mental health. By recognizing the importance of taking care of themselves and their mental wellbeing, they can maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Set boundaries around work hours
- Take regular breaks
- Seek support from mental health professionals.
II. Focus on Automation and Outsourcing
Another key strategy for overcoming burnout is to focus on automation and outsourcing. This can help reduce workload and free up mental energy for more important tasks.
- Automating repetitive tasks
- Outsourcing non-critical functions
III. Consolidate Security Technologies
Consolidating multiple security technologies into a single platform is another effective strategy for reducing work-related stress levels.
- More than 50% of CISOs surveyed believed that consolidation would lower their stress levels
- Simplifying the workload and reducing complexity
IV. Invest in Professional Development
Investing in the professional development of cybersecurity teams can also help reduce burnout among CISOs.
- Providing training and development opportunities
- Keeping cybersecurity professionals engaged and motivated
- Reducing turnover rates and improving the overall security posture
Conclusion
The role of CISO is critical to the success of organizations in today’s cyber landscape. However, the demands of the role can lead to high levels of stress and burnout, which can have significant implications for both the individual and the organization. By prioritizing self-care, focusing on automation and outsourcing, consolidating security technologies, and investing in professional development, CISOs can overcome burnout and achieve success in cybersecurity leadership.
