Addressing Burnout in Cyber-Defenders: Strategies to Offer Support

The evolving threat landscape, coupled with the proliferation of security standards and tools, has contributed to the rise of cybersecurity burnout and fatigue. The pressure from heightened threats, emerging standards, and the influx of security tools has created challenges across various aspects of cybersecurity operations.

Burnout in cybersecurity is more than a short-term problem; it arises from prolonged, unmanaged chronic stress. Recognized as an “occupational phenomenon” by the World Health Organization, burnout poses a significant risk within the cybersecurity domain and requires proactive management to mitigate its impact.

The relentless nature of cybersecurity work, which involves daily exposure to new threats, a continuous influx of vulnerability reports, persistent pressure to detect potential compromises from log events, and a shortage of skilled personnel, contributes to the significant increase in feelings of burnout. According to Sophos’ latest report on The Future of Cybersecurity in Asia Pacific, nearly a third of organizations have experienced a significant rise in burnout over the past year.

In the face of cybersecurity skills shortages and a challenging cyberattack landscape, maintaining employee stability and performance is crucial for a robust defense. Burnout and fatigue pose significant threats to these aspects. Aaron Bugal, the Field CTO for APJ at Sophos, emphasizes the need for organizations to enhance support for employees, particularly as their research indicates that 19% of Australian respondents attribute a cybersecurity breach to cybersecurity burnout or fatigue.

Sophos’ research highlights the pervasive impact of burnout on various aspects of security operations. Among cybersecurity professionals experiencing burnout, 41% feel they are not diligent enough in their performance. Nearly a third report feelings of cynicism, detachment, and apathy toward cybersecurity activities and responsibilities. Additionally, many professionals believe that boards and senior leadership teams lack a full understanding of cybersecurity, and 30% express a desire to resign or pursue a career change.

In the rapidly evolving and complex cybersecurity landscape, organizations and their staff may struggle to manage it alone. Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services offer a valuable solution by complementing internal cybersecurity capabilities with services like threat hunting, 24/7 detection and response, regular reporting, and root cause analysis. MDR can be particularly beneficial for organizations without an internal cybersecurity team, as it provides comprehensive threat response management. For those with an in-house team, MDR partners can co-manage threat response or offer support with remediation guidance, helping alleviate the workload on cybersecurity professionals and reducing the risk of burnout.

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) providers like Sophos offer essential services that complement internal cybersecurity capabilities. These services include threat hunting, continuous 24/7 detection and response, regular reporting, and root cause analysis to prevent recurrences. MDR partners are valuable for organizations without an internal cybersecurity team, as they can fully manage threat response. For organizations with an existing cybersecurity team, MDR partners can collaborate to co-manage threat response or provide support with remediation guidance. This collaborative approach helps enhance overall cybersecurity effectiveness and reduces the burden on internal teams, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable work environment.

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, having a 24/7 security team is crucial for timely detection and response to potential attacks. Partnering with a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) provider like Sophos ensures continuous coverage, offering organizations peace of mind and readiness for attacks. Sophos MDR plays a vital role in potentially reducing burnout in cybersecurity teams by managing workloads and providing support through monitoring, reporting, and response services. This collaborative approach allows organizations to enhance their defense and response capabilities cost-effectively, addressing the challenges posed by the scarcity of cybersecurity resources.