Burnout is a Serious Threat to Your Business’ Cybersecurity

Chances are pretty good that, by this point, you’ve heard of burnout—maybe you’ve even suffered from it before yourself—but, just in case you’re a remarkably lucky human being, it’s the phenomenon where your employees become disengaged to the point where their performance suffers. While this isn’t good in any facet of your business, it can be especially damaging in terms of your security.

Let’s explore the concept of cybersecurity burnout (spoiler alert: it’s present at all levels, all the way up to cybersecurity pros) and how it could potentially cause problems for your business.

What is Cybersecurity Burnout?

The concept of burnout is a simple one: as we’ve said, it’s a deep-seated disengagement that one of your employees feels from the job you employed them to do. Cybersecurity burnout, generally speaking, is burnout that impacts a business’ cybersecurity professionals and leads them to feel this level of disengagement. However, the reality of today’s workplace is that everyone has to be responsible for cybersecurity.

As a result, everyone is also susceptible to cybersecurity burnout.

 In terms of cybersecurity burnout, the aforementioned disengagement presents itself in a few different ways:

• Human error, in terms of missed phishing signs due to increased stress (which enables attackers to hide their attacks that much more effectively)
• Increased apathy, leading to less adherence to best practices like password standards or bans on shadow IT
• Diminished productivity, leading to less accomplished for your business overall
• Turnover, as stressed and frustrated employees seek out better work environments and compensation

None of this bodes well for a business, so what can be done to prevent this kind of burnout?

How Can I Keep My Employees Engaged in Cybersecurity?

When it comes to cybersecurity burnout, resolving it is very similar to how you would resolve any kind of burnout:

• Recover - Burnout is largely the result of an employee being worn down and exhausted, emotionally and mentally. Giving them the chance to recharge their batteries throughout the day—and insisting they utilize it—can help them break the patterns that lead to swifter burnout.
• Reorient - Once your team members have recovered somewhat, it’s time to help them get back on task in a more effective and balanced manner. Helping them identify their priorities and grasp the importance of their security-related tasks is an effective way to do so.
• Renew - Finally, it is time to help prevent this kind of cybersecurity burnout from coming back. Encourage your team members to develop their professional relationships with one another, and work with them to help align the values that they have with those of your company.

Turn to Us for Assistance with Your Cybersecurity

We’re here to help you keep your business secured in any way we can, especially through our monitoring and maintenance services. This can help take some of the pressure off your employees, allowing them to focus on their tasks more effectively.

Find out more by giving us a call at 607.433.2200.