The people who protect our digital world are facing a hidden crisis: burnout. Many cybersecurity professionals are leaving their jobs due to extreme stress, as reported by the BBC.
A recent study from ISC2, an organization for cybersecurity workers, found that job satisfaction in the field is falling. Its 2024 report showed a 66% satisfaction rate, which is down four points from the previous year. Experts say this is a major issue for an industry that is always on high alert.
What is causing the stress?
Cybersecurity is a high-pressure job. Professionals often work long hours and must be ready to respond to threats at any time, day or night. The nature of cyberattacks has also become more aggressive, with hackers targeting critical services like hospitals and major retailers.
Several factors contribute to the high stress levels:
- Being asked to do more with fewer resources.
- The constant threat from increasingly sophisticated hackers.
- A “blame culture” where successes are rarely seen but failures are highly public.
- The weight of protecting people’s jobs, data, and livelihoods.
One professional recalled working from a Friday evening through to Sunday afternoon without a break to defend against a potential ransomware attack. This kind of intense work is becoming more common.
Experts note that staff turnover is especially high in entry-level roles. According to the non-profit Cybermindz, younger workers often face a constant stream of alerts from security systems, which can be overwhelming. Some are now calling for better support for these digital first responders, similar to protections for pilots and air traffic controllers.
