A recent study by cybersecurity firm Bitdefender reveals a concerning trend: overworked and stressed cybersecurity professionals. The report, based on a survey of 1,200 professionals across the UK, US, and Germany, found that over two-thirds (70%) frequently work weekends to address security concerns. This relentless workload is leading to widespread job dissatisfaction and high employee turnover, potentially weakening companies’ defenses against cyberattacks.
Cybersecurity Professionals Face Burnout Especially in The UK
The study identified the UK as the nation most affected, with a staggering 81% of security workers reporting frequent weekend work. This intense pressure is fueling job dissatisfaction, with nearly three-quarters (71%) of British respondents actively seeking new employment within the next year.
A Global Challenge
While the UK faces a particularly acute situation, the issue is global. Germany also saw a strong correlation between weekend work and job hunting, with nearly all frequently-working respondents (77.1%) considering a career change. Even in the US, known for a culture of longer work hours, 70.2% of cybersecurity professionals reported working weekends, although job-seeking rates were slightly lower at 62.2%.
Escalating Threats Drive Increased Workload
The report cites a significant rise in cybersecurity threats as a key factor driving the increased workload. Over half (57%) of respondents stated that their organizations had experienced a data breach in the past year, a 6% increase from 2023. Phishing attacks, software vulnerabilities, and ransomware were identified as the most common threats. Additionally, nearly all respondents (96%) expressed concern about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on cybersecurity.
Confidence Amidst Challenges
Despite these challenges, most (94%) of the surveyed professionals expressed confidence in their organizations’ ability to respond to cyber threats. This number is a significant increase from just 54% in the previous year. However, the report warns that employee burnout due to excessive workload could undermine these gains in the long run.
Potential Solutions: Partnering for Security
The study suggests a potential solution: partnering with third-party cybersecurity experts. By delegating some tasks, companies may be able to alleviate pressure on in-house personnel, fostering a healthier work-life balance while potentially improving overall cyber resilience.