Cyber Defense eMagazine December 2019

86
Furthermore, Tessian in 2019 delivered extensive insight into decision fatigue within cybersecurity. They
stated 92% of employees feel tired at work while 76% of those admit they make more mistakes when
tired. Additionally, 91% of employees feel stressed, while 71% of those admit they make more mistakes
when stressed. Alarming findings in a complex and evolving landscape.
The ever-present threats are taking their toll on budgets, staffing and ultimately health. Career burnout is
a real and more common threat within cyber professionals, with the signs there it’s for us all to see. In
our last study, 86% of people are looking or open to moving jobs for a better opportunity or a better
working balance.
Currently organizations are increasing responsibility and pressure without increasing pay, they are
creating rigid and toxic environments and not accommodating for those who are stressed or having
negative feeling towards their role. As a headhunter, these organizations make it easier to attract
candidates to other opportunities.
How do you identify it to avoid a culture and staffing crisis in one of your more important functions?
- Poor performance or productivity
- Inability to keep to commitments
- Cynicism or pessimism
- Detachment
- Lack of motivation
- Self-medication – such as drinking
- Dis-interest or distraction
Not detecting these signs early can hit organizations at the bottom line. However, there are simple,
effective methods in order to prevent these:
- Ensure employees are well fed
- Ensure employees are getting enough sleep
- Limit and simplify choices
- Have a process for making decisions and how to communicate these
- Create a culture where speaking out is OK
- Provide clear expectations to all employees and define what ‘good’ looks like
- Build the right working environment (breaks, working hours, flexibility, temperatures, lighting etc)
If it’s a challenge, it can be changed. Basic changes can decrease risk to your organisation and primarily
your security team. Pressure, stress and fatigue are leading to worse sleep affecting key employees
within decision making. According to a variety of reports, the shortage for cybersecurity professionals
with be 3.5 million within the next 2 years, without considering the repercussions of this issue that could
easily double with people threatening and currently leaving the industry. It is important to remember, the
only recession within cybersecurity is sleep.