COMMENTARY: Cybersecurity professionals are no strangers to high-pressure environments. With cyber threats growing in complexity and frequency, the job can be all-consuming. Security teams are expected to stay vigilant constantly, often with limited resources and support. So it is no surprise that the rigorous pace, resource constraints, and growing skills gap have contributed to high rates of burnout reported across the industry, with 46% of cybersecurity professionals citing burnout as their reason for leaving a position.As security risks heighten and requirements become more stringent, the burnout rate for cybersecurity professionals is more than a workforce issue—it’s also a business risk. Overloaded employees can struggle to respond quickly to threats, leading to delayed detection, overlooked vulnerabilities, and potential security breaches. When team members leave due to stress and feeling overwhelmed, organizations lose institutional knowledge and must pay to recruit, train, and onboard new team members.There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for breaking the cycle of burnout for MSSPs and IT security professionals, but one thing is clear: hiring more staff and ignoring the root causes is not the answer. Companies must rethink how security teams operate by providing support and fostering a culture that prioritizes employee well-being.Setting firm boundaries: Block out non-working hours on your calendar and stick to them. The threats will still be there tomorrow. In the same way we accumulate tech debt when maintenance and fixes are delayed, we also accrue stress and exhaustion when burning the candle at both ends – a planned break is better than an unplanned failure. Practicing regular digital detox: Take breaks from screens during the day and consider a tech sabbatical occasionally. Finding screen-free hobbies, or scheduling a short lunchtime walk, can also help build these breaks into the rhythm of your day. Building and maintaining a support network: Connect with other security professionals who understand your challenges. Sometimes just knowing you're not alone can help. And also invest in your relationships outside the industry; our friends, families, and neighbors may not know security best practices, but they know us and can sometimes help identify when we’re getting worn down before we can. Being kind to yourself: Perfect security doesn't exist. Focus on reasonable risk reduction rather than impossible perfection, and recognize that even best efforts may need a second (or third, or fourth) try to reach your destination. That journey doesn’t get any easier if you’re hard on yourself for being human. Treat your mistakes with as much grace and understanding as you would those of a close friend. Remember that taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's necessary to sustain your career and effectiveness as a security professional.
MSSP Alert Perspectives columns are written by trusted members of the managed security services, value-added reseller and solution provider channels or MSSP Alert's staff. Do you have a unique perspective you want to share? Check out our guidelines here and send a pitch to [email protected].
Your Mental Health Deserves Securing, Too
I've been in this industry long enough to know that the "always-on" mindset is deeply ingrained in security culture. We pride ourselves on being the protectors, the vigilant guardians who never sleep. But this dedication comes at a serious cost to our mental health.The first step toward preventing burnout is recognizing the warning signs: chronic fatigue, increased cynicism, diminished professional efficacy, and even physical symptoms like headaches or insomnia. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's time to pause and reassess. This process can mean talking with your doctor or a mental health professional, or you can start by taking a self-assessment if you’re not sure you’re ready to take those steps.Practical self-care strategies that have worked for me and others include:Security is Still a People-Driven Industry
A strong security posture depends on more than technology—it requires a workplace culture that prioritizes security awareness, balance, and employee well-being, creating an environment where teams are supported and empowered to respond as a united front against cyber threats. Technology can lighten the load, but it’s not a direct substitute for investing in the human side of cybersecurity. Security professionals bring context, decision-making, and adaptability that no tool can fully replace. That’s why fostering a culture that supports cybersecurity professionals is just as crucial as investing in the right tech stack.Along with technology investments, MSSPs and IT leaders must actively work to maintain a work-life balance, ensure their direct reports are taking time off, and provide support for mental health. Professional development also plays an important role. Investing in training opportunities beyond technical skills—such as leadership, communication, and time management—can empower employees and improve long-term career satisfaction. Cybersecurity professionals who feel valued and supported are more likely to stay engaged, perform better, and remain with an organization long-term.Best Practices for Promoting Balance
Companies should invest in resources that enhance professional skills and workplace culture to help security teams maintain balance and avoid work overload. Providing tools or workshops focused on organizational skills, workflow management, and interpersonal communication can equip employees with strategies to handle their workload more efficiently while improving collaboration within teams. Encouraging best practices, such as setting clear priorities and establishing boundaries, can further support a sustainable and productive work environment.Additionally, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented workplace culture—through mentorship programs, wellness initiatives, and clear career development pathways—ensures that employees feel valued and empowered rather than overburdened. Encouraging regular check-ins, creating open discussions about workload challenges and implementing mental health resources—such as access to Mental Health First Aid training—can give teams the skills to recognize and respond to stress before it gets out of control. By prioritizing these efforts, organizations can create an environment where security professionals can perform at their best without undue stress and exhaustion.Resilience Starts with Rethinking Security Operations
To build a resilient and high-performing security team, organizations must take proactive steps to address burnout and create sustainable, supportive work environments. By investing in resources that promote well-being and prioritize mental health, companies can retain top talent and strengthen their cybersecurity operations. Embracing these changes will not only protect organizations from cyber threats but also foster a culture of resilience that allows security teams to thrive. The companies that lead in the volatile security landscape will be those that invest in their people and ensure their teams are empowered, supported, and ready to face any challenge.MSSP Alert Perspectives columns are written by trusted members of the managed security services, value-added reseller and solution provider channels or MSSP Alert's staff. Do you have a unique perspective you want to share? Check out our guidelines here and send a pitch to [email protected].
