Around 90% of cybersecurity and IT professionals in Asia Pacific and Japan are impacted by burnout and fatigue, according to Sophos’ fourth “The Future of Cybersecurity in Asia Pacific and Japan” report in collaboration with Tech Research Asia (TRA).
Causes of cybersecurity burnout and fatigue
The five main causes of cyber burnout and fatigue in the report include a lack of resources available to support cybersecurity activities, the routine and monotony of the role, and increasing pressure from board and/or executive management.
Respondents also noted persistent alert overload from tools and systems, increasing threat activity, and the adoption of new technologies also cause burnout and fatigue.
Impact of burnout and fatigue
The study revealed that across the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ), 41% felt they were not diligent enough in their performance, 34% felt increased levels of anxiety if subject to a breach or attack, and 31% experienced feelings of cynicism, detachment, and apathy towards their responsibilities.
Almost a third of the respondents say burnout and fatigue make them want to either resign or shift careers (23% of all surveyed resigned), while 10% feel guilty that they cannot do more in their role to support cybersecurity activities.
Effect on organisations
The study revealed that burnout and fatigue had a direct contribution to breaches, slower response times to cybersecurity incidents, lost productivity, and resignations. Stress and burnout were directly attributed as a cause of cybersecurity and IT professional resignations in 23% of companies.
“Burnout and fatigue are undermining these areas and organisations need to step up to provide the right support to employees,” said Aaron Bugal, field CTO at Sophos.
