As cyberattacks become more frequent and sophisticated, cybersecurity teams are feeling the pressure like never before. A new survey conducted by ISACA reveals that 68% of cybersecurity professionals report their job is significantly more stressful than it was just five years ago, and this stress is taking a toll on their well-being. The rapidly evolving cyber landscape, under-resourced teams, and increasing threats are creating an environment where professionals are stretched thin, leading to concerns about the resilience of entire ecosystems.
The Causes of Rising Stress Among Cybersecurity Teams
One of the key reasons for the rising stress in cybersecurity roles is the speed at which the threat landscape is changing. Nearly half of the survey respondents (47%) reported challenges with the hiring and retention of skilled staff, while 40% cited insufficient training for existing team members. The fast-paced evolution of cyber threats, combined with a lack of well-trained personnel, leaves many professionals feeling unprepared for the challenges ahead.
Organizations, too, are aware of the issue. The survey found that 61% of businesses admit their cybersecurity teams are understaffed. Despite this acknowledgment, almost half of the companies surveyed do not have open entry-level positions, and 38% have no cybersecurity positions available at all. This shortage of talent creates a significant gap in the defense strategies of organizations, leaving them more vulnerable to increasingly complex cyberattacks.
Cybersecurity Threats Are on the Rise
The growing frequency of cyberattacks compounds the stress faced by cybersecurity teams. According to the ISACA survey, 41% of professionals report an increase in the number of attacks their organizations are experiencing. Common attack methods include social engineering (16%), unpatched system denial-of-service (13%), and malware attacks (12%). These attack vectors are becoming more sophisticated, and without adequate resources, cybersecurity teams are struggling to keep up.
Adding to the challenge, 45% of survey respondents said their budgets were too low to effectively combat the rising threats. Many organizations are not allocating sufficient financial resources to cybersecurity, leaving teams to operate with outdated tools and inadequate staffing. Furthermore, a third of cybersecurity professionals feel that their organization does not prioritize cyber risks, putting critical infrastructure at risk.
Confidence in Teams’ Ability to Respond to Threats Is Low
Despite the increasing number of attacks, only 38% of cybersecurity professionals express a high level of confidence in their team’s ability to detect and respond to threats. This lack of confidence can be attributed to the combination of underfunded teams, insufficient training, and an overwhelming volume of threats to manage.
According to Chris Dimitriadis, Chief Global Strategy Officer at ISACA, the security resilience of entire ecosystems is at stake. He stresses the importance of overcoming the hurdles of underfunding and understaffing, noting that without skilled, well-supported teams, critical infrastructure is left vulnerable to cyberattacks. “In an increasingly complex threat landscape, it is vital that, as an industry, we overcome these hurdles of underfunding and under-staffed teams,” Dimitriadis said. “Without strong, skilled teams, the security resilience of whole ecosystems is at risk.”
The Financial Toll of Cyberattacks
The rising frequency of cyberattacks is not only placing stress on cybersecurity teams but is also proving costly for organizations. The average cost of a data breach now exceeds £3.5 million, a figure that continues to rise as cybercriminals become more sophisticated in their methods. These financial losses are a direct result of breaches that cybersecurity teams are struggling to prevent or quickly mitigate, largely due to the limitations they face in staffing, resources, and training.
As attacks become more frequent and the cost of breaches continues to climb, businesses will need to reassess their cybersecurity strategies. Investing in both the technology and the talent required to defend against these threats will be essential to mitigating the financial and reputational damage caused by successful cyberattacks.
Building a Resilient Cybersecurity Strategy
Given the increasing complexity and frequency of cyberattacks, the need for well-trained and well-resourced cybersecurity teams has never been more urgent. Organizations that prioritize cybersecurity as a core aspect of their business strategy will be better positioned to protect themselves against evolving threats. This means not only investing in advanced cybersecurity tools and solutions but also ensuring that their teams are equipped with the training, support, and resources needed to effectively defend their digital infrastructure.
Hiring practices will need to be reevaluated to address the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. Expanding entry-level opportunities, offering competitive salaries, and providing ongoing training are critical steps in building a robust cybersecurity workforce capable of handling today’s challenges. Additionally, organizations must be willing to allocate the necessary budget to cybersecurity, ensuring that teams are not left operating on a shoestring in the face of mounting threats.
Conclusion: A Call to Prioritize Cybersecurity
The findings from ISACA’s survey paint a clear picture: cybersecurity teams are facing immense pressure, and without immediate action, the security of entire industries is at risk. As cyberattacks become more frequent, complex, and costly, businesses can no longer afford to treat cybersecurity as an afterthought.
Organizations must prioritize cybersecurity by investing in skilled personnel, training, and cutting-edge tools. By addressing the current gaps in staffing and resources, businesses can build resilient teams capable of detecting and responding to threats before they escalate into full-blown crises. The cost of not doing so could be catastrophic—both financially and in terms of the lasting damage to a company’s reputation.
In an era where cyber threats are becoming more pervasive and damaging, the role of the cybersecurity professional has never been more critical. Ensuring these teams are supported and well-equipped to handle the challenges ahead should be a top priority for any organization serious about its long-term success.
As the landscape of cyber threats continues to evolve, one thing is clear: cybersecurity teams will remain at the front lines, and the stress they face is a direct reflection of the increasing complexity and stakes of their mission.
