We recently posted a survey on LinkedIn asking, “What percentage of IT and security leaders have experienced burnout?” 62% of respondents said 88%. The actual answer was 62% according to a recent Gartner article.
The fact that 62% said it was 88% is a concern.
The same Gartner article shared the most common cause for burnout as the following:
At CyberForce|Q we work closely with all our participants to help combat the many threats facing CISO’s and cybersecurity leaders. Throughout this article we have shared how we come alongside our participant organizations to relieve the pressures you may face. With our team of cybersecurity advisors, 24x7x365 analysts, and Incident Response team we work alongside you as an extension of your team. Our collaborative mindset and the collective security operations provides you with peer resources, daily standups on emerging cybersecurity risk, and our proven cybersecurity program advancement helps relieve some burnout and improve your cybersecurity posture.
62% Pressure to work late nights and/or weekends
The balance of work and life is always a challenge. With the increase of cybersecurity risks, news reports, and leadership concerned about security, CISOs face many challenges.
1. Set Clear Boundaries and Communicate Them:
Define Work Hours: Clearly define your work hours and stick to them as much as possible. Communicate these hours to your team and stakeholders.
CyberForce|Q provides 24x7x365 Security Operations Centers, supporting our participants on your off hours.
Use Technology Wisely: Utilize scheduling tools and email management techniques to ensure you're not constantly accessible outside of working hours.
2. Delegate and Empower Your Team:
Trust Your Team: Empower your team by delegating tasks and responsibilities. Trust them to handle issues that arise outside of normal working hours, and ensure they are adequately trained to do so.
CyberForce|Q is known to be a trusted partner to our participants. We are an extension of your team, here to handle the cybersecurity risks and incidents you face daily. With our 24x7x365 services we wake your team with a real incident, not a false positive.
Implement a Rotation System: Create an on-call rotation system for your team to handle emergencies. This ensures that the responsibility doesn't always fall on you and spreads the workload more evenly.
CyberForce|Q operating as your off-hours partner is a key part of your rotation system.
3. Prioritize Self-Care and Well-Being:
Schedule Downtime: Make self-care a priority by scheduling regular downtime and activities that help you relax and recharge. This might include exercise, hobbies, or spending time with family and friends.
CyberForce|Q can help you with the down time, knowing you have a trusted partner on your side.
Seek Support: Consider professional support, such as a coach or mentor, to help you manage stress and develop strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
CyberForce|Q offers collective cohort groups providing mentoring, leadership, and communication opportunities on all things cybersecurity related. Mentoring should not stop at any point in your career.
37% Unrealistic expectations of function or leader
Communication, strategic planning and leadership involvement can provide ways to tactically handle unrealistic expectations.
1. Transparent Communication
Communicate Limitations: Clearly articulate the limitations, constraints, and risks associated with certain expectations. Use data and concrete examples to demonstrate why certain goals may be unrealistic.
CyberForce|Q has a proprietary framework to measure the effectiveness of your cybersecurity program which can help you communicate to leadership where you may need more support.
Offer Alternatives: Instead of simply saying something can't be done, provide alternative approaches that are achievable. This shows that you are solution-oriented and committed to the organization's success.
2. Align Expectations with Organizational Priorities
Connect Security Goals to Business Objectives: Ensure that the expectations of your function align with the broader business objectives. By framing security goals in the context of business value, you can help stakeholders understand why certain expectations need to be adjusted.
CyberForce|Q can offer working with our advisory team, who are experts in cybersecurity to help with strategic guidance, planning, and implementing your key objectives.
Prioritize Initiatives: Work with leadership to prioritize initiatives based on risk, impact, and resource availability. This can help in setting more achievable expectations and focusing on what truly matters for the organization's security posture.
Working with the CyberForce|Q advisory team can assist with valuable strategic guidance.
3. Leverage Data and Metrics to Manage Expectations
Use Benchmarking: Provide industry benchmarks and data-driven insights to show how your security function compares with similar organizations. This can help in setting more realistic expectations.
CyberForce|Q’s proprietary SOC-CM framework provides benchmarking with other participant organizations. Allowing you to work with peer organizations to be stronger together.
Implement Regular Reporting: Establish a regular cadence of reporting on progress, challenges, and achievements. This ongoing communication can help manage expectations over time and prevent surprises.
CyberForce|Q’s team and our participating organization teams meet weekly to review their performance and alerting metrics. Also, Quarterly Business Reviews provide documentation on your progress and goals. These reports can be shared with your teams to help with open communication and information for all interested in your cybersecurity program advancement.
These strategies can help you address and manage unrealistic expectations, fostering a more collaborative and understanding relationship with your leadership and team.
36% Feelings of isolation
Feeling isolated as a CISO can be challenging, given the unique pressures and responsibilities of the role. Here are two ways to address and manage this feeling:
1. Build a Support Network:
Peer Connections: Connect with other CISOs or security leaders through professional organizations, forums, or local meetups. Sharing experiences with peers who understand the unique challenges of your role can provide valuable support and reduce feelings of isolation.
Through our collective cohort, daily standup meeting, and annual workshops we help foster a network of peers with your same challenges and pressures.
Mentorship: Consider finding a mentor or becoming one. A mentor can offer guidance and perspective, while mentoring others can provide a sense of purpose and connection.
Mentoring should be ongoing at any state in your career. Working with our collective participant leaders you can offer or receive mentoring.
32% Risk of security incidents negatively impacting reputation/career
Handling the risk of security incidents that could negatively impact a CISO's reputation and career requires a proactive approach to risk management, communication, and personal resilience. Here are some strategies to consider:
1. Proactive Risk Management and Incident Response Planning:
Develop and Maintain Robust Security Policies: Ensure that your organization has strong, up-to-date security policies and procedures. Regularly review and update these policies to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities.
CyberForce|Q works with many of our participants to help your organization plan and implement up to date policies. Letting an outside resource assist can be a time saver and advantageous to your organization.
Implement a Comprehensive Incident Response Plan: A well-defined and practiced incident response plan is crucial. Conduct regular drills and tabletop exercises to ensure that your team is prepared to handle security incidents effectively, minimizing potential damage.
CyberForce|Q routinely works with our participants to review, plan and work with your organization to create an IRP that is robust and customized to your organization.
Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: Regularly assess and improve your organization's security posture. Use tools like threat intelligence, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing to stay ahead of potential threats.
CyberForce|Q has a world class Security Operations Center for 24x7x365 monitoring of your systems. With our technology agnostic approach, we work to meet you where you are at, building a strong program together.
2. Cultivate Strong Relationships and Support:
Engage with Leadership: Foster strong relationships with senior leadership and other key stakeholders. When they understand and trust your approach to security, they are more likely to support you during challenging times.
Build a Supportive Network: Cultivate relationships with peers in the industry, mentors, and professional networks. Having a support system can provide guidance and reassurance when dealing with the fallout from a security incident.
CyberForce|Q is a vital part of any organization team when you have a security incident. With our forensic teams, we are able to support you and provide guidance during an unsure moment in your organization.
3. Leverage Lessons Learned:
Conduct Post-Incident Reviews: After any security incident, lead a thorough post-incident review to identify what went wrong, what was done well, and how processes can be improved. Documenting and learning from these experiences not only strengthen your security posture but also demonstrates your leadership and commitment to continuous improvement.
When your incident has been resolved we will provide a detailed forensic report and documentation of your incident with recommendations for improvement in your security posture. We provide information for all team members and your executive leadership needs.
Share Insights: Consider sharing non-sensitive lessons learned with the broader security community through conferences, publications, or internal knowledge sharing. This can enhance your professional reputation and position you as a thought leader in the field.
Regularly we have workshops and webinars where we have peer organizations discussing lessons learned during a security incident.
By taking these proactive and strategic steps, a CISO can better manage the risks associated with security incidents, protect their reputation, and strengthen their career resilience.
32% Low morale among cybersecurity team
When faced with low morale among teams, a CISO can take several steps to uplift spirits and foster a more positive work environment. Here are some strategies:
1. Address Root Causes Through Open Communication:
Conduct Anonymous Surveys: Use anonymous surveys or feedback tools to understand the underlying causes of low morale. This can provide insights into specific issues that need to be addressed, such as workload, lack of recognition, or unclear goals.
Host Open Forums: Create opportunities for team members to voice their concerns in a safe environment. Regular town halls, one-on-one meetings, or open-door policies can encourage honest communication and show that leadership is listening.
2. Recognize and Reward Contributions:
Acknowledge Achievements: Regularly recognize and celebrate both individual and team accomplishments. Public recognition in meetings, emails, or company-wide communications can boost morale by making employees feel valued.
CyberForce|Q provides individual contributions from our participant organization team members through a Teams Channel where nominations and acknowledgements of individual contributions are made and rewarded verbally and with other recognitions means as allow by your company.
Encourage Team-Building Activities: Organize events that allow the team to bond outside of work, such as team lunches, off-site activities, or collaborative workshops. Strengthening interpersonal relationships can improve overall team morale.
The CyberForce|Q team can lead team building activities in the cybersecurity space. We can make team building and learning fun all in one.
By addressing the root causes of low morale and implementing strategies to recognize, support, and engage the team, a CISO can create a more positive and productive work environment.
Facing the challenges of a CISO role can be daunting, but it's important to remember that these obstacles are opportunities to demonstrate your resilience, leadership, and expertise. By staying proactive, building strong relationships, and continuously growing both personally and professionally, you can navigate even the toughest situations with confidence. Every challenge you overcome not only strengthens your organization but also solidifies your role as a trusted leader in the cybersecurity field. Embrace the journey, knowing that each step forward is a testament to your capability and commitment to making a lasting impact.
Every organization is unique, which is why we meet you where you are in your cybersecurity journey, and tailor our solutions to your needs. – reach out to solutions@cyberforceq.com.
Learn more about CyberForce|Q.
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