In a world where every digital footstep leaves a trace and every online fortress is under perpetual siege, IT security professionals serve as a league of modern-day knights in virtual armor, working day and night to keep the digital space as secure as possible.
However, the guardians of data are not made of steel, which is why an increasingly high number of these experts are under a lot of stress. Everyone talks about the risk of losing data and privacy, but what about the impact of cyberattacks on IT security professionals? Let’s take a closer look at it.
Behind the Firewall: Mental Health Problems Among Cybersecurity Pros
Every profession comes with its set of unique challenges, but when they include being on standby almost 24/7 and a high level of responsibility, it’s no wonder that many cybersecurity experts are experiencing burnout and mental health struggles. What starts with sleep deprivation and constant stress can easily escalate and lead to more severe problems down the road.
It’s in the nature of this job position to always be on watch and try to be as prepared as possible to repel the next attack, which can happen any second. Since every attack is a potentially costly disaster, preventing it becomes a stressful mission. Therefore, mental health in the cybersecurity community has become a burning topic.
Although organizations primarily focus on protecting their confidential data, more and more of them are becoming aware of the problem and realizing that they also need to protect those at the front line.
Common Struggles Security Analysts Are Facing and Tips for Overcoming Them
Whether working in a smaller or bigger team, every security analyst experiences more or less similar struggles that don’t stop once the shift is over, and they go offline but often interfere with their personal life.
- Balancing shifts and personal life – Long night shifts and a bad sleeping schedule make many feel out of sync and disconnected, as they are living in a different time zone than their friends and family. Missing out on social gatherings and having difficulties staying in touch with friends are only some of the most common struggles.
- Constant questioning and overthinking – When even the smallest decision cybersecurity experts make can have a big impact, it’s hard not to overthink every step. Failing to notice a potential threat on time or continuing to think about it once the shift is over can lead to severe sleep deprivation.
- Juggling family life and career – Those who have families and children could experience another spectrum of problems. The lack of quality time with kids and the pressure on the partner to take over most house and children-related duties puts a strain on many families.
Securing Both Worlds: 5 Tips for a Better Work-Life Balance
To keep their mental health and personal life at bay, IT security professionals should follow these 5 tips:
- Talking to others. Turning to your colleagues or friends and letting it all out can ease your mind and help you feel better. It will also help them get a better understanding of your situation, which could be beneficial for your relationship.
- Prioritizing self-care. Getting enough sleep, eating well, and establishing a healthy routine should be a priority because it will enable you to have a clear head and be present in all situations.
- Planning your time. To use the free time you have wisely, planning things ahead and sticking to your daily schedule is crucial.
- Don’t be too strict with yourself. While self-criticism can be good sometimes, it can also lead to a constant feeling of not being good enough. Remember to be kind to yourself. You’re probably doing better than you think.
- Asking for help. Although no one prefers it, asking for help is often the easiest and quickest way to solve problems because two heads are better than one.
Two Sides of the Same Coin? What’s the Difference Between a Cybercriminal and a Cybersecurity Expert
Cybersecurity is a field that’s continuously evolving, and a lot of times, that’s thanks to cyber criminals who are working hard to crack each code and get through every layer of security. Essentially, both cybersecurity professionals and cybercriminals have the same set of skills and knowledge.
The difference lies in the intent they use it for, whether it’s for good or bad. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities for illegal and malicious purposes, while cybersecurity experts use their skills to defend against such threats and protect digital assets in a legal and ethical manner.
A lot of times, the guardians of the digital realm are tempted to cross to the dark side or execute revenge hacking. To prevent those situations, good communication and a healthy work environment are essential.
Cracking the Code to Well-Being – What Companies like Build38 do to Improve Mental Health in Cybersecurity Departments?
At Build38 we are proud to say that we are committed to the well-being of our colleagues making it a priority in our company culture. We understand that a happy and fulfilled team is essential for success and for the mental health of our employees. That is why we offer a range of benefits aimed at enhancing the lives of our employees.
One key aspect is the flexibility we provide, allowing our team members to work from wherever they feel most productive, be it at home or in the office. Additionally, we are proud of our Build1/2 lead initiative, which seeks to address and make visible the gender disparity in the tech sector, fostering an inclusive environment for all.
Read more about this initiative here.
Sustainability is another core value, as seen by our green office initiative, in which we aim to create a greener and more sustainable workplace. We care for our environment and our office, by promoting a sense of community and a healthier workspace.
Lastly, we are honored to have received the SFS award from a more flexible company, recognizing our commitment to innovation and adaptability. Our company is devoted to excellence, pioneering solutions, and global expansion, providing all our team members in Germany, Spain, and Singapore with pathways for career progression, flexibility and most importantly overall well-being.
To read more about this award visit our dedicated blog post here.
Since it’s practically impossible to separate stress from most professions, in this particular case, IT Security Professionals, it is important for us as a company to alleviate that stress, offering benefits such as remote working, promoting gender equality, and similar initiatives that boost the well-being of all our employees. These benefits reflect our dedication to the well-being and growth of our colleagues, ensuring a positive and enriching work experience at Build38.
If you are looking for exciting new opportunities, we invite you to explore our open positions and join our incredible team! Check out here 👉🏻 https://build38.com/jobs/
