Burnout in Cybersecurity: Preparing Cyber Staff for the Reality, Not Just the Role

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Razorthorn Security
Dec 10, 2025
Razorthorn

Is burnout in cybersecurity inevitable, or are we finally learning how to prevent it?

Welcome to Razorwire. In this episode, I sit down with clinical traumatologist Eve Parmiter and occupational psychologist Bec McKeown to talk about what's really happening in high-pressure cyber roles. This isn't about vague wellness advice or corporate tick-box exercises. We're looking at the actual mechanics of burnout: why CISOs are breaking under impossible expectations, how remote work has changed team dynamics and what the early warning signs look like before someone hits crisis point. If you work in cybersecurity, particularly in leadership or incident response, this conversation offers strategies you can use today.
Summary

Two-thirds of cybersecurity professionals say their jobs are more stressful now than they were five years ago. The pressure is mounting, but the support systems aren't keeping pace. In this conversation, Eve and Bec bring research, clinical experience and real examples to explain why burnout is becoming an occupational hazard in cyber teams. We talk about the gap between a CISO's responsibility and their actual authority, why technical skills alone won't protect your team from collapse and how to spot the signs that someone is struggling before it becomes a crisis. We also cover what actually works: building teams that can handle pressure, creating cultures where people feel safe to speak up and finding peer support through initiatives like the Mental Health in Cybersecurity Foundation.

If you’re a cyber professional (CISO, incident response, security leader, or team member), you'll get research-backed insights and practical strategies for protecting yourself and your team.

  • Key Discussion Points:**
  • **Human Factors Driving Burnout:** The invisible risks when pressure outpaces support, and why unaddressed team dynamics can overwhelm even strong leaders.
  • **Early Burnout Signs:** Real-world advice on spotting subtle changes in behaviour and energy—both in yourself and others.
  • **Building Resilience & Community:** How peer support and the Mental Health in Cybersecurity Foundation offer real, actionable help.

“CISOs are a great example. You only have so much power, but you’ve got a high degree of responsibility... That can feel very unfair and very unbalanced and that can create a lot of resentment.”
— Eve Parmiter

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