The Hidden Cyber Risk No One Talks About: Burnout in IT & Security Teams

Every year, new technologies promise to solve cybersecurity. But at Black Hat 2025, one theme cut through all the noise: people.

Behind every SOC, IT department, and executive decision are humans facing more alerts, more data, and more pressure than ever. Burnout isn’t just a wellness issue — it’s a security risk attackers know how to exploit.

The Cost of Burnout

Security teams drowning in alerts aren’t just overwhelmed. They’re vulnerable.

• Alert Fatigue → Too many signals lead to missed real threats.
• Turnover → Burned-out staff leave, taking expertise and institutional knowledge with them.
• Slower Response → Exhausted teams react slower, giving attackers more time to move.
• Cultural Strain → Overloaded IT teams often feel undervalued, making collaboration harder.

Industry research shows that 62% of IT and security leaders now cite burnout as their top risk factor. This isn’t a side effect — it’s a frontline threat.

Why Collaboration Matters (Black Hat 2025 Insight)

Some of the best insights at Black Hat didn’t come from presentations — they came from hallway conversations, peer debates, and late-night problem-solving sessions.

That’s not a coincidence.

Collaboration reduces isolation, breaks tunnel vision, and distributes the load across a network of people who understand the pressure.

When leaders encourage collaboration — internally and across the industry — teams build resilience.

How Leaders Can Build Human Resilience Into Security

Technology alone won’t fix the human factor. Executives and IT leaders need to create systems and environments where people can thrive.

• Reduce Noise → Tune tools to cut false positives and surface what truly matters.
• Invest in People → Training, development, and recognition matter as much as technology.
• Foster Collaboration → Encourage peer sharing inside the company and across trusted networks.
• Balance Automation With Human Judgment → Automate routine work, but protect analyst time for critical thinking.
• Create Sustainable Workflows → Build processes that don’t require burnout to keep the lights on.

The D9 Perspective: Reducing Noise & Strengthening Teams

At D9, we don’t just deliver systems — we build continuity. That means creating solutions that reduce noise, give teams the visibility they need, and share our expertise so internal IT leaders are strengthened, not sidelined. Technology is only as strong as the people running it — and resilience is just as important as firewalls.

👉 Is your IT team burning out under the weight of alerts and complexity? Let’s talk about how to lighten the load while strengthening your defenses.