Trying to Be Everything to Everyone: Let’s Talk About Burnout

Presented at Black Hat USA 2022, Aug. 10, 2022, 1:30 p.m. (40 minutes)

Research shows computer security professionals describe the computer security industry as a high-risk yet high-reward profession with negative effects on the workforce. There is an estimated 805,000 computer security professionals working in the US, but meeting the business demand for computer security professionals would require 62% industry growth. This leaves those in the field understaffed and highly stressed, ultimately leading to burnout. Stress and burnout can lead to mental fatigue, which can negatively impact motivation and engagement. It can also cause diminishing focus and performance levels, and have a negative impact on operational security, satisfaction, and performance, both in the office and at home. This talk will discuss the existing research on burnout in the computer security industry and will discuss what really causes burnout, why it happens, and what you can do to mitigate it, including setting healthy boundaries, avoiding guilt, realistic ways to manage anxiety, and honest self-talk so you can identify what is needed to refill your energy and passion.

I will discuss how to recognize burnout in hidden places and explore the root causes of it.

I will address what to do about it – going beyond simply meditation, exercise, and healthy eating. If it was that easy, we would all be doing that. This talk is unique in that it will utilize a knowledge of practical psychology to keep it real and use behavioral change models as a guide for reducing burnout. How do you find motivation, appreciation, and time for yourself when it feels like the world around you is demanding you give more? You will leave this talk with a better understanding of how burnout happens, your personal relationship to burnout, and an idea of what to do to help reduce, relieve, and manage it.


Presenters:

  • Stacy Thayer - Ph.D, Clinical and Organizational/Business Psychology, Norfolk State University
    Dr. Stacy Thayer, has over 20 years' experience working with professionals in the technical and security industry, and a PhD in Clinical and Organizational/Business Psychology. Her clinical research has explored online communication as it relates to depression and anxiety, and factors that contribute to job satisfaction in the technology sector, and on burnout in the security industry. Her work in organizational and business psychology focuses on bridging the communication gap between technical and nontechnical working professionals. She is passionate about creating a positive and thriving working environment that will help support individual strengths and successes. Thayer also was the Founder of SOURCE Conferences in Boston, Seattle, Barcelona, and Dublin before it was acquired in 2014 and has done work on several events to help create positive networking environments. She is currently an Adjunct Professor of Cyberpsychology at Norfolk State University.

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