The Burnout Battlefield: What I've Learned About Protecting SOC Analysts (and My Company)

Burnout among SOC analysts is a growing concern due to increasing alert volumes, an expanding attack surface, and the sophistication of AI-powered attacks, leading to high turnover rates and stress among security personnel, including CISOs. With the average tenure of SOC personnel declining and a significant shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals, organizations face substantial costs and risks associated with recruitment and missed attacks. At OG&E, efforts to empower junior analysts with tools and knowledge, such as Stream.Security's Cloud Twin technology, have helped reduce the burden on senior analysts by streamlining investigations and automating responses. This approach has improved productivity, reduced alert fatigue, and enhanced job satisfaction, underscoring the importance of combining technology with a supportive work environment to mitigate burnout. Encouraging breaks, fostering open communication, and acknowledging analysts' efforts are also crucial in creating a sustainable and effective SOC environment.