At Critical Path Security, we understand that cybersecurity isn't just about technology—it’s about people. The pressure to defend critical infrastructure against relentless threats is breaking teams down. Burnout, imposter syndrome, and the weight of impossible expectations are leaving cybersecurity professionals—and the cooperatives they protect—at risk.
Next week, Patrick Kelley be speaking at the Alabama Rural Electric Association Accounting Update Annual Meeting about the hidden cost of burnout in cybersecurity and cooperatives.
This isn’t just a conversation about mental health; it’s about the business impact—from increased turnover costs and cyber insurance hikes to the financial ripple effects of security fatigue.
Key takeaways:
✔ The "Accidental CISO" Problem – Why so many cybersecurity professionals in cooperatives never planned for the role they’re now in.
✔ Burnout & Finance – How stress translates into real financial loss, from regulatory fines to delayed security improvements.
✔ Coping Mechanisms That Work – Practical strategies to manage the unique stressors of cybersecurity and leadership in the cooperative space.
The goal? To change the conversation from “just deal with it” to real solutions that create sustainable teams and secure infrastructure.