NSBA PARTNER - ESET | Keep your Small Business One Step Ahead of Cybersecurity Fatigue in 2025

Crucial insights from NSBA Partner ESET on strong cybersecurity practices to protect your Small Business.

Fighting cybersecurity fatigue: How to stay one step ahead in 2025

In the past few years, IT teams have faced a constant uphill battle against a growing volume of threats and alerts. This relentless pressure has given rise to cybersecurity fatigue – an issue that leaves organizations vulnerable to overlooked risks and critical mistakes. As we step into 2025, the stakes are higher than ever. How can businesses stay secure without overwhelming their teams? Let’s explore key strategies to combat cybersecurity fatigue, including the game-changing role of Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs).

Burnout has emerged as a significant challenge for IT teams. The growing complexity of threats and some cybersecurity solutions, coupled with an endless barrage of alerts, has left many IT administrators overwhelmed and struggling to keep up. This phenomenon – known as cybersecurity fatigue or alert fatigue – occurs when constant exposure to security alerts, updates, and decisions leads to desensitization and weariness. Over time, this can have dire consequences: delayed responses, overlooked threats, and even costly security breaches.

Imagine a firefighter responding to false alarms all day long – when a real fire occurs, their energy and focus are already drained. The same applies to cybersecurity teams that face hundreds of alerts daily, many of which turn out to be low-priority or irrelevant. The result? Exhaustion, frustration, and a higher likelihood of critical mistakes.

In 2025, addressing cybersecurity fatigue becomes even more urgent. Why? Because the year ahead brings evolving challenges that will place greater demands on IT and cybersecurity professionals. Let’s take a closer look at what’s on the horizon.

What to expect in 2025

1. AI-driven attacks and evolving threats

Artificial intelligence is becoming a weapon for the attackers. Expect cybercriminals to leverage AI for more sophisticated phishing campaigns, automated exploits, and evasive malware that adapts in real time.

2. Rising threats to macOS

Think macOS is safer by default? Think again. The surge in popularity of Apple devices has made them a more attractive target, with malware developers increasingly setting their sights on this ecosystem.

3. Stricter regulations

From global to local regulations, governments worldwide are tightening the screws. This means businesses will need to navigate more complex compliance requirements while maintaining robust security.

4. The human element: Inflation and complexity

Beyond technical challenges, businesses will face rising costs and increasingly complex security ecosystems. This combination places even greater pressure on IT and cybersecurity teams who are already stretched thin.

Fighting fatigue by finding the right strategy

As businesses prepare for the challenges of the current year, one critical focus must be addressing cybersecurity fatigue. IT and cybersecurity teams are already overstrained by the volume and complexity of modern threats, and without proactive measures, burnout will continue to compromise their effectiveness. While there are various strategies to mitigate fatigue, the key lies in combining the right tools and workflows to create a sustainable environment for both teams and technology. To combat cybersecurity fatigue, businesses should adopt a multifaceted approach that combines automation, simplification, prevention, and communication.

Streamlining workflows and automating repetitive processes, such as patch management and threat prioritization, reduces stress and allows IT specialists to focus on high-priority decisions. Consolidating tools into unified platforms reduces portal fatigue, minimizes the cognitive load of managing fragmented security systems, and enhances response times. A proactive approach, including early warning systems and regular vulnerability assessments, not only mitigates risks but also reduces the volume of alerts IT teams must handle. Additionally, fostering open communication between IT teams and leadership, combined with ongoing training, empowers staff to tackle emerging threats confidently, boosting both morale and resilience. And finally, companies should know that they don’t have to do it all on their own.

As a method of prevention, give ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training a try and use your exclusive NSBA discount now with the link here.