In recent months, the tech industry has seen a significant increase in layoffs. A recent study found that 20% of tech companies in the US plan to lay off workers in 2023 due to the ongoing economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While companies are often looking to reduce costs, cut back on non-core businesses or adjust to changing market conditions, the impact of these layoffs on cybersecurity is often overlooked. In 2023, the number of tech layoffs is expected to continue to rise, which is a cause for concern for organizations that are looking to maintain their security posture in the face of these changes. Our team has examined the impact of tech layoffs on the impacted organization’s cybersecurity program and compiled recommendations for companies looking to minimize their risk in the wake of these cuts.

The Dark Side of Tech Layoffs: Negative Consequences for a Company’s Cybersecurity Program

Tech layoffs can have a negative impact on cybersecurity in several ways. First, layoffs can lead to a reduction in the number of employees dedicated to maintaining and securing a company’s IT infrastructure. This can result in security vulnerabilities going unnoticed, which can be exploited by cybercriminals. Additionally, laid-off employees may take sensitive information, such as passwords or confidential data, with them, putting the company’s security at risk. Furthermore, layoffs can create a sense of instability and mistrust among remaining employees, which can negatively affect morale and cooperation, and make it more difficult to maintain a strong security posture.

Negative Impact of Tech Layoffs on Cybersecurity Programs

Reduced In-House Personnel

One of the most immediate impacts of tech layoffs is a reduction in the number of personnel available to maintain and secure a company’s IT infrastructure. This can lead to a lower overall standard of security and increase the risk of security vulnerabilities going unnoticed.

Loss of Expertise

In many cases, the employees who are laid off are among the most experienced and knowledgeable within a company. This means that the organization may lose critical expertise that is essential for maintaining its security posture.

Increased Risk of Data Breaches

When employees are laid off, they may take sensitive information with them, such as passwords or confidential data. This can put the company’s security at risk, as laid-off employees may use this information for malicious purposes.

Reduced Morale

Layoffs can create a sense of instability and mistrust among remaining employees, which can negatively affect morale and cooperation. This can make it more difficult to maintain a strong security posture, as employees may be less likely to work together and share information.

Decreased Investment in Cybersecurity

In the wake of layoffs, companies may be less likely to invest in cybersecurity measures. This can result in a lower standard of security, as organizations look to cut costs in the face of these changes.

What is Causing the Increase in Tech Layoffs in 2023?

According to recent reports, tech layoffs in 2023 are expected to rise, with many companies looking to reduce costs and adjust to changing market conditions.

Root Cause of Tech Layoffs in 2023 Include:

Decreased Demand

The pandemic has caused a slowdown in the global economy, leading to decreased demand for tech products and services. As a result, many tech companies have had to cut back on their workforce to stay financially viable.

Remote Work Shift

The shift to remote work has made many traditional tech jobs redundant, leading to layoffs in areas such as desktop support and IT infrastructure management.

Decreased Investment

The pandemic has also had a negative impact on venture capital funding, causing some tech startups to go out of business or scale back their operations, leading to layoffs.

Priority Shifts

Companies are now focusing more on areas that are essential for their survival, such as supply chain management, rather than areas that are less critical, like research and development. This shift in priorities has caused layoffs in some tech firms.

How to Reduce Cybersecurity Risk in the Wake of Tech Layoffs

While tech layoffs can have a significant impact on cybersecurity, there are several steps that companies can take to minimize their risk in the wake of these cuts. Some of these steps include:

Conducting security assessments: After layoffs, it is important for companies to conduct a comprehensive security assessment to identify any vulnerabilities that may have been introduced. This can include reviewing the security of sensitive data, conducting penetration testing, and reviewing access controls.

Monitoring for suspicious activity: Companies should also monitor for suspicious activity, such as unauthorized access from former employees.

Developing a risk management plan: Companies should develop a comprehensive risk management plan that takes into account the risks posed by layoffs. This plan should include strategies for reducing the risk of data breaches, maintaining the security of sensitive information, and maintaining a strong security posture in the face of these changes.

Providing cybersecurity training: To help mitigate the impact of tech layoffs on cybersecurity, companies should provide cybersecurity training to all employees. This training should cover topics such as password security, data protection, and best practices for maintaining a secure environment.

Staying up-to-date with the latest security technologies: Companies should also stay up-to-date with the latest security technologies to ensure that they are equipped to handle the evolving threat landscape. This may include investing in security solutions such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection software. Additionally, companies should be proactive about patching vulnerabilities and updating their security systems to address new threats as they arise.

Bridging the Capabilities Gap Left by Layoffs

It’s clear that tech layoffs can have a significant impact on a company’s cybersecurity posture. However, with the right approach, organizations can minimize their risk in the wake of these changes. As the number of tech layoffs continues to rise in 2023, it is critical for IT and business leaders to take steps to reduce their cybersecurity risk, such as conducting security assessments, monitoring for suspicious activity, developing a risk management plan, providing cybersecurity training, and staying up-to-date with the latest security technologies.

For those who may be feeling uneasy about their security posture after a restructuring, seeking out the services of a managed security services provider can be a valuable investment. These providers can offer expert advice, cutting-edge security technologies, and ongoing monitoring and support to help organizations maintain a strong security posture even in the face of tech layoffs. By working with a trusted managed security services provider, organizations can have peace of mind knowing that their security is in good hands, even in the midst of significant change.