Cybersecurity risks on the increase with infosec layoffs!

DarkReading.com reported that “Economic indicators in the cybersecurity sector are leading some industry observers to conclude that mass layoffs are on the way in the US. But boards should beware: All those pink slips come with a hidden cost.”  The May 14, 2025 article entitled "Infosec Layoffs Aren't the Bargain That Boards May Think” (https://www.darkreading.com/cyber-risk/infosec-layoffs-arent-bargain-boards-may-think) included these comments about “Layoffs Increase Cyber-Risk”:

According to data, 80% of employees take valuable intellectual property when they leave an organization, particularly when they experience a sudden layoff, according to Mimecast chief product officer Rob Juncker.

"During periods of fast and widespread staff transitions, distractions or disillusionment may lead to mishandling and leaks of confidential information, whether intentional or not," Juncker says. "The inherent chaos and duration of these shifts only compounds the challenge, making threat detection and mitigation more difficult."

He adds that the average cost of an insider threat incident is about $15 million. "The stakes are higher than ever to ensure internal data is protected," Juncker says.

But the risk is much greater than simply protecting data from departing staffers, SANS research chief Lee warns.

"This isn't just about insider threat — it’s about cutting the fire department during wildfire season and cutting the water to the fire hydrants," Lee says. "Yes, insiders are a risk. But the bigger issue? You lose the only people who actually know how to stop an attack before it hits the front page."

What do you think?