High-performing employees are often an organisation’s greatest asset, bringing dedication, expertise, and drive to their roles. However, the very qualities that make these employees exceptional – their commitment to meeting deadlines, willingness to take on challenging projects, and desire to exceed expectations – can sometimes create unique cybersecurity challenges that deserve attention and support.
Cybercriminals’ favourite hunting grounds, after all, are those where heightened emotions are present and ripe for exploiting.
High-performing overachievers are rightfully celebrated in the workplace for their productivity, responsiveness and drive.
“These employees are highly committed, work long hours and often have access to sensitive information,” says Anna Collard, senior vice-president: content strategy and evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa. “But they also frequently take on too much, which can lead to burnout, and, understandably, a natural inclination to streamline processes, sometimes inadvertently creating security gaps.”
Given the nature of modern work culture, this challenge is becoming increasingly common. “Many employees suffer from an ‘always on’ mentality,” explains Collard, adding that hybrid work arrangements blur the lines between personal and private lives even more.
“The pressure to perform can lead to cognitive fatigue, while stress affects decision-making abilities. When workplace cultures inadvertently reward this intensity, even well-intentioned high achievers may feel compelled to push harder, which can increase both strain and risk.”
Why overachievers are at risk
The competence halo effect is one of the reasons which puts overachievers at risk. “Many managers assume that because their overachievers are technically competent, they must also be competent with security protocols, but this isn’t guaranteed as these are different skill sets,” she comments.
KnowBe4’s own research, further supported by an independent 2023 study in the US, actually found that confidence, while generally positive, can sometimes make employees more susceptible to security threats when it leads to reduced vigilance.
High performers also often work within what Collard calls the ‘trust paradox’. “Top performers typically receive elevated privileges and autonomy, which is appropriate given their track record,” she explains. “However, this independence can sometimes mean they’re less likely to double-check suspicious requests or seek verification, simply because they’re used to handling things efficiently on their own.”
The cognitive load that drives high performance can also be a factor in increased risk exposure. “Many dedicated employees operate under significant mental pressure, which naturally affects our brain’s processing capacity,” Collard notes. “This can understandably lead to prioritising speed and efficiency over careful scrutiny.”
When security incidents involving high performers do occur the impact can be significant. “Their elevated access means that honest mistakes can affect multiple systems and departments,” Collard explains.
Reducing the risk and building safer habits
“The good news is that organisations can take meaningful steps to support their high performers while strengthening security. The foundation is building a genuinely supportive work culture,” advises Collard. “Actively encourage breaks, especially during intense periods, set realistic expectations around working hours, and promote work-life balance – not just as a wellness initiative, but as a security strategy.”
She also recommends refining security awareness training to take this nuanced dynamic into consideration. “Training should be tailored to address cognitive biases associated with stress and time pressure, not just red flags to watch out for in phishing emails,” she says. “Employees need to understand that security is part of efficiency, not a barrier.”
Providing user-friendly security tools makes a significant difference. “Implement solutions that are easy to use and integrate seamlessly into workflows,” Collard explains, a strategy that will reduce the temptation to take shortcuts.
Why cognitive flexibility is crucial
Collard believes organisations must recognise that even their most productive and trusted employees can pose serious cybersecurity risks, especially when overachievement is accompanied by stress, speed and implicit approval by managers. “Cognitive flexibility, the ability to adapt and respond calmly under pressure, is emerging as a critical skill, not only for cybersecurity, but sustainable high performance,” she says.
“In a threat landscape shaped by AI and constant change, true cyber resilience lies not in more speed, but in more adaptability and from supporting well-rested minds rather than demanding ever-increasing speed,” she says.
“By fostering environments that support psychological safety, encourage critical thinking and integrate user-friendly security practices, organisations can better support their high achievers while strengthening their overall security posture.”