International Cyber Expo highlights importance of well-being in cyber security

The Cyber Well-Being Corner is sponsored by Jamf (the company providing complete management and security solutions for Apple-first environments) and supported by popular well-being and productivity app The Zensory.

A space that’s totally dedicated to the well-being of cyber security professionals, the Cyber Well-Being Corner is the first of its kind for cyber security exhibitions on the global stage.

Cyber security professionals are the unsung heroes who safeguard the digital world, but that continual task often comes with immense responsibility and stress. In fact, 91% of CISOs suffer from high stress levels, while 60% of them feel that they rarely ‘disconnect’ from the day-to-day role.

Notably, over 50% of those employed in the cyber security space have experienced emotions such as depression or anxiety due to feeling overwhelmed at work. That’s why it’s crucial to provide safe and neuroinclusive decompression spaces like the Cyber Well-Being Corner for these professionals.

Additionally, 20% of the country’s workforce is neurodiverse, which could mean that spaces like exhibitions are deemed overwhelming, overstimulating and exhausting. With the cyber security industry striving to be more neuroinclusive, it’s important to make sure that events such as the International Cyber Expo are as welcoming for all as possible.

As such, within the Cyber Well-Being Corner there will be a separate quiet decompression space featuring sensory experiences that’s open to everyone.

Experts on hand

The Cyber Well-Being Corner will also feature a dedicated quiet space, a resource wall with various helplines and support websites, a hydration station and a soft seating area. Well-being experts from The Zensory will be in attendance, as well as representatives from Jamf.

Visitors to the Cyber Well-Being Corner will be able to try The Zensory app on the stand. The Zensory is an immersive, evidence-based well-being and productivity platform that helps users transform their mood and promote a state of focus and/or relaxation. The Zensory’s chief scientific officer, Dr Paras Patel, is going to be in attendance to answer questions about well-being.

Additionally, the Cyber Well-Being Corner will feature the foundation of the new Cyber Well-Being Commitment: a commitment made for and by the cyber security community focused on better mental health in the sector. There will be an opportunity for cyber security professionals to shape this commitment based on change they want to see reflected in the industry.

Organisations and individuals can register their interest and determine to provide ongoing feedback.

Taking a stand

Rachael Shattock, event director at the Nineteen Group, stated: “It’s more important than ever to support the well-being of cyber security professionals. With burnout at an all-time high and mental health issues running rife throughout the industry, it’s important that we, as a community, take a stand to prioritise this subject. You never know who may need help or when. Exhibitions can be overwhelming, so it’s important that we are neuroinclusive and provide an area in which visitors to the show can recalibrate.”

Yvonne Eskenzi, co-founder of The Zensory, added: “It’s incredibly important to look after the well-being of cyber security professionals. After all, they protect all of us and our organisations. Having worked in the industry for three decades, it’s evident that the problem isn’t improving. What the industry needs is change-makers who are willing to dedicate time and effort to reducing burnout and improving mental health issues. The Zensory is thrilled to be supporting the Cyber Well-Being Corner.”

Aaron Webb, senior product marketing manager for security at Jamf, commented: “The Cyber Well-Being Corner aligns with everything we believe in as a business. That’s why we’re incredibly proud to be sponsoring this innovation. We must support professionals across the cyber security industry. Having spaces like this available at industry events is a great first step. Much like technical solutions, well-being support is never a ‘one size fits all’ exercise, but rather an ongoing commitment.”

*International Cyber Expo 2023 runs at London’s Olympia on 26-27 September. To register for FREE as an attendee access https://ice-2023.reg.buzz/eskenzi