PTSD Resolution and CIISec address mental health in cyber security

Effective from 1 May, the agreement introduces a structured programme of mental health support specifically targeting the high-pressure cyber security environment. Research (specifically the CIISec’s 2020-2021 State of the Profession report) indicates that over half (ie 51%) of cyber security professionals report serious mental health impacts from work-related stress.

With UK businesses facing an estimated 8.58 million cyber crimes annually, and the National Cyber Security Centre handling 542 nationally significant incidents in the past year alone, the psychological toll on front line defenders has now reached crisis levels. This constant pressure to protect against ever-evolving threats (with potential economic losses of £27 billion at stake) has created an urgent need for targeted mental health interventions in the industry.

Executive burnout

Colonel Tony Gauvain (retired), chair of PTSD Resolution, stated: “Executive burnout and the trauma experienced in high-pressure cyber security roles share many similarities with the military trauma we regularly treat. Both involve high-stakes decision-making, constant vigilance and the potential for moral injury when security breaches occur despite best efforts.”

Gauvain continued: “With cyber security professionals facing an avalanche of threats, including 2.7 million scam campaigns neutralised in 2021 alone, the psychological impact is profound. Through this partnership, we can extend our proven Human Givens Therapy approach to help cyber security professionals before burnout leads to serious mental health issues.”

Under the agreement, PTSD Resolution will provide:

*free introductory workshops twice-yearly online

*Trauma Awareness Training for Everyone (TATE) workshops for CIISec corporate members

*half-day training sessions (more comprehensive trauma awareness training for organisations, equipping managers to recognise symptoms and support team members)

*confidential therapy services (direct access to PTSD Resolution’s network of 200 accredited therapists for CIISec members, with an average of seven sessions per treatment programme)

Amanda Finch, CEO of CIISec, commented: "The mental well-being of cyber security professionals is intrinsically linked to the security of our digital infrastructure. With our members on the front lines defending against sophisticated attacks that could compromise Critical National Infrastructure, the psychological pressure is immense.”

Finch added: “This partnership with PTSD Resolution addresses a critical, but often overlooked aspect of our industry. By providing our members with access to these specialist services, we’re not only supporting individual well-being, but also strengthening the UK’s cyber defence capabilities through a more resilient workforce.”

Psychological strain

The partnership particularly focuses on addressing burnout, which manifests through symptoms including emotional exhaustion, depression and a reduced sense of accomplishment.

With cyber security professionals facing the psychological strain of defending against attacks that cost UK businesses an estimated £30.5 billion in recovery costs from 1.5 million attacks in 2023, the mental health toll is substantial.

CIISec corporate members will benefit from specialised training to create workplace environments that promote resilience and well-being, while individual members gain access to confidential therapy without requiring employer or medical referral.

UK Armed Forces veterans among the CIISec’s membership will continue to receive PTSD Resolution’s services free of charge in line with the charity’s founding mission.

*For more information about this partnership and how to access these services, CIISec members can visit the members’ area of the website at www.ciisec.org