New support for mental health in cyber-security

PTSD Resolution and CIISec are partnering to address mental health in cyber-security. A new agreement will provide trauma therapy and mental health support to cyber-security professionals

 

PTSD Resolution and the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) have announced a strategic partnership to address the growing mental health challenges faced by its membership of more than 10,000 cyber-security professionals. This collaboration aims to provide comprehensive mental health support through trauma awareness training and access to professional therapy services.

 

The agreement, effective from May 1st 2025, introduces a structured programme of mental health support specifically designed for the high-pressure cyber-security environment. Recent research indicates that over half (51%) of cyber-security professionals report serious mental health impacts from work-related stress, according to CIISec’s 2020/21 State of the Profession report. 

 

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, the psychological toll on frontline defenders has 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.

 

Colonel Tony Gauvain (Retired), Chairman 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 potential for moral injury when security breaches occur despite best efforts. With cyber-security professionals facing an avalanche of threats - including 2.7 million scam campaigns neutralised in 2021 - the psychological impact is profound. Through this partnership, we can extend our proven Human Givens Therapy (HGT) 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 wellbeing of cyber-security professionals is intrinsically linked to the security of our digital infrastructure. With our members on the frontlines defending against sophisticated attacks that could compromise critical national infrastructure, the psychological pressure is immense. 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 wellbeing but also strengthening the UK’s cyber-defence capabilities through a more resilient workforce."

 

The partnership particularly focuses on addressing burnout, which manifests through symptoms including emotional exhaustion, depression, and 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 wellbeing, while individual members gain access to confidential therapy without requiring employer or medical referral.

 

UK Armed Forces veterans among 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 at www.ciisec.org .

 

 

About PTSD Resolution

PTSD Resolution is a UK charity providing therapy for the mental welfare of Forces’ Veterans, Reservists and their families. Treatment is free, effective and delivered promptly through a network of 200 therapists nationwide, and also online. The charity has had over 4,500 referrals to date and delivers therapy in an average of seven sessions, with a proven track record of helping professionals manage trauma and severe stress responses. PTSD Resolution is a lean charity with no salaried staff or assets - funds are used to deliver therapy and for essential research and public information.

 

 

About CIISec

The Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) is the UK’s leading professional body dedicated solely to cyber and information security. Founded in 2006 and granted Royal Charter status, CIISec is an independent, not-for-profit organisation governed by its members. CIISec offers structured membership, accreditation, and development programmes for individuals at every career stage, as well as corporate memberships. It is recognised as an authority for professional standards, skills frameworks, and certification in the cyber-security sector.

 

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Main image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com and Thitima Uthaiburom