Mental health charity PTSD Resolution has partnered with the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) to offer trauma therapy and psychological support to over 10,000 UK cybersecurity professionals.
The new initiative, which came into effect on May 1, aims to tackle rising mental health challenges in an industry under constant pressure from cyber threats.
The agreement includes structured mental health programmes tailored to the unique stresses of cybersecurity roles, with support ranging from trauma awareness training to access to confidential therapy.
According to CIISec’s 2020/21 State of the Profession report, more than half (51%) of cybersecurity professionals report serious mental health impacts due to work-related stress.
With an estimated 8.58 million cybercrimes annually, and the National Cyber Security Centre handling over 540 significant incidents in the past year, the report states that the psychological toll on frontline defenders has reached crisis levels.
“With our members on the frontlines defending against sophisticated attacks that could compromise critical national infrastructure, the psychological pressure is immense,” said Amanda Finch, CEO of CIISec.
“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,” she added.
Under the partnership, CIISec Corporate Members will have access to free online “Trauma Awareness Training for Everyone” (TATE) workshops twice a year, along with half-day training sessions for managers to recognise signs of trauma and burnout.
All members can also access PTSD Resolution’s nationwide network of 200 accredited therapists.
Tony Gauvain, chairman of PTSD Resolution, said the high-pressure environment of cybersecurity shares similarities with military service: “Both involve high-stakes decision-making, constant vigilance, and potential for moral injury when security breaches occur despite best efforts.”
“With cybersecurity professionals facing an avalanche of threats – including 2.7 million scam campaigns neutralised in 2021 – the psychological impact is profound.”
The initiative is particularly focused on tackling burnout, which can manifest in emotional exhaustion, depression, and a diminished sense of purpose. With the financial impact of cyber-attacks on UK businesses reaching an estimated £30.5 billion in 2023 alone, the human cost is becoming impossible to ignore.
UK Armed Forces veterans within CIISec will continue to receive services free of charge, in keeping with PTSD Resolution’s founding mission. Members seeking more information can visit the members’ area at www.ciisec.org.
