Cybersecurity professionals set to gain new trauma support

The Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) and PTSD Resolution have formed a partnership to provide trauma therapy and mental health support for cybersecurity professionals.

This agreement comes amid heightened concern regarding mental health in the cybersecurity sector, particularly following recent high-profile cyberattacks targeting UK retailers. With more than 10,000 cybersecurity professionals in its membership, CIISec's collaboration with PTSD Resolution aims to address the increasing psychological challenges caused by persistent cyber threats and workplace stress.

The partnership, in effect from 1 May 2025, will introduce a structured programme specifically designed to meet the mental health needs of those working in the cybersecurity industry. This initiative includes trauma awareness training along with access to professional therapy services for CIISec members. CIISec's State of the Profession 2020/21 report indicates that over half (51%) of cybersecurity professionals have experienced significant mental health impacts as a result of work-related stress.

Cybercrime remains a major threat to UK businesses, with an estimated 8.58 million incidents each year, according to government surveys. In the past year, the National Cyber Security Centre responded to 542 incidents classified as nationally significant, underlying the intensity and frequency of threats. With potential annual economic losses estimated at GBP £27 billion, those on the cyber frontlines are under sustained pressure.

Colonel Tony Gauvain (Retired), Chairman of PTSD Resolution, said: "Executive burnout and the trauma experienced in high-pressure cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity professionals before burnout leads to serious mental health issues."

Under the new programme, PTSD Resolution will deliver several levels of support. Twice-yearly online Trauma Awareness Training for Everyone (TATE) workshops will be made available for CIISec Corporate Members. More comprehensive half-day training sessions will be offered to organisations, focusing on equipping managers with the skills to identify and respond to signs of trauma or distress within their teams. In addition, CIISec members will be able to directly access confidential therapy through PTSD Resolution's network of 200 accredited therapists, with an average treatment comprising seven sessions.

Amanda Finch, CEO of CIISec, stated: "The mental wellbeing of cybersecurity 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 focus of the partnership extends to addressing professional burnout, which is often characterised by emotional exhaustion, depression, and a reduced sense of accomplishment. The psychological impact of defending against cyberattacks is evidenced by recovery costs to UK businesses, which were estimated at GBP £30.5 billion from 1.5 million attacks during 2023.

CIISec Corporate Members will have access to specialised training aimed at fostering resilient, supportive work environments. Individual members are able to receive confidential therapy services without the need for an employer or medical referral.

PTSD Resolution will continue to provide free services to UK Armed Forces veterans who are members of CIISec, maintaining alignment with its founding mission to support veterans and their families with mental health care.