Last Updated on: 8th December 2024, 10:08 am
Cybermindz and Gibbs Consulting have partnered to launch a pioneering mental resilience programme designed specifically for the UK’s cyber security workforce. Combining neuroscience-based techniques with military-proven methods, the initiative addresses the mounting mental health challenges facing professionals in this high-pressure field.
A key component of the partnership is the offering of 50 fully-funded places in Cybermindz’s BaseCamp™ programme, a groundbreaking training course aimed at helping cyber security experts regain mental resilience and maintain peak performance under stress.
The programme responds to troubling statistics from recent research into mental health within the industry:
- 50% of cyber security professionals experienced burnout in the last year.
- 35% expect to reach burnout within six months.
- 80% predict they will burn out within the next three years.
Additionally, findings from the UK Government’s September 2024 research reveal:
- 44% of businesses lack employees confident in performing key cyber security tasks outlined in the Cyber Essentials scheme.
- 27% report a shortage of advanced skills, including penetration testing and incident response.
- Confidence in managing cyber incidents has dropped significantly, with 48% of organisations now doubting their ability to handle breaches, compared to 27% in 2020.
- The industry faces a shortage of 11,200 professionals, and women’s participation in key roles has declined by 22% over the past three years.
Programme Highlights
Cybermindz’s BaseCamp™ programme leverages Integrative Restoration (iRest®), a unique method developed by US mental health pioneer Dr Richard Miller. This peer-informed approach provides practical tools for addressing burnout and maintaining resilience. The programme is tailored to high-stress roles, such as CISOs, SOC analysts, red teamers, and incident responders.
Applications for the 50 funded places are open to UK-based professionals, with places expected to fill rapidly.
Farida Gibbs, Founder and CEO of Gibbs Consulting, underscored the importance of the initiative:
“We are witnessing an unsustainable level of mental health challenges within cyber security. Our collaboration with Cybermindz.org is not just timely—it’s essential. By underwriting these training places, we’re sending a message that mental resilience support is critical, not optional. We want to ensure that those at the front lines of cyber defence are equipped not only to protect our digital assets, but also to safeguard their own well-being.”
Peter Coroneos, Founder of Cybermindz, emphasised the transformative impact of the programme:
“This partnership signifies a commitment to the health of the cyber security workforce. By offering these early adopter placements, we’re not only expanding Cybermindz’ reach in the UK but directly empowering those in critical roles and adding momentum to a growing movement that recognises the importance of mental resilience as a key pillar of cyber security.”
Feedback from programme participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Simon Orcsik, a SOC Team Leader, shared:
“Cybermindz offers crucial strategies to help people in the industry manage stress, improve their cognitive recovery and focus. I have not seen anything offered like this in the industry. The programme has had a great effect on my burnout recovery; I highly recommend it as a very good addition to the cyber defender’s toolkit.”
Joseph Miller, an Information Security Manager, added:
“As an Information Security Manager who has battled severe anxiety for years, I am deeply grateful for the incredible support and services provided. This work is invaluable, and knowing there are people like you in the field gives me great hope and joy for the future. I cannot express enough how impactful your assistance has been; it’s helped me unwind and stay calm, using the techniques we discussed multiple times. Thank you for making such a significant difference in my life.”
How to Apply
Applications for the 50 fully-funded places in the programme are now open and are expected to fill quickly due to high demand. Cyber security professionals across the UK are encouraged to apply. For further details and to apply, visit: http://cybermindz.org/basecamp-gibbs.
