PTSD Resolution and CIISec Partner to Address Mental Health in Cybersecurity

New agreement will provide trauma therapy and mental health support to cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity environment. Recent research indicates that over half (51%) of cybersecurity 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 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 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 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 partnership particularly focuses on addressing burnout, which manifests through symptoms including emotional exhaustion, depression, and reduced sense of accomplishment. With cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity sector.

Media Contacts:

PTSD Resolution:

Email: patrick.rea@ptsdresolution.org

Phone: 0300 302 0551

CIISec:

Email: media@ciisec.org

References

1. 8.58 million cyber crimes against UK businesses in 2024

Source: Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 (GOV.UK)

2. 542 nationally significant NCSC incidents (Sept 2023–Aug 2024)

Source: NCSC Annual Review 2024 (techUK)

3.£27 billion annual cost of cyber crime to the UK economy

Source: The Cost of Cyber Crime Report (UK Government PDF)

4. 2.7 million scams neutralized by NCSC’s ACD Programme in 2021

Source: Cybersecurity Unit Tackled Record Scams (Credit Connect)

5. £30.5 billion SME recovery costs from 1.5 million attacks in 2023

Source: Beaming Cyber Crime Report 2023 (Enterprise Nation)

Ends

Editors notes

PTSD Resolution: Free, Prompt, Confidential and Effective treatment for Military Post-Traumatic Stress

PTSD Resolution, Charity No. 1133188, provides therapy for the mental welfare of Forces’ Veterans, Reservists and their families. Treatment is free, effective and delivered promptly and locally through a network of 200 therapists nationwide, and also by phone and internet. The charity can also work with organisations to help the mental welfare of their non-veteran staff, by arrangement.

Founded in 2009, the charity is accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists to the Quality Network for Veterans Mental Health Services (QNVMHS). It has had over 3,500 referrals to date, and delivers therapy in an average of seven sessions, with major number of cases seeing an improvement to where the client and therapist agree that no further therapy is required.

The charity is one of the only organisations to provide therapy to veterans suffering with addiction issues or who are in prison - as well as to family members, including partners and children, who may experience the symptoms of trauma from living with a traumatised veteran.

PTSD Resolution has a uniquely ‘lean’ operation, with no salaried staff or assets - funds are used to deliver therapy and for essential research and public information.

Contact www.PTSDresolution.org