LONDON, UK. 6th December, 2024 – In a groundbreaking move to address the mental health crisis within the cyber security industry, Cybermindz and Gibbs Consulting have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate industry specific, military proven mental resilience training in the UK.
The partnership will offer 50 fully-funded places in Cybermindz’ BaseCamp™ program, providing a gateway back to mental resilience and fitness for cyber security professionals on the front lines of digital defence.
The initiative comes in light of recent UK research showing a disturbing trend:
- Current 12-month burnout rates have reached a staggering 50% in the cyber security industry
- 35% of respondents believe they are going to cross the burnout line in the next six months and
- 80% of respondents estimate they will burn out within the next three years.
According to September 2024 UK Government research, the significant cyber security talent deficit is impacting both businesses and national security. Key findings include:
- Approximately 44% of UK businesses lack employees with the confidence to perform essential cyber security tasks, such as those outlined in the Cyber Essentials scheme.
- Around 27% of businesses report deficiencies in advanced cyber security skills, including penetration testing and incident management.
- Confidence in handling cyber incidents has declined, with 48% of businesses doubting their ability to manage breaches, up from 27% in 2020.
- The cyber security sector faces an estimated shortfall of 11,200 professionals needed to meet current demand, with women’s participation in key roles falling by 22% in the last three years.
According to the Gibbs/Cybermindz partnership, these statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted training programs, recruitment initiatives, and policy interventions to:
- Stem the tide of skills loss
- Improve individual and team performance, and
- Bridge the cyber security skills gap in the UK.
What the Cybermindz Initiative Brings to the Sector
The neuroscience backed, military proven support program developed by Cybermindz utilises a tool called Integrative Restoration or iRest® developed by US mental health pioneer, Dr Richard Miller.The program—the first of its kind in the UK—is designed to give cyber security professionals a peer-informed solution to combat burnout and maintain peak performance under pressure.
Applications for the 50 funded places are open to cyber security professionals nationwide, with priority given to those in high-stress roles such as CISOs, SOC analysts, red teamers and incident responders.
Farida Gibbs, Founder and CEO of Gibbs Consulting, spoke on the urgency 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, highlighted the transformative potential of the partnership:
“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.”
Two recent participants of Cybermindz programs shared their experiences:
Simon Orcsik, SOC Team Leader:
“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 program 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, Information Security Manager
“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.”
Application Process
Cybermindz.org and Gibbs Consulting are calling on all UK-based cyber security professionals to apply for these placements. Applications are expected to fill quickly due to the high demand for mental fitness support within the sector. For more information or to apply for the program, please visit: http://cybermindz.org/basecamp-gibbs
ENDS