Cyber Mindfulness Corner

In an increasingly digital world, cybersecurity has become a critical aspect of our daily lives, with our personal information, financial data, and even national security at stake. However, as the field of cybersecurity continues to evolve, a glaring lack of diversity persists. The underrepresentation of certain groups, including women, minority communities, and individuals with diverse backgrounds, not only deprives the industry of valuable perspectives, innovative ideas and thought leadership, but also poses a significant risk...

According to a 2023 report by Cynet, 94% of surveyed CISOs are grappling with work-induced stress, with 65% admitting to its impact on their organizational defense capabilities. Moreover, approximately 8 in 10 employees note that work-linked stress adversely affects their physical and mental health. Stress impacts cybersecurity on two fronts. Cyber professionals are contending with ongoing threats and enduring taxing hours, which lead to errors and compromised judgments. Simultaneously, strained employees exhibit reduced threat awareness,...

At the IT Security Guru we’re showcasing organisations that are passionate about making cybersecurity a healthier, more mindful industry. This week's guest has set up a dedicated organisation to do just that! Peter Coroneos, Founder and Executive Chairman at Cybermindz, spoke to the Gurus about the importance of supporting the wellbeing of cybersecurity professionals and why the time is now for change. Peter is a cybersecurity veteran, with years of experience across the cyber and...

With the deadline for this year's Security Serious Unsung Heroes nominations rapidly approaching, our Gurus spoke to Christine Gordon-Bennett, Manager Cybersecurity Awareness at Nedbank, who was last year's winner of the Wellbeing Advocate Award. We asked her about the importance of leading by example, what she's been up to in the year since her win, and what makes a good wellbeing advocate. Why is it important that cybersecurity leaders take a stance on wellbeing? Gordon-Bennett...

At the IT Security Guru, we often talk a lot about the stresses faced by the industry leaders. New research by Kin + Carta has revealed that 94% of business leaders globally admit that "tech anxiety" keeps them up at night. The survey also revealed that this anxiety is as a result of the rapid pace of digital and technological change, and is promoting top executives to invest more in digital transformation. "Tech anxiety" is...

An organisation's attitudes to cybersecurity are almost as important as the steps taken to prevent such attacks. Regardless, when something does go wrong, blame culture tends to run rife. With rising fear of litigation, a human tendency to want to know who's responsible and increased attacks across the board, business and security leaders must decide to foster a culture of free of blame - or not. Mistakes happen, but when mixed with fear, shame and...

We all know that cybersecurity is stressful; we've seen the many stats that say that professionals are burnt out and stressed. But what the industry needs is changemakers and people willing to lead the movement towards a healthier future. Today, The Nineteen Group has announced that they are revolutionising wellbeing support for professionals at cybersecurity exhibitions. Enter The International Cyber Expo's Cyber Wellbeing Corner, the first of its kind at cybersecurity exhibitions globally. The Nineteen Group...

We know that the cybersecurity industry has a skills gap and talent shortage. We also know that hiring from a larger, more diverse talent pool may be a good place to start. But how does diversity, equity and inclusion feed into tech recruitment? James Stanbridge, Head of Product at Omnilndex, sat down with Business Development Manager at OmniIndex Lucy McKechnie to discuss the subject.  The pair sat down in advance of IFA Berlin 2023, which...

At the IT Security Guru we’re showcasing organisations that are passionate about making cybersecurity a healthier, more mindful industry. This week, Jack Chapman, VP of Threat Intelligence at Egress, spoke to the Gurus about the human side of phishing, leading by example, and eradicating blame culture. When it comes to mental health and wellbeing support, Egress are a shining example of how a rounded, but personalised approach is key. They offer a wide range of...

The cybersecurity skills gap and talent shortage is a topic on the agenda of almost every board across the industry - and it's becoming an ever more urgent discussion. In fact, according to the 2023 State of the CISO report by Salt Security, 91% of CISOs agree that finding and keeping qualified cybersecurity talent significantly impacts their ability to deliver on digital transformation initiatives. With an estimated global workforce gap of around 3.4 million people,...