CISO Trainings , Governance & Risk Management , Leadership & Executive Communication
Mental Health as a Security Vulnerability
Neal O'Farrell on the Importance of Stress Management
Increasing stress levels for cybersecurity professionals pose a serious organizational security risk, says Neal O’Farrell, founder of the PsyberResilience Project, a mental health advocacy group.
See Also: The CISO Playbook for Cloud Security
Stress and burnout among cybersecurity pros, who O'Farrell refers to as “digital first responders,” not only increase the potential for them to make errors but also create opportunities for cybercriminals, he says. “The adversaries are beginning to realize that mental exhaustion is potentially a way in."
In a video interview with Information Security Media Group, O’Farrell discusses;
- The PsyberReslience Project and why mental health is a new security vulnerability;
- Advice on wellness steps cybersecurity pros can take;
- How “smart cities” projects could help improve mental health.
O'Farrell is a 35-year veteran of the security industry and founder of the PsyberResilience project, which launched a movement to develop a mental health baseline among cybersecurity professionals and to tackle their stress issues.
