Why Mental Health Awareness Matters to Businesses

In the UK, the fast paced, high stakes cost of cybercrime continues to rise. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and the Department for Digital Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) have repeatedly warned that cyberattacks are not only becoming more frequent but are more sophisticated, targeted and disruptive than ever. In an increasingly volatile landscape where milliseconds matter, the human mind behind the machine is vital.  

Recent research reveals that cyberattacks don’t just threaten data – they threaten people. In today’s hybrid workplaces, every employee plays a role in cyber defence. Phishing attacks and social engineering tactics exploit moments of mental fatigue or distraction. A 2023 report by the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec), found that over 51% of professionals had experienced mental health challenges directly related to their roles. This included stress, anxiety, burnout, sleep disruption, and reduced cognitive function – all which impair judgement and the ability to detect anomalies.  

In other words, an overstretched, overwhelmed employee is statistically more likely to miss threats that could otherwise have been prevented. When organisations rely on individuals to remain alert and responsive, unmanaged mental fatigue becomes more than a wellbeing concern – it becomes a security risk.  

That is why mental health should be treated as a core pillar of any organisation’s cyber resilience strategy. Preventative care, stress education, and accessible wellbeing tools can be seamlessly integrated into corporate digital operations. Simple solutions to manage stress with practical techniques such as audio guided focus sessions, mindfulness microbreaks, and sensory based stress reduction, can help employees self-regulate stress and stay cognitively sharp throughout the day. Studies show that even short, consistent wellbeing practices can significantly improve concentration, emotional control, and decision making.  

If you are a company looking to explore practical ways to build mental resilience across your organisation, BCC IT can provide research-based toolkits that build long term secure habits to reduce stress-driven mistakes.  

Built by experts in behaviour change, neuroscience, and cybersecurity, we offer an add-on mobile and web app, that complements our End-User Training Suite. This mindfulness driven solution is designed to help employees manage stress and improve focus and information processing – which can increase attention and reduce phishing attack click rates. Designed to fit seamlessly into the working day without disrupting workflow, it uses innovative techniques, such as: 

• Discreet breathwork exercises for increased focus and stress reduction 

• Audio tools – Binaural beats and nature sounds for calmness and attention, that avoid the distractions a typical playlist might cause. 

• Interactive touchpads designed for tactile learners that can aid task transitions with ease and clarity. 

For more guidance on embedding wellbeing into your cyber resilience strategy, reach out to our friendly, professional team today. Together we can reduce stress-driven mistakes, strengthen awareness, and protect your people – and your data. 

Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) – 2023 State of the Profession Report 

https://WWW.CIISEC.ORG 

Department for Digital, culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) – Cyber Security Breaches Survey 

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/cyber-security-breaches-survey 

National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – Cyber Threat Reports and Guidance 

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk