Navigating the Unknown: Strategies for Cybersecurity Professionals in an Uncertain World

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | 10:30AM–11:15AM ET | Harborside Ballroom D, 4th Floor
Session Type: Breakout Session
Delivery Format: Presentation/Panel
The cybersecurity profession is demanding and ever-evolving, especially in today’s era of heightened uncertainty, rapid technological change, and increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats. For cybersecurity professionals in higher education, this pressure is compounded by unique challenges such as limited resources, competing priorities, and the need to balance security with academic freedom and open access to information. As the pace of cyberattacks escalates, so too does the strain on those tasked with defending against them. This panel discussion will focus on a critical, but often overlooked, aspect of cybersecurity: the mental health and well-being of professionals who work on the front lines of defending higher education institutions. By exploring the emotional and psychological toll that uncertainty and high-stress environments can have, we aim to provide actionable insights for how cybersecurity professionals can stay resilient, manage stress, and maintain their mental health in the face of continuous challenges.

Presenters

  • Carolyn Ellis

    Director, Research Cybersecurity and Compliance, Arizona State University

  • Joanna Grama

    Senior Principal, Vantage Technology Consulting Group

  • Kim Milford

    Executive Strategic Consultant, Vantage Technology Consulting Group

  • Amy Starzynski Coddens

    Senior Vice President of Training Services, Peak InfoSec LLC

Resources & Downloads

  • Resources and additional material

    Updated on 5/21/2025

  • Navigating the Unknown presentation

    Updated on 5/14/2025