The Cyber Kindness Pledge
Most people in cyber security can name the moment. The question asked in good faith and answered with contempt. The mistake that became a running joke. The meeting where someone stopped speaking up and never really started again.
None of it made anybody safer.
What is the Cyber Kindness Pledge?
The Cyber Kindness Pledge is a short, public statement that high standards and human decency belong together. It does not lower the bar. It does not ask anyone to avoid the hard conversation or wave through weak work. It asks that the challenge lands on the idea and not on the person holding it.
Kindness is a security control. People who are not afraid of the room report incidents sooner, admit gaps earlier and ask the question that stops the breach.
Who Can Sign the pledge?
Anyone. Individuals and organisations, inside cyber security and well beyond it.
You can sign publicly and appear on our supporters wall, or sign anonymously if you would rather keep it to yourself.
Both are equally welcome.
We invite you to take the Cyber Kindness pledge – either publically or anonymously – and agree to the following commitments:
Challenge, Not Attack
I will challenge ideas without attacking people.
Call It Out
I will call out bullying, harassment, abuse and exclusion when I see it.
No Excuse For Cruelty
I will not excuse cruelty as banter, expertise or passion.
Lift Others Up
I will support those who are new to, returning to or finding their voice in the industry.
Safety Enables Good Work
I will recognise that psychological safety helps people do their best work.
Own My Mistakes
I will listen, learn and take accountability when I get things wrong.
build belonging
I will help build a community where people feel safe enough to speak, contribute and belong.
Respectful language matters
I will pay attention to how my words land, both in person and online.
protect those who speak up
I will stand with people who raise concerns, not leave them to face blame or retaliation alone.
impact Over Intent
I will own the impact of my words, not just my intentions.
Online Conduct
I will challenge ideas online the way I would in the room, by adding value rather than scoring points.
Active support
I will stand with people who are struggling, rather than step back.
Signposting
When I do not know the answer, I will point people to someone who does.
inclusion and plain langugage use
I will make room for people, avoid needless jargon and explain rather than exclude.
Ready to find out more about Cyber Kindness?
Get in touch with us today.