Meet Sumona Banerji
Cyber-Psychology & Cognitive Security Expert | Speaker | Youth Advocate | Director of MindShield
Sumona Banerji is a futurist, cyber-psychology expert and the founder of MindShield- an organisation pioneering the field of Cognitive Security (CogSec), dedicated to establishing it as a vital vertical within cybersecurity, education and mental health industries for individual, organizational, and government protection.
She began her journey as a documentary filmmaker, driven by the need to uncover complex narratives and protect those telling their stories. This led her to the realm of Artificial Intelligence as a tool to gather testimonials while safeguarding individuals from surveillance— almost instantly sparking a deeper curiosity in how exponential technologies impact human behaviour and wellbeing.
She followed up on her curiosity with a Master of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation at OCAD university of Toronto, where her thesis, “Future of Well-being: The Metaverse Era,” explored how emerging technologies such as Immersive Virtual Environments and Artificial Intelligence shape human cognition, social behavior, and overall well-being. This laid the groundwork for her to identify emerging threats in cyberspace, particularly the psychological vulnerabilities that both individuals and organizations face.
In 2023, Sumona founded MindShield to address these threats head-on. Her vision is to create a world where Cognitive Security is recognized as a fundamental component of cybersecurity strategies. MindShield's mission is to develop AI-based training solutions that strengthen mental resilience and cognitive defenses against digital manipulation, misinformation, and social engineering—key tactics used in cyber-attacks.
Sumona aims to reshape how we think about cybersecurity, moving beyond traditional data protection to include the protection of the human mind. She continues to drive MindShield’s growth with a singular focus: to ensure that Cognitive Security becomes a key element of national security strategies, organizational defense protocols, and individual safety in the digital era.
Seminars
Capitol Tech University:
In our technologically focused society, we assume that problems are best solved by better software and more advanced hardware. But we often neglect one of the weaker points of cybersecurity: the human psyche.
In this Women in Cyber Leadership Series webinar, hosted by Capitol Tech's Center for Women in Cyber (CWC), our presenter Sumona Banerji, MDES, will discuss cognitive security, an emerging discipline that centers on defending the mind against cyber manipulation, misinformation, and sophisticated psychological tactics.
UWIC Opening Power Panel:
Cybersecurity threats know no borders, and as such, a comprehensive understanding of regional challenges is paramount in fortifying global defenses.
Microsoft Reactor Series:
The Generative AI panel aims to bring together industry leaders, professionals, and emerging artists to explore innovative applications of Generative AI in the creative field.
FIC North America 2023:
A Defense Against Psychological Operations and the need for Cognitive Security in the face of Cyberwar.
Speaking & Workshop Topics
01
Intro to Cyberpsychology
Cyber psychology studies how human behavior is shaped and influenced online. From identity formation and digital addiction to social influence and cyberbullying, our actions and decisions change in response to the unique dynamics of the virtual world. This talk coversHow digital spaces shape our identity, emotions, and cognition.The psychological impacts of social media, tech addiction, and digital fatigue.How to develop healthy relationships with technology for mental well-being and productivity.Crucial for organizations, educational institutions, and mental health professionals seeking to better understand the psychological effects of technology on their teams, students, or patients.
02
Human Factors in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity isn't just about firewalls and encryption—it's about people. Sumona Banerji explains how human psychology can be the weakest or strongest link in the security chain. Learn about:
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The psychology of social engineering and how hackers exploit human emotions like trust, fear, and urgency.
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Cognitive biases that lead to poor decision-making in cyber crisis situations.
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Practical methods to train employees and executives to recognize and resist manipulation tactics.
This talk is ideal for C-suite executives, IT departments, and HR professionals aiming to strengthen their human firewall.
03
Impact of Virtual Environments on Psychological well-being
The Metaverse is poised to change how we socialize, work, and even live, but with these changes come new challenges for our mental health. In this forward-looking talk, we explore:
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How immersive digital environments impact our mental well-being, social interactions, and sense of self.
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The potential for tech addiction in virtual worlds and how to mitigate it.
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Ethical concerns and the importance of digital citizenship in these new spaces.
If you’re an organization exploring the Metaverse or an individual curious about its implications on well-being, this session will offer insights and practical advice.
04
Online Child Safety and Digital Citizenship
Cyber psychology studies how human behavior is shaped and influenced online. From identity formation and digital addiction to social influence and cyberbullying, our actions and decisions change in response to the unique dynamics of the virtual world. This talk coversHow digital spaces shape our identity, emotions, and cognition.The psychological impacts of social media, tech addiction, and digital fatigue.How to develop healthy relationships with technology for mental well-being and productivity.Crucial for organizations, educational institutions, and mental health professionals seeking to better understand the psychological effects of technology on their teams, students, or patients.
05
Psychology of AI and Human Adaptation
Cyber psychology studies how human behavior is shaped and influenced online. From identity formation and digital addiction to social influence and cyberbullying, our actions and decisions change in response to the unique dynamics of the virtual world. This talk coversHow digital spaces shape our identity, emotions, and cognition.The psychological impacts of social media, tech addiction, and digital fatigue.How to develop healthy relationships with technology for mental well-being and productivity.Crucial for organizations, educational institutions, and mental health professionals seeking to better understand the psychological effects of technology on their teams, students, or patients.
06
Cognitive Security: Next Frontier of Defense
Cyber psychology studies how human behavior is shaped and influenced online. From identity formation and digital addiction to social influence and cyberbullying, our actions and decisions change in response to the unique dynamics of the virtual world. This talk coversHow digital spaces shape our identity, emotions, and cognition.The psychological impacts of social media, tech addiction, and digital fatigue.How to develop healthy relationships with technology for mental well-being and productivity.Crucial for organizations, educational institutions, and mental health professionals seeking to better understand the psychological effects of technology on their teams, students, or patients.