Over the last ten years, WCRC Director Paul Peters has spoken with many business owners who have unfortunately fallen victim to a cyber-attack, and while the financial, operational, and reputational damage is widely discussed, the significant emotional and psychological toll often goes unrecognised.
Cyber-attacks affect not just systems and data but also people, whether they are employees, business owners, or customers, leading to immediate stress and anxiety, as well as long-term psychological strain. This human impact is one of the most profound yet overlooked consequences of cybercrime.
When a cyber-attack occurs, those affected can experience a range of emotions, especially those in leadership roles or cyber security teams. There may be feelings of guilt or fear over potential repercussions, even when the breach was beyond their control. Business owners may face financial uncertainty, reputational damage, and intense pressure to resolve the crisis as quickly as possible.
These factors contribute to heightened stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. A recent UK survey on cybercrime victims, commissioned by Akamai, revealed that most victims feel ashamed, as though they have done something wrong, and believe there is an unfair stigma associated with being targeted.
Cybercrime can significantly disrupt a workplace affecting business continuity, but as well as this, employees may struggle to focus due to fears of further attacks, or develop a distrust of technology, or worry about job security. Productivity can decline as teams work long hours to recover lost data and rebuild security systems. The pressure to restore normal operations can quickly lead to burnout, leaving employees feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
However, the consequences don’t simply disappear once systems are restored. Those affected can remain anxious about security vulnerabilities, becoming overly cautious or even paranoid about legitimate requests. Business owners and managers, meanwhile, must work tirelessly to rebuild trust with customers and stakeholders, often at the expense of their own well-being, leading to prolonged stress, insomnia, and fatigue.
Mitigating the Mental Health Impact
While cyber-attacks may be an unavoidable risk, there are proactive steps organisations can take to reduce their psychological toll:
Clear Communication in a Crisis: Transparency is crucial. Keeping employees informed about the situation, the recovery plan, and available support can ease uncertainty and prevent misinformation from spreading.
Regular Cyber Security Training: Educating employees on cyber security best practices boosts their confidence and reduces anxiety while strengthening the organisation's defences.
Preparedness Through Planning: Having a well-practiced incident response plan ensures that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities, reducing panic and preventing burnout during a crisis.
Fostering a Blame-free Culture: Encouraging open dialogue and support rather than punishment empowers employees to report security concerns without fear.
Providing Access to Professional Support: Encouraging affected individuals to seek professional counselling can help them cope with the emotional fallout of an attack.
Cyber-attacks don’t just threaten data—they disrupt lives. Addressing their psychological impact is just as important as mitigating financial and operational damage. By cultivating a culture of transparency, support, and preparedness, businesses can help employees recover emotionally as well as operationally. Taking care of the people behind the screens ensures not only resilience in the face of cyber threats but also a healthier, more secure future for all.
If you have any cyber-related queries or would like further support on how to better protect yourself and team members, please contact us. We also have a range of resources, toolkits and guidance which is accessible when you join our free membership programme.
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