Data breaches and identity theft are no joke, especially when financial and emotional safety is concerned. This is why Americans fear cybercrime more than actual crime.
If you think it is a farce, these stats might make you change your mind. According to a study, 71% of Americans fear hacking attempts while 67% worry about identity theft.
More than that, cybersecurity is not a walk in the park either. The cybersecurity professionals who save millions from cyber threats are also impacted mentally. Increased work pressures, talent shortages, and the horrors of cybercrimes contribute to their burnout. It also poses one important question: How are the team leaders increasing conversations surrounding mental health in cybersecurity?
Let us explore in detail how no one is mentally immune from cybercrimes and the steps required to protect mental health.
How Does Cybercrime Affect People Mentally?
The digital world is an essential part of our daily lives. With easy access to the internet, it is impossible not to interact with the online world. However, this interaction is exactly what makes us vulnerable to cyber threats. As individuals, we are more prone to cybercrimes because we lack the security infrastructure needed to deter hackers. Apart from that, individuals also do not have the proper knowledge of cybercrime tactics and the growing attack surfaces. This further increases vulnerability.
Cybercrime negatively impacts people’s mental and emotional health. Let’s discuss some common instances that can psychologically impact individuals.
- Leaked personal pictures sold on the dark web.
- Leaked financial information causing monetary loss.
- Stolen customer data leads to business reputation damage.
The instances of cybercrime can cause people to suffer from:
- Increased stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Insomnia
- Eating Disorders
Some people already suffer from mental illnesses so cyber-attacks can worsen their symptoms.
How Does Cybercrime Affect Cybersecurity Professionals?
Cybersecurity is a high-pressure domain where the stakes are always high. Cybersecurity professionals have to deal with multiple stress factors that can negatively impact their mental health. Some of these factors are:
- Keeping up with the ever-evolving nature of cybercrime
- The pressure to safeguard sensitive data
- The ever-rising laws and regulations for cybersecurity.
- The sky-high stakes against millions in penalties.
- The ineffective security frameworks.
- Low budgets and high expectations.
Since there is so much at stake in cybersecurity; therefore, there is a lot of accountability, which further increases the pressure.
Does Cybercrime Affect Internet Providers?
Internet companies need to ensure that their infrastructure is most protected. A small loophole can lead the infiltrator to numerous users connected to the provider’s network. To protect their users, internet companies take rigorous measures at their end as well as at the user’s end. For instance, with Xfinity internet deals, users get xFi Advanced Wi-Fi that protects them from cyberattacks.
Consequences of the Lack of Mental Wellbeing in Cybersecurity
The deteriorating well-being of cybersecurity professionals points toward a glaring reality. The mental health of these professionals negatively impacts the security posture of the organization.
Constant stress or anxiety can affect an individual’s ability to make proactive decisions and analyze patterns. These are invaluable in cybersecurity and help professionals foresee attacks before they can happen. Failure to do so negatively impacts business continuity, reputation, and financial stability.
Therefore, pressure, stress, and mental health problems at an individual level ultimately affect the organization. This is why it becomes crucial for stakeholders to address mental health concerns and prioritize employee mental well-being.
How to Protect Your Mental Health?
It is due to these growing concerns that concepts like digital mental health are gaining traction in the community. Individuals and organizations can take steps to deal with the mental pressures caused by cyberattacks.
There are psychologists who specialize in digital mental well-being and guide people on how to deal with the trauma caused by cyberattacks. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a cyberattack, consulting a digital mental health provider is crucial.
Organizations can also arrange training to teach employees to cope with excessive stress and pressure. If cybersecurity professionals are aware of the techniques to handle stress, then they will be better equipped to contribute toward cyber-resilience.
Only a certified mental health specialist can teach us about the art of compartmentalization, dealing with emotions, and preparing for complex assignments.
Additionally, you can also look up mental well-being techniques that can help you protect your mental health online. These techniques and practices are designed to allow us to cope better and heal naturally.
Some of these techniques are:
- HALT Technique
- 54321 Method
- Breathing Exercises
- Journaling
Another thing you can do is report cybercrime as soon as you experience it. Learning about cybersecurity and protecting your digital presence can also help you. Lastly, do not forget to take breaks from the online world to reduce digital fatigue and stress.
That is all about the effect cybercrime has on mental individuals and the steps you can take to protect your mental well-being. The importance of mental well-being cannot be underestimated in any case. Since cybercrime continues to evolve, learning to protect yourself from cybercrime and manage your feelings is important.
