Learn how cyber attacks harm mental health

TLDR:

• Cyber attacks not only cause physical damage but also have significant psychological effects on staff members, leading to feelings of fear, shame, and guilt.
• Leaders need to foster a culture of support to minimize the impact of cyber attacks on the mental health of frontline IT staff.

Every business will, at some point, be impacted by cyber attacks, causing data loss, encryption by ransomware operators, or service disruptions. However, the psychological effects of cyber attacks on staff members are often overlooked. Staff can be left with feelings of fear, shame, and guilt, especially those directly involved in IT security. Parisa Bazl, head of user experience at Commvault, discusses the psychological harms associated with cyber attacks and how organizations can better support their frontline IT staff.

Full Article:

As organizations prepare their first line of defense against cyber attacks, the focus is often on the physical damage they cause, such as data loss and service disruptions. However, the psychological effects of cyber attacks on staff members are equally significant. Staff members may experience feelings of fear, shame, and guilt, particularly those directly involved in IT security.

Parisa Bazl, head of user experience at data protection firm Commvault, emphasizes the importance of addressing the psychological harms associated with cyber attacks. Staff members may feel guilty about vulnerabilities or failures in defending the organization, even though cyber attacks are increasingly inevitable due to their sophistication.

Bazl highlights the need for organizations to foster a culture of support to minimize the impact of cyber attacks on the mental health of frontline IT staff. Leaders must consider the human aspect of cyber attacks and provide adequate resources and support to help staff cope with the emotional toll of such incidents.

In conclusion, while organizations focus on strengthening their cybersecurity defenses, it is essential to also prioritize the mental well-being of staff members affected by cyber attacks. By acknowledging and addressing the psychological effects of these incidents, organizations can create a supportive environment that promotes resilience and recovery among their IT teams.