Flourish - Latest Edition - Flipbook - Page 26
ack
MIND
The Mental Health
Impact of a
BY CONVERGE
In our digital age, the
threat of cyber-attacks
looms large, affecting
individuals, businesses,
and organisations alike.
Beyond the immediate
material damage,
these attacks can have
major psychological
implications for those
targeted. Understanding
these effects, learning
how to cope, and
seeking appropriate
support are crucial
steps in recovering from
such experiences.
Understanding that
anyone can become a
target of cybercrime is
the 昀椀rst line of defence.
If you or someone you
know has been a target
of a cyber-a琀琀ack at work,
recognising that cybera琀琀acks are not personal
but rather opportunis琀椀c
can help avoid feelings of
self-blame.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU’VE BEEN TARGETED?
We talk a lot about the importance of keeping yourself
safe online, but we don’t o昀琀en talk about the personal
fallout from experiencing cyber-crime. Several factors can
in昀氀uence a person’s vulnerability, including:
• Online ac琀椀vi琀椀es
• Mental health history
• Personal traits
• A琀�tudes and skills using technology
A vic琀椀m of a cyber-a琀琀ack may lose more than money or
dignity; they could also experience adverse psychological
e昀昀ects, such as anxiety or depression, shame and guilt, and
reduced enjoyment of online ac琀椀vi琀椀es they once trusted.
In some cases, people may experience symptoms of posttrauma琀椀c stress disorder (PTSD).
