The Silent Aftermath: How Cyber Crimes Are Fueling a Mental Health Crisis

It’s not often that "mental health" comes up when you think about the aftermath of a cybercrime on an individual. Yet, the emotional aftermath from these digital violations can be as debilitating as the financial losses. The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) sheds light on this overlooked aspect, revealing that 66% of victims of social media account takeovers report experiencing strong emotional reactions, including stress and anxiety. This emotional distress spans across all age groups, highlighting the universal impact and the need for preventative measures and support. For those interested, further details can be found in the ITRC’s 2022 Annual Data Breach Report.

The effects of cyber threats on mental health are truly profound. I have always felt this sentiment deeply, but seeing the research and hearing feedback from our communities has been exponential. A study published in the 'Journal of Cybersecurity' illustrates that victims often endure symptoms similar to traumatic stress, including shock, confusion, and a sense of betrayal. These acute emotional responses can evolve into long-term psychological issues such as depression and anxiety, underlining how the impact of cyberattacks goes far beyond immediate financial or data losses.?

I personally saw this firsthand when my Baba’s Facebook account was hacked, pushing my sweet, compassionate Baba into a state of panic. As I guided him through securing his accounts, including advising him to change the answers to his security questions, his response during this stressful time—concerned about the need to alter his security information without lying—highlighted not only a misunderstanding about digital security practices but also the deep emotional toll these incidents can take. From his story, we learned invaluable lessons that now underpin the ethos of Cyber Collective’s work.?

• Firstly, there is a widespread misconception about technology, which often feels as mystical and misunderstood.
• Secondly, the lack of accessible resources and education poses significant barriers, preventing many from fully understanding or engaging with the technology that permeates their lives.?
• And thirdly, our digital actions have tangible, physical repercussions, particularly on mental health; making data and tech literacy increasingly crucial.

And while this story might uniquely belong to Baba, the experience is far from singular.

Adding to the spectrum of cyber threats, that unfortunately is not always considered are severe forms of online exploitation such as deepfake pornography and sexploitation disproportionately affecting women and girls. These digital threats extend the definition of cybercrime beyond traditional boundaries, necessitating urgent responses. Thankfully, organizations like Equality Now have highlighted the accessibility and distribution of deepfakes, prompting calls for comprehensive legal frameworks to address these crimes. (Source: Equality Now)

The ITRC’s 2023 Business Impact Report also highlights broader implications, noting that nearly 34% of global respondents felt overwhelmed by the efforts needed to protect themselves online, leading to cyber fatigue. This state contributes significantly to mental exhaustion and diminishes individuals' psychological resilience.

Recognizing the significant impact of cyber threats on mental health underscores the critical need for comprehensive digital safety education that addresses both the technical and emotional aspects of online security. That’s where Cyber Collective comes in. We are dedicated to empowering individuals to navigate and recover from these challenges effectively. As we continue to navigate a digitally interconnected world, the conversation about cybersecurity must evolve to include mental health considerations. By integrating preventative measures with strategies for emotional management, digital safety education can ensure a more secure and mentally resilient digital society.

I encourage you to share this article with funders, philanthropists, and conference organizers. Your support through sharing, positioning us for speaking engagements, and donations will help us continue our mission to ensure a safer digital future for all.

To learn more about our work, visit www.cybercollective.org.

To book me for a speaking engagement, email [email protected].