Akamai reveals cybercrime's impact on UK mental health

New research from Akamai has revealed a 'cybercrime mental health crisis' affecting victims in the UK.

In a survey conducted by Akamai, 1,002 British victims of cybercrime were asked about their experiences and the subsequent impacts on their mental health. The research highlighted the severe emotional, financial, and professional effects of cyber scams and attacks.

The financial burden of cybercrime was evident, with victims losing on average GBP £808. One in five respondents reported struggling to pay bills or needing to cut back on essential spending such as food due to these financial losses.

The mental health implications of cybercrime are significant yet less widely appreciated. Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed felt traumatised by their experiences, while feelings of shame and embarrassment were admitted by 59% and 67% of victims, respectively. Additionally, over half (55%) continued to experience anxiety, particularly when using online services, and nearly one in three (29%) reported having trouble sleeping.

Despite the prevalence of these issues, many victims chose not to disclose their experiences. More than two-fifths (43%) avoided discussing what happened to them, fearing judgment. Similarly, 41% of victims concealed the true extent of their emotional distress. Moreover, nearly two-thirds (64%) held themselves accountable for the incident.

Natalie Billingham, EMEA Managing Director at Akamai, commented, "Cybercrime is incredibly common. And with the rise of AI, it's becoming even more difficult to tell the difference between a genuine request from someone you know, and a scammer. Cybercrime is not just a technological issue; it's a human one. Cybercriminals prey on a victim's vulnerability as there's still a perception that if you're a victim of cybercrime, you've done something wrong. They rely on their victims not talking about their attack. We need to stop this 'cyberstigma' because if we're more understanding about cybercrime, and talk about it more, we'll stand a better chance of fighting back against cybercriminals."

The study found victims encountered various types of cybercrime, with phishing being the most common at 57%, followed by identity theft at 33%, phone hacking at 30%, and ransomware at 15%. However, 55% indicated a lack of resources and support to help them, while 70% expressed a need for more support for cybercrime victims.

To address these findings, Akamai, in collaboration with Dr Tara Quinn-Cirillo, an associate fellow of the British Psychological Society, has published guidance titled "It's Time to Talk About Cyberstigma." This guide aims to facilitate open discussions about cybercrime's mental health impact and offers advice for both victims and the general public on protection against cyber threats.

Dr Tara Quinn-Cirillo remarked, "Cybercrime can be devastating to an individual's mental well-being. As this research has shown, self-blame is common, and feeds into feelings of inadequacy that can be incredibly toxic. The truth is, today cybercrime can happen to anyone, and it's so important we consider the mental health effects of this type of crime on victims. I'm proud to contribute to this important work shedding light on this under-reported issue."

The research was conducted by Censuswide, encompassing respondents who had been victims of cybercrime in the past year.