A new survey by Kaspersky reveals that digital anxiety is becoming an increasing issue for employees in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) region. The survey finds that 83% of workers monitor work tasks outside of their regular working hours, with 85% responding to messages and checking emails during their personal time. Additionally, 81% admit to responding to work emails while on vacation.
This constant pressure to stay available is contributing to higher levels of stress. Work-related issues, such as accidentally sending a random message to a work chat, have caused anxiety for 43% of respondents. Interestingly, not all digital mistakes are perceived equally, with 40% of respondents remaining calm after sending an unfinished email.
Kaspersky’s research also highlights how the pressure to remain available impacts employees’ cybersecurity awareness. When under stress, employees may act impulsively, increasing the risk of falling victim to phishing attacks and other forms of cybercrime. Brandon Muller, Technical Expert at Kaspersky, emphasizes that when employees feel pressured to respond quickly, they may overlook essential security checks, making them more susceptible to scams.
Muhammad Asad Ul Rehman, a cybersecurity expert, pointed out that digital anxiety is not just a workplace issue but a growing national concern in rapidly digitalizing countries like Pakistan. He stressed that cybersecurity should be treated as a priority, requiring continuous investment both at the organizational and individual levels.
Kaspersky offers advice for managing digital anxiety, such as slowing down before replying to urgent messages and verifying suspicious requests. The company also recommends using cybersecurity tools like Kaspersky Premium’s AI-powered anti-phishing features to reduce risks.
For businesses, providing regular cybersecurity training and using comprehensive protection tools can help mitigate risks related to digital anxiety. Kaspersky’s cloud-native protection solutions, such as Kaspersky Security for Mail Server, are designed to help reduce phishing-related infections and bolster security efforts.
