Title: Victims of cybercrime are suffering emotional trauma - Infosecurity Magazine
Headings: #ISC2Congress: Cybercrime Victims Left Depressed and Traumatized
#ISC2Congress: Cybercrime Victims Left Depressed and Traumatized
Eleanor Dallaway Editorial Director, Infosecurity Magazine
Victims of cybercrime are suffering emotional trauma which can lead to depression, an expert warned

Content: They’re upset, they’re depressed, they feel guilt.” From a behavioral standpoint, victims can suffer insomnia and eating disorders, Howard said, “and as we’ve seen in the cases of large-scale breaches, a percentage of people go off on workmen’s compensation as a result.” Interestingly, for some people, the threat of their stolen data being used is as traumatic as the reality of it actually happening, explained Howard. She referred to the Ashley Madison breach, when a man committed suicide after email threats to expose him. “ His name was never actually leaked – this is an example of how the threat of a situation can be as distressful as the actual leaking of information.” The emotional impact to the victim is more long-lasting in instances when data is actually used and abused, however, counters Howard. “Cyber is not a victimless crime. It can be moderately distressing at the very least, and severely distressing to others, and it’s important to understand that people do feel victimized.” Howard gave the following advice for handling victims of cybercrime: Help them to minimise the chance of repeat victimization
Listen to how they feel, and don’t be judgmental
Stop the activity, report the crime, repair the damage, and prepare for re-victimization.