In the era of hyperconnectivity, cyber attacks are no longer just a technological threat: they are also leaving a mark on the emotional well -being of professionals. This is demonstrated by the report “The emotional impact of cyber attack on Spanish professionals”, carried out by Grupo Aitana – Openix, which sheds light on a little explored dimension of cybersecurity: how it psychologically affects those who work with the constant risk of a digital divide.
The study, conducted between March and April 2025 with the participation of 156 active professionals from different sectors, puts the focus on how the possibility (or direct experience) of suffering a computer attack influences the mood of workers on their own and autonomous, of all ages.
Frustration, anxiety and fear of reprisals: emotions behind the Firewall
The results reveal a disturbing panorama: 69% of respondents believe that the emotional impact of a cyber attack on their working life is medium or high. Most claim to feel discomfort, stress and anxiety when facing this type of threats. Only 30% assume it as a minor discomfort, typical of daily work risks.
Among the most frequent emotions are frustration for feeling little prepared (43%) and anxiety or stress (25%), although 12%directly admits the fear of losing their job if they make an error before a cybersecurity incident. In contrast, only 8% say it would remain indifferent.
In the words collected in the study, “the feeling of not being sufficiently formed to act before a cyber attack generates a constant insecurity that goes beyond the technical,” says one of the participants. Another adds: “The worst thing is not that it happens, but to think that it can be you who causes it for a simple click.”
The new Aitana – Openix group study reveals the real emotional impact of digital threats on the work environment
How does the company react? Emotional support and labor consequences
The work environment, far from being a security network, is often perceived as an additional source of pressure. 29% of respondents believe that if their performance aggravated a computer attack, it could be sanctioned with mild measures such as a warning. Another 29% fears more serious consequences, such as the temporary suspension of employment and salary. And even 16% states that an error could cost the position.
In addition, the report detects an emotional impact that transcends the individual: 53% believe that their classmates also suffer average emotional discomfort for this kind of threats, while 20% qualifies it high, especially by the stress perceived in their work environment.
In this context, the role of the company is key: 42% of professionals recognize that it receives some emotional support from their organization, but considers it insufficient. 21% say they do not have any type of support, which demonstrates an urgent need for cybersecurity programs to also include a human and psychological dimension.
A challenge for corporate culture and training
Beyond the firewalls and protocols, the report of Grupo Aitana – Opentix raises a reflection on business responsibility in the emotional accompaniment of workers. Preparing teams to respond technically to a cyber attack is just a part of the work. The real challenge is to build a culture in which the error does not imply punishment, but learning and resilience.
From the organizational point of view, these conclusions invite to review training plans, internal communication channels and well -being policies. As those responsible for the study point out, “cybersecurity must be understood as an integral challenge, which requires both technology and empathy.”
