Digital fatigue in employees increases cybersecurity risks

LAHORE: As the world observes ‘World Mental Health Day’ on October 10, cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has highlighted the growing connection between digital fatigue among employees and their increased exposure to cyber risks.

In today’s data-driven, digital business environment, employees are bombarded with constant notifications, digital interactions, and the need to make numerous decisions throughout the day. Although technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning help improve efficiency, workers are experiencing significant strain.

This can lead to digital fatigue, negatively affecting their well-being and productivity, increasing burnout rates, and exposing companies to a range of cyberthreats -- from phishing to deepfakes -- warns Kaspersky.

Research by Forbes Advisor indicates that digital communications make 58 per cent of employees feel they need to be more frequently available, leading to 60 per cent of the workforce reporting increased burnout. The constant demand to stay online and multitask contributes to this high-pressure environment, making employees more susceptible to errors.

“Employees face hundreds of decisions daily, from small routine tasks to critical business decisions. Over time, the brain’s ability to make sound judgments deteriorates under pressure. The constant influx of emails, messages and alerts worsens this digital fatigue,” says Brandon Muller, technical expert for the MEA region at Kaspersky.

Phishing remains one of the most widespread forms of cybercrime. Fatigued employees are more likely to overlook phishing attempts, especially when they are buried among numerous emails in their crowded inboxes, with phishing campaigns becoming increasingly sophisticated.