Research says cyberattacks are leading to toxic work culture for employees

A recent study by the renowned insurance firm Hiscox has revealed alarming trends in how cyberattacks are not only damaging businesses but are also taking a heavy toll on employees, leading to burnout, sick leave, and, in some cases, contributing to a toxic work culture. The research, which focused on businesses operating in Ireland, highlights the growing threat posed by cybercrime—particularly in the form of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered ransomware attacks.

The Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report 2025, based on feedback from over 500 industry professionals, reveals that at least 40% of Irish businesses have fallen victim to at least one cyberattack in the past 12 months. This statistic underscores the increasingly frequent and sophisticated nature of cyber threats faced by companies today. Notably, more than one-third of these businesses were targeted by Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which temporarily halted their operations. In addition, over 31% of the affected firms reported significant financial losses due to these cyber assaults, with many also noting that the attacks hampered their ability to attract new customers, further exacerbating the financial strain.

However, perhaps the most concerning finding of the study is the impact these cyberattacks are having on employees. In many cases, the human cost is more far-reaching than the immediate financial damage to the business itself. The survey revealed that over 33% of employees reported feeling significant stress in the wake of cyber incidents. Around 31% admitted to experiencing burnout, while 23% took sick leave due to the emotional and psychological toll of the attacks. A key factor contributing to this distress is the “blame game” culture that often emerges after such events. Employees reported feeling demoralized and isolated, with trust within teams breaking down as finger-pointing and internal blame escalated.

Read more at Cybersecurity Insiders