"The Long-Term Psychological Effects of Ransomware Attacks"

Northwave conducted scientific research on the psychological effects of a ransomware crisis on businesses and individuals. The findings reveal the lasting effects of a ransomware crisis on all those impacted. It also demonstrates how IT and security teams can become disorganized long after the crisis has passed. According to Organizational Psychologist Inge van der Beijl, crisis team members may develop serious symptoms much later. Top management and Human Resource Management (HRM) must take action against this from the start of the crisis as they are the ones who are accountable for their employees' well-being. The study also discovered how teams disintegrated after the crisis, with members leaving or staying home on sick leave. According to the findings, the effects can linger throughout the organization. Overall, the investigation reveals that the invisible impact of a cyber crisis is a concern for general business management, as well as HRM. The study's findings emphasize the importance of senior management actively participating in the recovery from both the visible and invisible effects of ransomware attacks. There should be regular check-ins, policies to manage the workload of the incident team, and scheduled evaluations. This article continues to discuss key findings on the psychological effects of ransomware attacks, positive effects, and recommendations. 

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