The Scam Artist project and its visual approach
The Scam Artist project, an initiative of the software specialist company Gen digital, has certified the emotional impact of cybercrime through art. This initiative uses art to visually demonstrate the emotional consequences of cybercrimes. According to the project’s promoters, more than half of victims of cyber attacks experience feelings of anger and stress after suffering them.
The data revealed by the survey
A survey conducted by the Scam Artist project revealed that 56% of cyberattack victims experienced anger, while 51% confessed to suffering from stress after the incident. However, only 52% of respondents have cybersecurity solutions, and 63% are considering installing new protection measures or improving existing ones.
The importance of cybersecurity
The Scam Artist project was carried out in collaboration with renowned psychologist Lee Chambers. According to the project’s promoters, this initiative sheds light on the human instincts that often lead to complacent behaviour regarding digital security. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness about the need to be proactive in online protection in order to maintain control, confidence and freedom in the digital world.
Art as a means of expression
Within the Scam Artist project, users’ fears and concerns are transformed into works of art with the purpose of evidencing the impact of cybercrime on the victims’ peace of mind. To show this impact, three victims of scams and identity theft were fitted with electroencephalography (EEG) headsets to monitor their brain reactions during and after the attacks. The data recorded by the headphones was converted into creative images reflecting the negative emotional response experienced by the victims.
The importance of risk assessment
Psychologist Lee Chambers highlights that experiencing a cyber attack can be traumatic and provoke a negative emotional response. Illustrations generated from victims’ experiences show a burst of brain activity commonly associated with stress, anxiety and uncertainty. These feelings can last and have a significant impact on people’s lives. Chambers emphasizes the importance of recognizing these trends and evaluating situations from different perspectives to take necessary steps to mitigate threats.
The need for online protection
In a world increasingly affected by cybercrime, it is essential to recognize the importance of online protection. The Scam Artist project seeks to raise people’s awareness about the need to be proactive in protecting their digital security. Maintaining control, trust and freedom in the digital world requires evaluating situations from all angles and taking necessary steps to counter threats.