Perth Voice Interactive

BEEN hacked? ECU’s Alexa Palassis wants to hear from you.

The psychology honours student is studying the personal and emotional cost when a digital identity is compromised, whether it’s social media or bank accounts.

Ms Palassis says anyone can be a target.

“Millennials are, funnily enough, the most common victims of hacking, with 60 per cent experiencing a cybercrime in the past 12 months.

“However it’s baby boomers (ages 54-72) that experience the highest loss in terms of money.”

She says cybercrime can lead to “reputational damage, business disruption, information loss, revenue loss, productivity loss, and loss of personal history and photos.

“Victims often don’t perceive themselves as victims and don’t know how or where to gain assistance, so the impact of their experience is somewhat unexplored.

“I’m aiming to find out more about the personal impact to individuals and small business. Preliminary research suggests people affected report feelings of violation, shock, helplessness, anger and guilt, and in some cases, ongoing psychological impact. I’d like to hear more about that.”

The results will help figure out what support services and advice are needed for victims.

If you’ve been targeted contact her via apalassi@our.ecu.edu.au