Object First Survey: 70% of IT Professionals Say AI-Powered Cyber Threats Increase Workplace Stress

Global results show that 90% report productivity gains from AI, yet only 24% feel their organization is well-equipped to respond to rising cyber threats

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Object First, the ransomware-proof on-premises backup storage company, today released findings from its second annual Under Pressure: Mental Health Challenges in IT & Security Roles survey, which reveals that 91% are uncomfortably stressed at work over IT security risks, an increase over 84% in 2025. The 1,100 IT and security professionals surveyed across the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany report mounting workplace pressure as threats become more sophisticated and recovery expectations continue to rise.

Survey results show a growing AI paradox: while 90% said AI tools have improved their productivity, 70% reported the rise of AI-powered cyber threats has affected their workplace stress, and only 24% believe their organization is well-equipped to address those threats.

Amid all this pressure, there's relief in sight: 86% said absolutely immutable backup storage would reduce their stress. Storage with Absolute Immutability means that even the most privileged admin or attacker with access to backup storage cannot modify or delete data.

Additional global findings include:

• Leading causes of stress: 50% cited the risk of cyberattacks, and 50% pointed to high workloads or understaffed teams. Pressure to maintain uptime followed at 44%, gaps in backup and recovery effectiveness at 41%, and lack of proper tools or resources at 33%.
• Recovery tools are too complicated: 74% said their tools are difficult to use without security expertise.
• Confidence in recovery is low: Only 37% are confident they could completely recover company data after a ransomware attack.
• Stress is affecting performance and well-being: 78% said workplace stress negatively affects their job performance. 86% said absolutely immutable backups would reduce their stress.
• IT teams feel personally responsible for organizational resilience: 42% feel pressure from leadership to “fix everything” in the aftermath of a security incident, and 19% feel “hopeless and overwhelmed” during and after an incident.
• Organizational support is weakening as turnover risk rises: 59% feel their companies don’t consistently prioritize employee wellbeing and mental health. At the same time, 39% said they think about quitting, while 60% have considered or are actively looking for new jobs due to work-related stress.

“As critical as technology is to cyber resilience, those responsible for protecting and recovering an organization’s data are just as essential,” said David Bennett, CEO, Object First. “AI is helping IT professionals work more efficiently, but it is also accelerating the threat landscape and increasing the pressure placed on teams who are already stretched thin. Organizations need to pair meaningful employee support and technology like storage with Absolute Immutability that reduces operational complexity, giving IT teams confidence that their data will be recoverable when it matters most.”

Resources for IT Teams Under Pressure

Object First and Cybermindz, a San Francisco–based nonprofit focused on mental resilience for the IT and cybersecurity community, offer resources such as tools to identify burnout, how to manage workplace pressure and measure stress. The partnership includes complimentary access to the Cybermindz iRest® Protocol—a simple, research-backed 10-step practice that can be completed in 10–20 minutes to help reduce stress, restore focus, and improve sleep.

Should you need immediate support:

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If you are in the United States, dial 988. Outside the U.S.: Visit www.findahelpline.com for country-specific hotlines.
• National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI): Call 1-800-950-6264 or text NAMI to 62640.

Making Cyber Resilience Simpler

Object First delivers secure, simple and powerful on-premises backup storage with Absolute Immutability, purpose-built for Veeam users. By preventing unauthorized changes to backup data and reducing the security expertise required to deploy and manage storage, Object First helps IT teams spend less time troubleshooting complex infrastructure and more time focused on strategic security and recovery priorities.

About the Survey

Object First commissioned Dynata to survey 1,100 adults aged 18 and older working in B2B IT or security roles across the United States, United Kingdom and Germany. The research included 500 U.S.-based respondents, 300 U.K.-based respondents and 300 Germany-based respondents, spanning entry-level, mid-level, senior, executive and consulting roles. The survey was conducted in July 2026.

Additional Resources:

• Request a demo.
• Click here to learn more about becoming an Object First partner.
• Follow Object First on LinkedIn and Instagram.
• Visit Object First Careers to view open opportunities.

About Object First

Object First’s on-premises backup storage with absolute immutability is the ultimate ransomware defense. Secure, simple, and powerful, we enable Veeam customers to be simply resilient against the risk of cyberthreats. To learn more, visit www.objectfirst.com, follow our Blog, and connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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