A new survey by Kaspersky reveals that daily digital habits directly impact organizational cyber resilience in Saudi Arabia.
The study, titled “Cybersecurity in the workplace: Employee knowledge and behavior,” was presented at the Cyber Security Weekend 2026 conference. It highlights how everyday IT habits, including decluttering computers and reducing digital fatigue, have a direct and often underestimated impact on corporate security.
The Impact of Digital Fatigue on Cyber Resilience
According to the survey, 14% of employees in Saudi Arabia confirmed making IT-related mistakes due to a lack of cybersecurity knowledge. The constant barrage of alerts and on-screen clutter contributes to digital fatigue, which often leads to costly errors. Consequently, these factors make organizations more vulnerable to social engineering attacks and data breaches.
Respondents cited several reasons for their technical mistakes, including being in a hurry (28%), general oversight (13%), feeling tired or stressed (14%), and receiving too many notifications (12%). These statistics show the critical importance of continuous cybersecurity training and awareness programs in the modern workplace.
Cluttered Digital Workspaces and Employee Habits
The study examined the digital workspace habits of employees, revealing that 45% of respondents keep between 10 and 20 icons on their desktop. Furthermore, 36.5% admitted to having even more icons, covering up to a full screen, while 43.5% keep more than 10 browser tabs open simultaneously. Excessive icons and open tabs distract attention and slow device performance.
While 23% of employees regularly disinfect their physical keyboards and phones, digital cleanliness remains neglected. Only 50% of respondents remove unnecessary files once a month or more, while the rest perform digital clean-ups quarterly or annually. This neglect allows unused applications to quietly collect data in the background.
Managing Digital Noise and Workplace Breaks
Managing digital noise is essential for maintaining focus during critical tasks. The survey noted that 75% of employees spend their work breaks eating or drinking, and 64.5% chat with colleagues, while only 18.5% engage in physical exercise or stretching to relieve stress. Regular active breaks are vital for maintaining both well-being and cyber vigilance.
“It is important to recognize that digital fatigue is a real and growing stress factor: the constant stream of notifications, cluttered screens, and information overload gradually erode focus and make employees far more susceptible to mistakes and social engineering attacks. Simplifying your digital environment is not just a productivity tip, it is a cybersecurity measure.”
Brandon Muller, Senior Security Consultant for the META region at Kaspersky
Recommendations for Strengthening Cyber Security
To improve security, Kaspersky experts recommend that individuals declutter desktops, close unused browser tabs, uninstall inactive applications, and manage notifications. These simple habits help reduce the risk of fatigue-driven mistakes that attackers exploit. For organizations, the company recommends implementing continuous training programs to reinforce employee cyber resilience.
Additionally, businesses should establish clear internal guidelines on password policies and AI tool usage, while deploying advanced security solutions like Kaspersky Next to protect their digital assets. Fostering a strong security culture and rewarding proactive behaviors can significantly enhance organizational cyber resilience across the region. The survey was conducted by Toluna in 2025, interviewing 2,800 employees across seven countries, including Saudi Arabia.
