Digital stress is usually caused by these 5 things (and how to fix them)

Blue Monday (this year on Monday 19 January) is often referred to as the most depressing day of the year. But for many people, digital stress is a recurring issue all year round. Constantly being on guard for phishing, unsafe Wi-Fi or stolen data is exhausting.

The good news: you can significantly reduce this stress with smart software and a few simple measures. Below, we explain the five biggest causes of digital stress - and what you can do about them.

1. Smarter phishing and fake messages

What’s the problem?
Phishing attacks have become far more convincing thanks to AI. Criminals create emails and fake websites that are almost indistinguishable from genuine ones. Europol identifies phishing as one of the biggest cybercrime threats in its 2024 report. In the UK, Action Fraud and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) report phishing as one of the most common forms of online fraud affecting UK residents.

Why does this cause stress?
Having to question whether every email or text message is legitimate quickly becomes mentally draining.

The solution:
Security software such as Norton 360 or McAfee Total Protection block phishing links and suspicious downloads before you can fall victim. Browser extensions like Norton Safe Web and McAfee WebAdvisor also warn you about dangerous websites before you click.

2. Unsecured Wi-Fi networks

What’s the problem?
Public Wi-Fi networks are often poorly secured. Cybercriminals can intercept your data with relative ease. This risk is highlighted in Norton’s explanation of public Wi-Fi dangers and by security experts worldwide, including in guidance shared by the UK NCSC.

Why does this cause stress?
You never know whether someone could be watching while you’re online banking, working or logging into accounts.

The solution:
A VPN encrypts your internet connection, even on public networks. Avast SecureLine VPN is a good example, keeping your data hidden from third parties. Norton VPN and NordVPN also offer strong, one-click encryption.

3. Deepfakes and AI scams

What’s the problem?
Criminals increasingly use deepfake videos and AI-generated voice recordings to scam individuals and organisations. Think of a “fake manager” calling with an urgent request to transfer money, using a voice that sounds completely real. Authorities worldwide warn about this trend. For example, financial crime authorities highlight the growing use of deepfake media in identity fraud and social engineering attacks - a risk that also affects UK consumers and businesses.

Why does this cause stress?
Your trust in what you see or hear disappears, which is deeply unsettling.

The solution:
Choose a security bundle that actively protects against scams and identity fraud. McAfee+ Advanced, for example, includes antivirus protection alongside McAfee Scam Protection, identity monitoring and recovery services if you do become a victim.

4. Technical complexity and lack of understanding

What’s the problem?
Digital security can feel overwhelming. Settings, alerts and terms like ‘firewall’, ‘2FA’ or ‘encryption’ quickly cause confusion. This confusion and constant digital pressure are often referred to as technostress - stress caused by the use of technology. It’s not limited to work: many people in the UK experience stress at home because they don’t fully understand the technology they rely on or feel they’re losing control over it.

Why does this cause stress?
You want your devices to be secure, but if you don’t understand how things work or worry about making mistakes, you may put it off or avoid it altogether. That uncertainty leads directly to stress.

The solution:
Choose software that keeps things simple. With products such as McAfee Total Protection or Norton 360, you can manage everything from one clear dashboard and easy-to-use apps. You don’t need to be an expert to stay safe. And through our webshop, you also receive a free installation service and personalised instructions - helping you avoid technostress before it even starts.

5. Fear of data breaches and identity misuse

What’s the problem?
Almost every day, there are news reports about data breaches, hacked accounts and identity fraud. It’s not always clear whether you’re affected, but the sense of threat remains. According to UK fraud and cybersecurity organisations such as Action Fraud, concern about the misuse of personal data is widespread among the UK population.

Why does this cause stress?
You have little direct control over the security of the systems that store your personal data. That ongoing lack of control creates persistent anxiety - even if you do everything right yourself.

The solution:
Choose security software that goes beyond basic antivirus protection. Packages such as Norton 360 Advanced, McAfee+ Advanced and NordVPN include identity monitoring (also known as Dark Web Monitoring). You’ll be alerted if your personal details appear on the dark web. For extra protection, combine this with password management to keep all your account passwords unique and secure, without hassle.

The fix: bundle your security

You could collect separate tools to protect yourself online - but why would you? With one complete security bundle, everything is covered at once: protection against viruses, a secure internet connection, strong password management and identity monitoring.

These three powerful all-in-one solutions include everything you need:

• Norton 360 Advanced: includes antivirus, VPN, dark web monitoring, parental controls and password management - comprehensive protection for your devices and your identity.
• McAfee+ Advanced: combines McAfee Scam Protection, identity recovery, VPN for unlimited devices, password management and antivirus in one clear dashboard. Extremely complete and user-friendly.
• Bitdefender Premium Security Plus: a premium bundle with real-time protection, unlimited VPN, password management and identity protection via Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection.

With any of these packages, you’re fully covered - and at 2GO you also receive a free installation service, tailored instructions and 7-day-a-week support as standard. No loose components, no technical stress. Everything taken care of.

Conclusion: less stress starts with one decision

Digital stress creeps up slowly - you notice it in doubts about emails, frustration with passwords or worries about your privacy. You don’t need to be an expert to do something about it. The right security helps you stay in control, without the hassle.

By combining antivirus, VPN, password management and identity monitoring in one package, you remove that anxiety before it becomes a real problem. You no longer have to stay constantly alert - your software does it for you.

No Digital Stress. Worry-free online. Always 2GO.