As cybercriminals employ the use of ransomware, it has been mostly up to government agencies and businesses to decide on whether to give in to the extortion. With a survey conducted by The Harris Poll in July of 2019 among over 2,000 U.S. adults, the average American’s feelings toward ransomware are better understood. One of the major insights from the survey is that about 1 in 5 Americans have received a ransomware attack on a work or personal device, and roughly half of work device victims say that their company paid for the ransom. The survey also reveals that most Americans are against the decision of governments and businesses making ransomware payments and will consider candidates stances on cybersecurity when voting, but some believe it is okay for government and businesses to sometimes make payments. Surprisingly, the survey shows many Americans are willing to contribute to the defense against cyberattacks by showing support for an income tax increase to help fund government cybersecurity efforts. As this survey shows, Americans are willing to consider the challenge of ransomware attacks and the efforts to combat it.
