One in four users say they do not know how to respond to a ransomware attack: Survey

Global survey also finds that only a small percentage of users know how to retrieve lost data

One in four users say they do not know how to respond to a ransomware attack: Survey

Cyber

By Lyle Adriano

A recent survey conducted by Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and Ipsos alarmingly found that one in 10 internet users would have no idea how to respond should they become victim of a ransomware attack, among other startling internet security data.

The 2017 CIGI-Ipsos Global Study on Internet Security and Trust report surveyed 24,255 users across 24 countries. The study itself was conducted between December 23, 2016, and March 21, 2017. The results of the survey follow the recent WannaCry ransomware attack that affected over 200,000 users in 150 countries.

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Aside from discovering a surprising number of users who would feel helpless in a ransomware situation, the survey also revealed that only 16% of users would know how to retrieve data from a backup. Another 13% said that they would not even attempt to recover data if vital information was compromised.

Other highlights of the survey include:
 
  • Among those users worried about their privacy, the top sources of concern were cybercriminals (82%), internet companies (74%), and governments (65%)
 
  • The propensity to use online payment systems on mobile phones varies greatly by country – most emerging economies are more than willing to use such systems (Indonesia with 95%, China with 86%, India at 86%), while G-8 countries such as Canada (37%) less so.
 
  • Among Canadian respondents, only 6% strongly trust ISPs, mobile banking platforms, search engines, social networks, the government, and other foreign governments; 49% said they only somewhat trust the mentioned entities

Related stories:
Cyber is Canadian brokers’ number one search
WannaCry: Looking at what it means long-term for insurers
 

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