Ekco study highlights public concern over data security while maintaining a steady trust in government services.
The majority of Irish adults believe the Government should prohibit public sector organisations from paying ransoms to cyber criminals.
According to research commissioned by tech firm Ekco Security, a survey of 1,000 adults across Ireland by Censuswide found that 69% support a ban on ransom payments in an effort to deter attacks on critical national services.
“The public sector needs to prioritise open communication with citizens about national cybersecurity measures”
The findings reflect a growing public awareness of cybersecurity risks as digital services become more embedded in everyday life.
This follows a move by the UK Government to introduce such a measure in an effort to reduce the value of public sector organisations to hackers. Despite this, more than a third (36%) of adults in Ireland would support public sector organisations paying ransoms when cyberattacks put citizens’ sensitive data at risk.
Personal data concerns
The research found that 59% admit that the digitisation of public services makes them worry about the safety of their personal data, and some sectors are causing more concern than others among citizens when it comes to keeping their sensitive information safe.
Ekco’s research found that consumers say they trust the healthcare sector the least (17%) to protect their personal data, followed by the sales, media, and marketing (15%) and finance sectors (11%).
However, overall trust is high when it comes to the public sector. More than half (54%) of consumers believe that their data is safe with the public services that they engage with or avail of, such as passport or driving licence authorities.
The survey also found that 48% trust that the public sector is transparent with citizens when it comes to cyberattacks and cybersecurity.
In terms of practical supports, more than three-quarters (76%) of those surveyed believe that the Irish Government should make cybersecurity awareness training freely available to the public. Many feel that the public sector could be doing more to protect against rising cyber threats, and 65% would support increased Government spending on cybersecurity in public services.
“It’s clear from our research that increasing digitisation, growing cyber threats, and a perceived lack of supports in the public sector is making citizens nervous about the security of their private data – and its value to cybercriminals,” said Pat Larkin, president of Ekco Security.
“Trust in Government and the services that it provides is the backbone of society, so it’s encouraging, however, that many people feel safe when engaging with critical public services.
“The public sector needs to prioritise open communication with citizens about national cybersecurity measures, increase public awareness of the defences that are in place, and highlight the cybersecurity tools and resources that are available to the public. Citizens will feel more informed and secure which, in turn, will further enhance public trust in vital Government services.”
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