<p>Ransomware,
a form of malicious software, takes users’ files hostage via encryption and
demands payment for their return. Since its inception, ransomware has branched
into many different variants, some of which threaten users with scare tactics
in order to evoke payment. For this study, four variants of ransomware were
examined by presenting vignettes via an anonymous online survey. No actual malware was installed on
any devices throughout this study. Their
emotional responses were captured as well as their level of familiarity with
information security. Responses to the survey after the simulated ransomware
vignette were recorded to gauge how users would react to a ransomware attack.
Data was analyzed to discover which types of ransomware evoked payment as well as if information security knowledge also
had an effect on likelihood to pay. This
data is intended to be used to develop better prevention methods and messaging, with an emphasis
on promoting training
on malware avoidance. The study found most
individuals did not choose to pay, and
this could be attributed to a distrust of the ransomware threat. Self-reported
information security behavior appeared to decrease payment evocation, however, peer information security
experience and prior exposure to malware appeared to increase payment evocation.</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:purdue.edu/oai:figshare.com:article/8016347 |
| Date | 15 May 2019 |
| Creators | Jason Cameron Bays (6613361) |
| Source Sets | Purdue University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, Thesis |
| Rights | CC BY 4.0 |
| Relation | https://figshare.com/articles/REACTIONS_TO_RANSOMWARE_VARIANTS_AMONG_INTERNET_USERS_MEASURING_PAYMENT_EVOCATION/8016347 |
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