The experiences and impacts of ransomware attacks on individuals and organisations

Product Description

Ransomware is a type of cyber crime - more specifically, it is a type of malware deployed by cyber criminals to block access to a user’s computer systems, or to encrypt data and files to prevent access, and/or facilitate theft of data held on systems or devices. Offenders demand that victims pay a ransom (often in cryptocurrency) to regain access to the computer or data or to prevent data being leaked online. Ransomware is viewed by the National Crime Agency as the greatest serious and organised cyber crime threat, the largest cyber security threat, and also poses a risk to the UK’s national security It is viewed as one of the most harmful cyber threats due to the associated financial losses, theft of potentially sensitive data and intellectual property, as well as significant service disruption. It can impact individuals, businesses and also public sector organisations.

The Home Office commissioned Ipsos UK to carry out research looking at the experiences and impact of ransomware attacks on individuals and organisations in the UK. This report summarises the findings from 39 in-depth qualitative interviews with organisations (including businesses, charities and public sector organisations) and individuals who were victims of ransomware. Interviews took place online between February and April 2023. Most victims experienced an attack between 2019 and 2022.