Ransomware and the Robin Hood effect?: Experimental evidence on Americans' willingness to support cyber-extortion

Area of Science:

• Cybersecurity
• Social Psychology
• Public Opinion Research

Background:

• Ransomware attacks pose a significant global security threat.
• Existing research has overlooked public perception of ransomware.
• This study addresses the gap by examining public support for ransomware.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify patterns in American public support for ransomware use.
• To explore the influence of in-group benefits on support for ransomware.
• To test theoretical predictions based on Robin Hood decision-making and Moral Foundations Theory.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 1013 Americans was conducted.
• A split-ballot experiment was embedded to gauge support for ransomware scenarios.
• Manipulated variables included actor nationality, authority, and political affiliation.

Main Results:

• Public support for ransomware increases when actors and benefits are in-group focused.
• Endorsement of authority and harm/care moral foundations correlated with support.
• Framing ransomware to benefit the in-group enhances public acceptance.

Conclusions:

• Political actors can leverage in-group benefits to garner support for questionable actions.
• Emphasizing outcome-based morality and Robin Hood narratives can influence public opinion.
• Understanding public perception is crucial for addressing the cybersecurity threat of ransomware.