Irish adults back ban on public sector ransom payments

Ekco has published research showing that 69% of adults in Ireland support a Government ban on public sector organisations paying ransoms to cybercriminals. The findings are based on a survey of 1,000 adults in the Republic of Ireland.

The results point to a more mixed public view when personal information is at risk. More than a third of respondents, 36%, said they would support a public sector body paying a ransom if a cyberattack put citizens' sensitive data in danger.

The survey also found broader unease about the growing use of digital public services. Some 59% of adults said the digitisation of public services makes them worry about the safety of their personal data.

Despite those concerns, confidence in the public sector remained relatively firm in several areas. More than half of those surveyed, 54%, said they believe their data is safe with the public services they use, including bodies such as passport or driving licence authorities.

Views on transparency were less certain. The research found that 48% of respondents trust the public sector to be transparent with citizens about cyberattacks and cybersecurity.

Public trust

The findings suggest people distinguish between concern about cyber risk in general and confidence in specific public services. While many respondents expressed anxiety about how digital systems handle personal information, a narrow majority still said they felt their data was safe when dealing with public bodies.

Sector comparisons showed lower trust in some parts of the economy than in public services. Respondents said they trust the healthcare sector the least, at 17%, to protect their personal data, followed by the sales, media and marketing sector at 15% and the finance sector at 11%.

Support for wider public action on cyber risk was also strong. More than three-quarters of respondents, 76%, said the Irish Government should make cybersecurity awareness training freely available to the public.

There was also support for more spending in this area, with 65% backing increased Government spending on cybersecurity in public services.

Ransom debate

The figures come as policymakers in several countries examine whether banning ransom payments by public bodies could reduce the incentive for criminal groups to target essential services. The Ekco survey indicates that a clear majority in Ireland backs such a restriction, but support falls when respondents consider the risk to sensitive citizen data.

That split reflects a long-running dilemma for public authorities facing ransomware incidents. Refusing payment may be seen as a way to deter attacks, while paying can be framed as a last resort when data exposure or service disruption threatens the public.

The results also highlight concern about whether enough support is available to help citizens understand cyber threats and protect themselves. The call for free public awareness training suggests many respondents want the State to play a bigger role in basic cyber education alongside stronger safeguards in public systems.

A Censuswide survey carried out for Ekco gathered responses from 1,000 consumers in the Republic of Ireland.

Pat Larkin, President of Ekco Security, said: "It's clear from our research that increasing digitisation, growing cyber threats, and a perceived lack of supports in the public sector are making citizens nervous about the security of their private data and its value to cybercriminals. Trust in Government and the services it provides is the backbone of society, so it is encouraging 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 in place, and highlight the cybersecurity tools and resources available to the public. Citizens will feel more informed and secure, which in turn will further enhance public trust in vital Government services."