Survey: 93% of Americans Fear Cyber Warfare Against U.S.

The threat of cyberwarfare carried out against the United States is a very real concern for a large number of Americans, according to an April consumer survey released by internet security firm NordVPN.

The survey, which polled more than 1,000 U.S. consumers, found 93% harbor concerns that a foreign country could wage cyber warfare against the U.S. Conversely, only 19% of those surveyed were “100% confident” in the government’s ability to protect citizens against cyber warfare. The survey comes amid increased reports of cyber activity in Ukraine and Russia, even as the Chinese government continues to conduct cyber campaigns into U.S. government systems.

“Cyber warfare is carried out for many different reasons and between a variety of groups. Even during peacetime, we’ve seen concerted online efforts by Russia, China and others to interfere with the democratic processes of the U.S. and other allies,” Daniel Markuson, digital privacy expert with NordVPN, said in a statement.

According to the survey, more than one-third of Americans (35%) are taking steps to prepare for cyber warfare. More than half actively update all software for computers and mobile devices, and more than four in ten backup important documents, passwords and office emails. 31% of those surveyed said they had backup generators, as well as food and water storage in case utilities were shut down by hackers for extended periods of time, and 37% said they had cash reserves in the event that financial institutions were not accessible or offline.