In Responding To Cyber Attacks, Voters Say a Good Defense Is the Best Offense

American voters want the US government to employ tougher cybersecurity measures, instead of retaliatory actions, to guard against cyberattacks originating from foreign countries. In a new Morning Consult poll, 54 percent of respondents said the best response to cyber intrusions from abroad is to enhance cybersecurity at home. The other courses of action garnered much weaker support: 13 percent said the US should respond by launching cyberattacks against perpetrators; 21 percent said the federal government should threaten sanctions against countries where the attacks originate from; and 3 percent said no action should be taken. Support for a defensive approach cut across every demographic. Fifty-four percent of Democratic voters said their preferred approach is for the US to beef up its cybersecurity, a view shared by 53 percent of Republicans and 56 percent of independents. Even 58 percent of voters who consider national security the most important policy issue said defensive measures are the best approach. That puts some GOP presidential candidates at odds with their base.