[fabricexpert]

> If the home computer was not protected with up-to-date anti-virus software, the Angler would search for vulnerabilities and, if possible, deliver the "ransomware" that seized control of the machine.

> It immediately splashed a full screen message to the user,

It's unclear if this exploit / malware was capable of actually encrypting files or if it did something else which could easily be fixed without data loss. I think most peoples reaction would be to pull out their phones and google how to fix it.

[slugiscool99]

I think many people who aren’t as tech savvy wouldn’t think about doing this. Even if they assumed it could be fixed (which many probably didn’t), in a state of heightened emotions (of embarrassment, fear of possibly breaking the law), many people would try their best to comply with the instructions.