In 2022, the global fight against ransomware attacks showed some progress as payments to hackers dwindled, in 2023, the number of attacks has surged. Victims have already shelled out a staggering $449.1 million to ransomware groups within the first six months of the year.
If this trend continues, the year's total could reach a startling $898.6 million, second only to the peak year of 2021, reflecting an alarming shift as ransomware attackers have grown more audacious in threatening to expose sensitive stolen data.
If you're concerned about safeguarding your devices, discover 10 key antivirus statistics to help you make a clear choice for your protection in 2024.
Photo by Ed Hardie on Unsplash
How an Antivirus Works:
An antivirus works in real time, constantly checking your device for anything strange. This way, it can stop viruses, trojans, or worms before they do damage. With a vast database of known threats, it can scan your system to find hidden problems and keep them from spreading.
But here's the catch: basic antiviruses mainly protect your device from threats. However, they can't help too much against phishing or if your data gets taken from unsecured internet, like public Wi-Fi. That's why you must use different ways to stay safe online.
But let's focus on the latest statistics on antivirus efficiency to ensure you remember to protect your devices.
Context Statistics
Ransomware attacks increased in 2023, becoming a more serious threat to people and organizations. Data from Chainalysis shows that, by June 2023, victims had paid more than in 2022. These findings match what other cybersecurity experts are seeing: a significant increase in attacks.
As ransomware groups become more aggressive, the need for robust measures becomes increasingly critical.
To understand the importance of choosing antivirus software in today's digital landscape, explore these contextual statistics:
1. Cybercrimes cost the world about $600 billion each year
In 2022, 'investment' scams became the most significant digital threat, causing losses of $3.3 billion. Also, IC3 recorded 2,385 ransomware complaints that year, resulting in losses of $34.3 million.
But how much are these cyber threats costing in total globally?
According to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and McAfee, cybercrimes, which include data damage, stolen money, property loss, intellectual property theft, and more, cost the world approximately $600 billion annually, making up 0.8% of the global GDP.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
2. Near 48% of organizations are experiencing more cyberattacks
According to a recent poll, close to 48% of organizations are seeing more cyberattacks than they did in 2022.
While this is the smallest increase reported in six years, organizations still face about three workforce-related issues per week on average.
To better understand how these cyberattacks happen, data from Research and Markets shows that 48% of harmful email attachments are office files, 34% of data breaches involve internal actors like employees, and 94% of malware arrives via email.
3. Russia and China were related to 75% of new malware
WatchGuard Technologies' Q1 2023 Internet Security Report reveals that 75% of the top 10 new malware threats have clear ties to Russia and China.
These hacker groups typically target unaware users and unsecured devices, which can result in scams, ransomware, and Trojan programs.
Antivirus Usage
4. About 59% of users pay for an antivirus
According to the latest global Security Survey, about 59% of over 2,000 respondents worldwide prefer to pay for their security solutions, while 40.9% rely on free alternatives.
The findings also indicate that younger users, around 60%, tend to favor these free solutions, while older generations are more inclined to pay for their AV.
5. Kaspersky is the most commonly used antivirus in at least three continents
According to the previous survey, Kaspersky, Microsoft, Bitdefender, and ESET dominated the top positions in antivirus usage in 2022, with Kaspersky taking the lead.
In the same report, Kaspersky became the most widely used antivirus across Europe, Asia, and South/Central America.
In contrast, North America favors Bitdefender as its top choice.
6. 85% of people use antivirus software in the U.S.
As far as the U.S. is concerned, in a year, the number of people using antivirus increased by 8%.
According to the latest data from Security.org, by late 2022, 85% of Americans used security software for their desktop computers .
7. Windows Defender was the top choice for 39% of U.S. free antivirus users
Free antivirus solutions give essential virus protection, as shown by research. Some may be less trustworthy, but big tech firms like Windows and macOS provide a built-in solid defense.
In 2022, 39% of U.S. PC users liked Windows Defender, part of Windows computers. Malwarebytes and Avast came next at 14% and 13%.
8. 90% of people aged 55 and older use antivirus software in the U.S.
According to Security.org, antivirus software is widely used across various age groups, but it's especially prevalent among people aged 55 and older, with nearly 90% relying on these programs. In contrast, the usage rate for those aged 18-24 is just 65%.
The trend is clear: as age increases, so does the likelihood of having antivirus software, indicating a strong correlation between age and antivirus adoption among Americans.
9. 44.5% of mobile users do not use any security solution on their phones
In late 2022, Android was the most used mobile operating system, constituting about 75% of users worldwide.
Notably, iOS is more prevalent in North America, accounting for approximately 37%. Android is the go-to choice in Asia and South America, with over 83% of users.
However, despite the wide adoption of smartphones, a recent survey by AV-Comparatives reveals that 44.5% of mobile users do not use any security solution on their devices.
10. The global Antivirus Software market was worth $4 billion in 2022
The worldwide Antivirus Software market reached $4 billion in 2022, as reported by Industry Research.
This growth responds to the rising demand across different sectors, including individual Users, enterprise users, and government users globally.
Predictions indicate that the market will continue to expand, with a projected size of $26.87 billion by 2031, maintaining a steady compound annual growth rate of 7.51% from 2023 to 2031.
Photo by Dan Nelson on Unsplash
Summary: Antivirus Statistics
1. Cybercrimes cost the world about $600 billion each year.
2. Near 48% of organizations are experiencing more cyberattacks than in 2022.
3. Russia and China were related to 75% of new malware in 2023’s Q1.
4. About 59% of users pay for an antivirus in 2023.
5. Kaspersky is the most commonly used antivirus in at least three continents.
6. 85% of people use antivirus software in the U.S.
7. Windows Defender was the top choice for 39% of U.S. free antivirus users in 2022.
8. 90% of people aged 55 and older use antivirus software in the U.S.
9. 44.5% of mobile users do not use any security solution on their phones.
10. The global Antivirus Software market was worth $4 billion in 2022.
FAQ
How many cyber-attacks are happening every week?
In the first quarter of 2023, there was a 7% increase in global cyber-attacks compared to the same period in the previous year. On average, each company had to manage 1,248 cyber-attacks per week during this time.
According to Forbes, the education and research sector faced the highest number of these attacks.
What is a ransomware attack?
A ransomware attack happens when harmful software enters an organization's computer network, often through a "phishing attack," where a staff member is tricked, usually via email, into downloading the malware.
Once the malware gets in, it locks up the computers, making it impossible to use their contents. The criminals who did the attack then ask for a ransom, usually paid in cryptocurrency, to unlock the network.
As The Guardian mentions, there's also a tactic called "double extortion," where the attacker locks data and uses it as a threat in negotiations, saying they'll sell or expose it to the public.
What's the current status of the cybersecurity job market?
A World Economic Forum report based on the opinions of 2,178 respondents from a global survey shows that less than half of the companies reported having the people and skills needed today to respond to cyberattacks.
These job challenges could leave the rest of the companies more vulnerable to cyber threats because they don't have enough skilled people, affecting the safety of digital systems and data.
The study mentions that 59% of business leaders consider talent recruitment and retention critical challenges for managing cyber resilience.
Photo by KeepCoding on Unsplash
Final Thoughts
Our digital devices are central to our lives today, and keeping them safe is essential. Even if you're careful online, the ransomware attacks in 2023 show that malware is always a threat.
In the first half of 2023, victims already paid an astonishing $449.1 million to ransomware groups. These attackers have become bolder, putting your data at risk. This is why having antivirus software on your devices is more critical than ever, especially if you have sensitive data.
Consider that most antivirus software can protect your files from being accessed or stolen by cybercriminals, and they can also help optimize your device's performance by identifying and removing unnecessary or malicious files and processes that might slow it down.
Sources
- Ransomware Attacks Are on the Rise, Again | WIRED
- VPN vs. antivirus: do you need both in 2023?
- Global Security and Vulnerability Management Market Report 2023: Sector to Reach $26.87 Billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 7.51% - ResearchAndMarkets.com | Business Wire
- Internet Security Report - Q1 2023 | WatchGuard Technologies
- IT Security Survey 2023 | AV-Comparatives
- Page 2023-antivirus-market-annual-report | Security.org