Antivirus and Cybersecurity: Trends and Statistics (2025)

Cybercrime is evolving at an accelerated pace, largely driven by the relentless improvements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Safeguarding privacy is becoming an epic task, especially for companies that handle sensitive data. 59% of businesses have fallen victim to ransomware in the past year, leading to million-dollar losses and even their closure. But that's not all, security breaches have increased by 91% since 2023, portending an uncertain future for the protection of our data.

In a global landscape where malware, ransomware, or phishing is becoming increasingly sophisticated, it is necessary to adopt advanced measures to avoid their devastating outcomes. Popularly, antivirus are presented as the best defense against these attack vectors, but… Are they enough?

To understand the current state of cybersecurity, we will provide you with a selection of the best statistics and trends regarding the use of antivirus in 2025.

Main statistics on antivirus usage (2025)

• Every day, 282,000 new malware programs are detected. (Source: AV-Test)
• As of today, there are more than 1 trillion malware circulating on the Internet. (Source: AV-Atlas)
• 95% of cyberattacks have financial motives. (Source: Verizon)
• 54% of users do not use antivirus and opt for the one that is installed by default on their device. (Source: Security.org)
• The main reason for not using antivirus is its price. (Source: Security.org)
• The antivirus market is valued at 4.23 billion dollars and has an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. (Source: The Business Research Company)
• 49% of antivirus users have this software installed on a PC. (Source: Security.org)
• More than 70% of antivirus users opt for a paid solution. (Source: AV-Comparatives)
• 6% of antivirus users have been victims of malware in the last 12 months. (Source: Security.org)
• Kaspersky (EU, Asia, Central/South America) and Microsoft Defender (US) are the two most widely used antivirus programs worldwide. (Source: AV-Comparatives)

Each day, a minimum of 282,000 new malicious programs are detected

According to AV-Atlas, each day a minimum of 282,471 new malicious programs are detected, whether in the form of viruses, malware, trojans, or PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). This translates to a total of 103,102,240 million new digital threats each year.

Below, we offer a detailed list of the number of new malicious and potentially unwanted programs detected daily:

• Each year: 103,102,240.
• Each month: 8,591,853.
• Each day: 282,471.
• Each hour: 11,769.
• Each second: 3.3.

(Source: AV-Atlas)

There are more than 1 billion malware circulating on the Internet

A recent study published by AV-Test shows us that in 2025, there will be more than 1 billion malware on the Internet. The number has increased by 98% since 2008, reaching its peak growth from 2020 to 2021, coinciding with the Covid-19 pandemic and the widespread use of teleworking.

Below, you will find detailed information on the growth of malware from 2008 to 2025:

• 2008: 15,691,697.
• 2009: 27,443,895.
• 2010:  43,062,535.
• 2011: 59,227,883.
• 2012: 82,795,906.
• 2013: 120,310,364.
• 2014: 166,781,427.
• 2015: 257,285,678.
• 2016: 337,836,186.
• 2017: 428,190,450.
• 2018: 533,607,541.
• 2019: 647,920,244.
• 2020: 758,486,521.
• 2021: 909,417,842.
• 2022: 1,006,405,095.
• 2023: 1,111,188,638.
• 2024: 1,212,043,362.
• 2025*: 1,243,960,574.

(*partial data)

(Source: AV-Atlas)

95% of cyberattacks have financial motives

A recent report conducted by Verizon has analyzed the frequency and motives of cyberattacks carried out during 2024. According to the results, the data extracted by hackers is primarily personal in nature (50%) and the motives are almost entirely financial in nature (95%).

(Source: Verizon)

The antivirus market is valued at 4.23 trillion dollars

As of today, the antivirus market is valued at 4.23 trillion dollars and, to date, has followed an annual growth rate of 2.4%. However, as pointed out by The Business Research Company, this is about to change. The exponential growth of cyber threats will cause the antivirus market to experience years of prosperity, increasing its CAGR to 6.9%. This will lead it to reach 5.52 trillion dollars in just 4 years.

This is the value of the antivirus market for 2024-2029:

• 2024: 4.13 trillion dollars.
• 2025: 4.23 trillion dollars.
• 2026*: 4.52 trillion dollars.
• 2027*: 4.83 trillion dollars.
• 2028*: 5.16 trillion dollars.
• 2029*: 5.52 trillion dollars.

(*estimate)

(Source: The Business Research Company)

54% of users do not use third-party antivirus

The use of antivirus has changed significantly over the years, evolving from a simple solution for finding and removing viruses on a device to becoming an impenetrable barrier against any digital threat.

As of today, these programs operate proactively thanks to the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, in addition to including useful features such as VPN, password management, and even Dark Web monitoring. However, more than half of users do not seem convinced of their benefits.

The report 2024 Antivirus Trends, Statistics and Market Report conducted by Security.org shows that 54% of users have never installed antivirus, opting to use the one that comes by default with their operating system or simply neglecting to use one.

The price is the main barrier to installing third-party antivirus

The same study concludes that, the main reason for not using a third-party antivirus is its high price. However, it is alarming that the second most common reason is the notion of not needing one, as well as the low concern about viruses or malware.

Below we detail the results of this report.

Q: Why don't you use antivirus?

• It's very expensive: 45%
• I don't need it: 40%
• I'm not worried about viruses: 28%
• My subscription has ended and I haven't renewed it: 17%
• I am concerned about the security of antivirus software: 11%
• Others: 6%

(Multiple responses are allowed)

(Source: Security.org)

Only 12% plan to install third-party antivirus in the next 6 months

Those users who have opted to keep the default antivirus of their operating system, or who do not use protection software, seem to be satisfied with the results. A survey conducted by Security.org shows us how only 12% of users intend to install third-party antivirus in the next 6 months.

Q: Are you going to install third-party antivirus in the next 6 months?

• Yes: 12%
• No: 64%
• Maybe: 24%

(Source: Security.org)

72% of third-party antivirus users prefer a paid solution

According to the study IT Security Survey 2025 by AV-Comparatives, more than 70% of users who have installed a third-party antivirus have opted for a paid solution. 

Q: What type of antivirus do you use?

• Paid: 72%
• Free: 28%

(Source: AV-Comparatives)

Almost half of PC users use third-party antivirus

In 2024, 49% of PC users -both desktop and laptop- reported using third-party antivirus software. The data contrasts when compared to mobile device users. Of these, only 18% of tablet users and 17% of mobile users choose to use this security software.

Below we provide detailed percentages of users of third-party antivirus software according to the device used:

• PC: 49%
• Tablets: 18%
• Mobile: 17%

(Source: Security.org)

The largest users of antivirus software are between 35-45 years old

A recent study conducted by Cybernews shows us that the largest users of antivirus software are between 35 and 45 years old. This is because this sector has grown by observing the evolution of malware and phishing on the Internet, from the classic Nigerian prince scam to the sophisticated attack vectors of today.

Use of antivirus:

(Source: Cybernews)

Men use antivirus software more than women

If we look at the demographic data, men trust antivirus software 10% more than women. The latter are more likely to use the security solution that comes pre-installed by default in the device's operating system.

Below, we detail the results of antivirus software usage by gender:

(Source: Cybernews)

84% of antivirus users use this software to protect themselves from malware and viruses

As of today, antivirus software has become a complex cybersecurity solution, with many more features than simple scanning and removal of threats. Despite this, 84% of users of these solutions still primarily use them as a protection measure against malware and viruses.

Q: Why do you use antivirus software?

• Protection against malware and viruses: 84%
• Concern for my privacy: 56%
• Enhance security when shopping online: 48%
• Came pre-installed by default: 19%
• To use public Wi-Fi: 18%
• It is necessary for my job: 12%
• Protect cryptocurrency exchange: 8%
• Enhance security of VOIP calls: 3%

(Multiple responses allowed)

(Source: Security.org)

Only 6% of antivirus users have been victims of malware or viruses in the last year

According to a recent study published by Security.org, 88% of antivirus users feel safer after installing this software. This peace of mind is completely justified considering that over the last 12 months, only 6% of users have been victims of viruses or malware.

Kaspersky and Microsoft Defender are the most widely used antivirus software worldwide

In terms of popularity, the 12 most widely used antivirus programs globally are the following:

1. Microsoft Defender
2. Kaspersky
3. Bitdefender
4. ESET
5. Avast
6. Norton
7. F-Secure
8. McAfee
9. Avira
10. Malwarebytes
11. AVG
12. Trend Micro

(Source: AV-Comparatives)

The numbers change when analyzing their popularity by continents:

(Source: AV-Comparatives)

When comparing data from the four continents, we can see how Avast, Bitdefender, ESET and Microsoft Defender are among the five most popular. Another interesting point to highlight is the disappearance of Kaspersky in North America, resulting from its ban in the United States on July 20, 2024.

Conclusion

The unstoppable evolution of malware and viruses is jeopardizing cybersecurity worldwide. With increasingly sophisticated attack vectors, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, traditional solutions are no longer sufficient to keep our privacy safe.

Affecting both businesses and individuals alike, cyberattacks continue to grow at a dizzying pace, and the numbers suggest that this is just the beginning. Although antivirus software has evolved in parallel with these threats, its low adoption rate is still evident. Barriers such as high prices or a lack of awareness about the dangers of the Internet remain its main handicaps.

Undoubtedly, investing in antivirus software continues to be the best way to proactively protect our digital security. Does your company fit the statistics?