GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Must-Know Virus And Malware Statistics [Current Data]

Highlights: The Most Important Virus And Malware Statistics

  • In 2020, 350,000 new malware strains were identified every day.
  • Malware increased by 358% in 2020, compared to 2019.
  • Almost 50% of cyberattacks in 2020 were directed at small businesses.
  • About 60% of companies go out of business within six months of a cyberattack.
  • In 2018, the global cost of cybercrime reached $600 billion.
  • In 2019, 65% of malicious software attacks were Trojans.
  • 61% of organizations experienced a ransomware attack in 2020.
  • In 2020, the average cost of a data breach was $3.86 million.
  • 1 in 4 malware attacks are zero-day attacks.
  • Mobile malware attacks increased by 29.48% in 2020.
  • 67% of encrypted threats and malware are delivered over HTTPS.
  • A new malicious website is created every 5 seconds.
  • In 2020, there were more than 8.4 billion password attacks globally.

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Viruses and malware are a growing threat to businesses, individuals, and organizations around the world. In 2020 alone, 350,000 new malware strains were identified every day – 94% of which were delivered via email. Additionally, 1 in 13 web requests lead to malicious software being downloaded onto computers or devices. Malware increased by 358%, compared to 2019; ransomware attacks grew by 150%; almost 50% of cyberattacks targeted small businesses; 60% of companies go out of business within six months after a cyberattack; global cost for cybercrime reached $600 billion in 2018; 65% of malicious software was Trojans in 2019; 61% experienced ransomware attack last year with an average data breach costing $3.86 million dollars each time it occurred – one-fourth (1/4) being zero-day attacks – Mac malware increasing 1000%, Windows reporting 273.6 million infections during first half 2020 while mobile threats rose 29%. Phishing accounts for 90 percent (90%)of all data breaches with 67 percent (67%) encrypted threats & malware delivered over HTTPS and a new malicious website created every 5 seconds globally resulting 8+ billion password attempts throughout the year plus 24 percent (24%) caused due to espionage activities according Cyber Security Statistics Report from 2021..

The Most Important Statistics
In 2020, 350,000 new malware strains were identified every day. This statistic is a stark reminder of the sheer volume of malicious software that is released into the world every day. It highlights the importance of staying vigilant and taking the necessary steps to protect yourself and your data from these threats. It also serves as a warning to those who may not be aware of the dangers posed by malware and the need to take appropriate measures to protect themselves. 94% of malware is delivered via email. This statistic is a stark reminder of the importance of being vigilant when it comes to email security. It highlights the need to be aware of the potential risks associated with opening emails from unknown sources, as well as the need to ensure that anti-virus and anti-malware software is up-to-date and running on all devices.

Virus And Malware Statistics Overview

1 in 13 web requests lead to malware.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of malware on the web, highlighting the importance of taking precautions to protect oneself from malicious software. It serves as a warning to web users that they should be vigilant when browsing the internet, as even a single misstep could lead to a malware infection. In the context of a blog post about virus and malware statistics, this statistic serves to emphasize the need for caution when navigating the web.

Malware increased by 358% in 2020, compared to 2019.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the alarming rate at which malware has grown in 2020, compared to the previous year. It serves as a warning to all users to be extra vigilant when it comes to their online security, as the threat of malicious software is now more prevalent than ever.

Almost 50% of cyberattacks in 2020 were directed at small businesses.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the importance of cyber security for small businesses. It highlights the vulnerability of small businesses to cyberattacks, and the need for them to take proactive steps to protect their data and systems. It also serves as a warning to other businesses, large and small, to ensure they are taking the necessary steps to protect themselves from malicious actors.

About 60% of companies go out of business within six months of a cyberattack.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the devastating effects that cyberattacks can have on businesses. It highlights the importance of having robust security measures in place to protect against malicious software, as the consequences of not doing so can be dire. It serves as a warning to companies to take the threat of viruses and malware seriously, and to invest in the necessary resources to protect their data and systems.

In 2018, the global cost of cybercrime reached $600 billion.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the immense financial burden that cybercrime has placed on the global economy. It serves as a powerful illustration of the devastating effects of virus and malware, and the urgent need for organizations to invest in robust security measures to protect their networks and data.

In 2019, 65% of malicious software attacks were Trojans.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of Trojans in the world of malicious software attacks. It highlights the need for individuals and organizations to be aware of the dangers posed by Trojans and to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from such attacks. This statistic is an important piece of information for anyone looking to stay informed about the latest virus and malware statistics.

61% of organizations experienced a ransomware attack in 2020.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of ransomware attacks in 2020, highlighting the need for organizations to be vigilant in their cybersecurity efforts. It serves as a warning to those who may not have taken the necessary steps to protect their data and systems from malicious actors. By understanding the magnitude of the problem, organizations can better prepare themselves to defend against future attacks.

In 2020, the average cost of a data breach was $3.86 million.

This statistic serves as a stark reminder of the financial implications of a data breach. It highlights the importance of taking the necessary steps to protect against viruses and malware, as the cost of a breach can be devastating. It is a reminder that the cost of prevention is far less than the cost of a breach.

1 in 4 malware attacks are zero-day attacks.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the importance of staying vigilant against cyber threats. Zero-day attacks are particularly dangerous as they exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities, making them difficult to detect and protect against. As such, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest security measures and to be aware of the potential risks posed by malware.

Mobile malware attacks increased by 29.48% in 2020.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the growing prevalence of mobile malware attacks in 2020. It highlights the need for individuals and organizations to remain vigilant and take the necessary steps to protect their devices from malicious software. This statistic is a powerful illustration of the importance of staying informed about the latest virus and malware statistics, and taking the necessary steps to protect oneself from potential threats.

67% of encrypted threats and malware are delivered over HTTPS.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the importance of HTTPS in protecting against malicious threats and malware. It highlights the need for users to be aware of the potential risks associated with unencrypted connections, and to take steps to ensure their data is secure. By understanding the prevalence of encrypted threats and malware, users can be better equipped to protect themselves and their data from malicious actors.

A new malicious website is created every 5 seconds.

This statistic serves as a stark reminder of the ever-growing threat of malicious websites, highlighting the need for vigilance and proactive security measures. It is a stark reminder that the risk of malicious websites is real and ever-present, and that it is essential to take the necessary steps to protect oneself from these threats.

In 2020, there were more than 8.4 billion password attacks globally.

This statistic serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of password attacks in the digital age. It highlights the importance of taking proactive steps to protect oneself from malicious actors, such as regularly changing passwords and using two-factor authentication. In the context of virus and malware statistics, this statistic serves as a reminder that cyber security should be taken seriously and that the threat of malicious actors is ever-present.

Conclusion

The statistics presented in this blog post demonstrate the alarming rate at which cyberattacks and malware are increasing. In 2020, 350,000 new malware strains were identified every day, 94% of all malware was delivered via email, 1 in 13 web requests lead to malicious software and ransomware attacks grew by 150%. Malware increased by 358%, compared to 2019. Almost 50% of cyberattacks were directed at small businesses with 60% going out of business within six months after a breach. The global cost of cybercrime reached $600 billion in 2018 while 65% of malicious software attacks were Trojans that same year. 61% organizations experienced a ransomware attack last year with an average data breach costing $3.86 million dollars; 1 in 4 being zero-day attacks and Mac malware increasing 1000%. 273.6 million Windows infections occurred during the first half on 2020 as mobile threats rose 29%; 90 percent caused by phishing attempts over HTTPS while 67 percent encrypted threats/malware used it too – plus one new malicious website created every 5 seconds. Finally 8+ billion password attempts happened globally last year with 24 percent due to espionage activities alone – making these virus & malware stats truly concerning for everyone’s safety online today.

References

0. – https://www.cisecurity.org

1. – https://www.darkreading.com

2. – https://www.mcafee.com

3. – https://www.cnbc.com

4. – https://www.sophos.com

5. – https://www.blog.sonicwall.com

6. – https://www.theantisocialengineer.com

7. – https://www.globenewswire.com

8. – https://www.pandasecurity.com

9. – https://www.us.norton.com

10. – https://www.prnewswire.com

11. – https://www.securelist.com

12. – https://www.statista.com

13. – https://www.smallbiztrends.com

14. – https://www.symantec.com

FAQs

What is the difference between a virus and malware?

A virus is a type of malware that can self-replicate and spread to other devices by attaching itself to files and programs. Malware, short for malicious software, refers to any software designed to harm, disrupt or gain unauthorized access to a device or network. This includes viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware.

How do viruses and malware spread?

Viruses and malware spread through multiple means, including email attachments, malicious website downloads, social engineering scams, software vulnerabilities, and infected external devices like USB drives.

What are some common signs that a device is infected with a virus or malware?

Common signs of infection include slow device performance, unexpected pop-up ads, unexplained crashes or freezes, unusual activity on the device, unauthorized access to personal information, and changes to settings without user consent.

What preventive measures can be taken to protect against viruses and malware?

Preventive measures include using a reputable antivirus and antimalware software, keeping software up-to-date with security patches, avoiding suspicious emails and downloads, enabling a firewall, and practicing good password management.

How can viruses and malware be removed from an infected device?

Removal of viruses and malware typically involves running a thorough scan using a trusted antivirus or antimalware software, which can then identify and eliminate the malicious files. In severe cases, a complete reinstallation of the operating system may be necessary.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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