IT Security Survey 2024 is based on an internet-based survey centered on IT security conducted by AV-Comparatives between 11th December 2023 and 31st December 2023, which included world-wide 1,350 participants:
We are proud to present our annual Security Survey for 2024. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to optimizing our service to the end-user community. We want to thank all the respondents who contributed their valuable time and energy to help improve various aspects of anti-virus software and its testing.
The survey, was conducted with twenty control questions and checks for authentic and valid responses. The survey results will help to shape the future of cybersecurity services by providing insights and implications critical for users, providers, and testers within the cybersecurity world.
Key Results
The survey key findings, based on survey participants input are listed below.
Origin of Respondents:
Although survey participants were from 97 different countries, Germany had the most respondents, followed by the United States and the United Kingdom.
Age of Respondents:
The highest proportion of respondents came from the 25-34 age bracket with the youngest and oldest age groups with the least participants.
Level of expertise:
Half of the participants were described as Advanced Users, with a quarter each for Intermediate Users and Professionals/IT Experts.
Free vs Paid Security Solutions:
Approximately two-thirds of survey participants paid for their preferred computer security programs. 68.9% of respondents use paid/commercial security solutions and 31.1% preferred free software.
Operating System Preferences:
The choice operating System is Windows 11 over Windows 10. Non-expert users prefer older Windows versions.
Browser Preferences:
Mozilla Firefox is the top browser thanks to its additional features and security aspects. Google Chrome comes in second.
Mobile OS Trends:
Android is number one globally, except in North America, where iOS are tied with an equal market share. Younger generations like iPhones the most, with 33% using iOS compared to 22% for older generations.
Change of Mobile OS:
A majority of survey participants were keeping their current mobile OS. 6% planned on switching from Android to iOS or iOS to Android.
VPN solutions:
A third of survey participants did not use a VPN. Avid VPN users used a wide swath of preferred products.
Password Managers:
While advanced users were more likely to use password-management products only about 6 out of 10 respondents used such products.
Parental Control Software:
According to the survey, only about 1 in 10 participants were making use of Parental Control Software. The Android-integrated Google Family Link was the most preferred product for this type of software.
Mobile Anti-Malware Products:
Anti-virus programs Bitdefender, ESET and Kaspersky were the most popular mobile software globally. Half of survey respondents use a mobile security program.
Desktop Security:
Anti-malware products Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Microsoft, and ESET are the most popular desktop security products worldwide.
AV Trial versions:
Approximately two thirds of survey respondents try a paid version before officially buying an anti-virus product. Younger users are more apt to try a trial version.
Most-Requested Consumer Desktop AV Products for Testing:
The top 9 products most commonly used for desktop security solutions correspond to those which respondents wanted to see tested.
Most-Requested Business Desktop AV Products for Testing:
The top 5 most-requested Business Desktop AV Products here were products that are also popular in the consumer market.
Concerns Over Cyber Threats:
Besides fears about tracking and big tech corporations influence, Ransomware, malware, data breaches, and password compromises are the top cyber threats.
Perception of Cyber Threat Actors:
China, Russia and the USA are considered the top three viable sources of cyberattacks by governments and individual hackers.
Testing Lab Credibility:
Independence, transparency, and free access to comprehensive test reports create users trust for testing lab credibility.
Information Sources for Test Results:
Reliable sources are established testing labs with over 20 years of experience in the field of AV testing. AV-Comparatives is the first choice in 84% of the cases in this category suggesting a high level of credibility and trustworthiness by users.
