Kaspersky’s detection systems discovered an average of 467,000 malicious files per day in 2024, a 14% increase compared to the previous year.
Certain types of threats saw significant growth with experts reporting a 33% surge in Trojan detections compared to 2023. These and other findings are described in the Kaspersky Security Bulletin (KSB) – an annual series of reports analyzing major developments in the cybersecurity landscape.
Windows continued to be the primary target for cyberattacks, accounting for 93% of all malware-filled data detected daily. Malicious families disseminated through various scripts and different Microsoft Office document formats ranked among the top three threats, accounting for 6% of all malicious files detected daily.
Kaspersky’s detection systems discovered a significant increase in Windows malware – 19% from 2023 to 2024. There has also been a 150% increase in the use of Trojan droppers – programs designed to deliver other malware to a victim’s computer or phone without the victim noticing.
Vladimir Kuskov, Head of Anti-Malware Research at Kaspersky said:
The number of new threats grows every year as adversaries continue to develop new malware, techniques and methods to attack users and organizations. This year was no exception to this, and there were dangerous trends observed, such as attacks on trusted relationships and supply chains, including those on open-source packages (e.g., the XZ case).
There were massive phishing and malicious campaigns targeting social media users and a rise in banking malware. And, of course, the use of AI tools to generate new malware or facilitate phishing attacks.
How to Stay Protected
To stay protected, Kaspersky recommends individual users not download and install applications from untrusted sources. Always use two-factor authentication when available. Create strong and unique passwords, using a mix of lower-case and upper-case letters, numbers, and punctuation. Use a reliable password manager to help to remember them. Always install updates when they become available as they contain fixes for critical security issues.
Use a robust security solution appropriate to your system type and devices, such as award-winning Kaspersky Premium.
