Cybersecurity threats are evolving at a pace that’s hard to keep up with. Malware, in particular, continues to grow in volume and complexity. Businesses, no matter their size, are at risk if they don’t understand how malware works, how it spreads, and how it hides. This article breaks down the latest trends with hard numbers and practical advice you can use to strengthen your defenses. Let’s walk through 30 powerful stats that paint a clear picture of the malware landscape today.
1. 560,000 new pieces of malware are detected every day
This number is massive. Imagine half a million new threats popping up daily. That’s more than 6 threats every second. And they’re not just minor annoyances — many of them are designed to steal data, lock down systems, or spy on activity.
The takeaway is simple: you can’t rely on old methods to keep up with new threats. Anti-virus software that updates once a day isn’t enough anymore. You need real-time threat detection.
Tools that use behavior-based analysis (rather than signature-based) can help spot threats even if they’re brand new. If you’re running a business, make sure your endpoint protection system updates multiple times per day and can detect fileless and polymorphic malware.
Also, educate your team. Most infections start with a user clicking on something they shouldn’t.
A short monthly training session on what to look out for can make a huge difference. Keep security awareness fresh — threats are changing daily, and so should your awareness efforts.
2. Over 1 billion malware programs exist globally as of 2024
A billion. That’s how many malware variants are out there today. It’s not just one type of malware you need to worry about — it’s a whole ecosystem. Trojans, worms, spyware, ransomware, keyloggers, adware, and more.
What does this mean for you? There’s no one-size-fits-all defense. You need a layered approach.
That means multiple defenses working together: firewalls, anti-malware, secure email gateways, DNS filtering, intrusion detection systems, and strong access control.
It’s also important to have strong software asset management. If you don’t know what software is running on your network, how can you tell what’s legitimate and what’s not? Keep inventories updated and regularly audit them.
Get rid of software you don’t use. The fewer programs you have, the fewer places malware can hide.
3. Malware attacks increased by 37% year-over-year in 2023
This spike isn’t just a bump — it’s a sign that attackers are becoming more aggressive and better funded. A 37% increase in just one year tells us that more attackers are entering the scene and deploying more complex campaigns.
Companies need to respond by ramping up their security efforts just as aggressively. If you’re still operating on a 2020 security budget or mindset, you’re behind.
Start with a risk assessment. Identify your most critical assets — the things that, if compromised, would do the most damage. Build your defenses around protecting those first. Then, expand your protection to the rest of your environment.
Also, revisit your incident response plan. When malware hits, it hits fast. You need to know exactly who does what and how to isolate the threat. Don’t wait for a real incident to test your plan. Run tabletop exercises and make improvements every time.
4. Ransomware accounts for 24% of all malware attacks
Ransomware has become one of the most feared types of malware — and for good reason. It locks up your data and demands a payment to get it back. And it’s responsible for almost a quarter of all malware incidents.
Backing up your data is essential — but not just any backup will do. Offline, immutable backups are best. If your backup is always connected to your network, it might get encrypted by ransomware too.
Prevention is also key. Most ransomware attacks start with phishing. Regularly test your employees with phishing simulations. Make sure your email filtering system blocks suspicious files and links before they even hit the inbox.
Patch your systems regularly. Many ransomware strains exploit known vulnerabilities. A delay of even a week in applying a patch can leave a door wide open.
5. 91% of malware is delivered via email
This stat should make everyone pause before opening that next email. The inbox is still the number one entry point for malware, by a long shot.
Your first line of defense should be email security software that filters out malicious attachments and links. But don’t stop there. Encourage employees to pause and verify before clicking on anything unexpected. Make it a habit to hover over links to see where they really lead.
Consider implementing domain-based message authentication (like DMARC, SPF, and DKIM) to protect your email domain from being spoofed. This can prevent attackers from impersonating your organization in phishing emails.
Lastly, limit what users can do with attachments. Can you block macros in Word and Excel files by default? Can you open PDFs in a secure viewer? Small changes here can stop a huge number of threats.
6. 75% of phishing emails contain malicious links
Three out of four phishing emails are trying to get you to click a link — not download a file. These links might lead to fake login pages, exploit kits, or downloads of malware.
Train employees to recognize the signs of a phishing link. Misspelled URLs, odd sender addresses, urgent language — these are all red flags. Run internal phishing simulations every few months. Reward employees who report suspicious emails.
Deploy link protection tools that rewrite or scan links in emails. Many modern security platforms offer this feature. When a link is clicked, it’s scanned in real time. If it’s dangerous, the click is blocked.
7. 66% of malware is hidden in encrypted traffic
Encryption is great for privacy, but attackers are using it to hide malware too. Two-thirds of malware is now being smuggled through HTTPS connections, where traditional security tools can’t see it.
To fight this, you need SSL/TLS inspection at your network edge. This means decrypting and scanning traffic before it reaches your endpoints. Yes, it can be resource-intensive, but it’s often the only way to catch what’s hidden inside.
Make sure your firewall or security appliance supports deep packet inspection with SSL decryption. And don’t forget to keep certificates and configurations updated — a broken inspection process is worse than none at all.
8. 70% of malware infections happen through known vulnerabilities
This one hurts. Most malware infections don’t use secret, high-tech tricks. They use publicly known flaws — often ones that have patches available.
You need to treat patch management as a top priority. Automate it where you can. Test patches in a staging environment, then deploy them as soon as possible. For critical systems, have a fast-track process in place.
Also, audit your software and hardware for end-of-life products. If something isn’t being updated by the vendor anymore, it’s a sitting duck. Replace or isolate those systems.
9. Zero-day exploits increased by 87% in the past year
Zero-day exploits are vulnerabilities that attackers find before developers do — meaning there’s no patch available when the attack happens. An 87% increase in one year is a serious warning sign.
Hackers are getting better at discovering and using these flaws fast, often before security teams even know they exist.
So how do you defend against something that hasn’t been patched yet? It starts with layered security. Even if one layer fails, another can catch the threat. Network segmentation is key. If a zero-day exploit hits one part of your system, it shouldn’t be able to move freely to others.
Behavior-based detection tools are also critical. Since signature-based tools can’t catch what they don’t know, you need systems that flag suspicious behavior. Is a program trying to access system files it shouldn’t?
Is it reaching out to strange domains? These are signs something’s not right.
You can also reduce your exposure by limiting the number of applications you run. Fewer apps mean fewer possible vulnerabilities. Focus on patching the most commonly targeted software first — browsers, email clients, office suites, and VPN tools.
10. Fileless malware grew by 62% in 2023
Fileless malware doesn’t rely on traditional files to infect a system. It lives in memory, making it much harder to detect. And with a 62% jump in just one year, it’s becoming a go-to method for attackers.
Because it often uses legitimate system tools like PowerShell or WMI, antivirus software might not flag it. The best way to catch fileless attacks is with endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools that can monitor behavior in real-time.
To reduce risk, restrict what users can run. Implement application whitelisting. Only approved programs should be allowed to execute. Limit PowerShell access to admin users and log all PowerShell activity for review.
Finally, log everything. Fileless attacks don’t leave obvious artifacts. Without detailed logs, you won’t know how the attacker got in or what they did. Set up centralized logging and regularly review for anomalies.
11. 40% of malware uses PowerShell for evasion
PowerShell is a powerful tool for administrators — and attackers know it. Around 40% of malware campaigns now use PowerShell to sneak around undetected. It lets them execute commands, download payloads, and move laterally across networks.
One effective tactic is to disable PowerShell for users who don’t need it. That immediately reduces your attack surface. For those who do need it, configure it in constrained language mode, which limits what it can do.
You should also enable PowerShell logging and monitor for unusual activity. If a script starts pulling files from strange URLs or modifying registry settings, you need to know right away.
Also, consider implementing Microsoft’s Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) rules if you’re using Defender. These rules can automatically block malicious PowerShell behavior without impacting legitimate use.
12. Polymorphic malware accounts for 97% of infections
Polymorphic malware changes its code every time it runs, which makes it nearly invisible to traditional security tools. A staggering 97% of infections now involve some level of polymorphism.
So how do you protect yourself from something that changes its shape constantly? Again, behavior-based detection is the answer.
Polymorphic malware might look different each time, but it often behaves the same — scanning networks, escalating privileges, or calling out to command-and-control servers.
Invest in EDR or XDR platforms that use machine learning to catch patterns. These systems look for how malware behaves, not just how it looks.
Keep user privileges minimal. Malware often needs admin rights to do serious damage. If it can’t escalate, it’s easier to contain. Use group policies to restrict what users can install or change on their systems.
13. 45% of businesses hit by malware suffer multiple attacks
Getting hit once is bad enough. But almost half of affected businesses get hit again — often within months. Why? Because many don’t address the root cause. They clean up the mess but leave the door open.
After an infection, do a full forensic analysis. How did the attacker get in? What systems were touched? What data was accessed? Until you understand that, you’re vulnerable.
Also, improve your defenses based on lessons learned. If the attacker used a phishing email, beef up your email filters and training. If they moved laterally through your network, improve segmentation.
Lastly, don’t forget communication. After an attack, clearly share what happened with all employees — especially what to look out for. Everyone needs to be part of the fix.
14. 60% of malware campaigns use stolen credentials
More than half of malware operations start with compromised usernames and passwords. That’s why protecting credentials should be at the top of your list.
First step: enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere you can. Even if an attacker gets a password, they can’t log in without the second factor.
Next, check for reused or weak passwords. Use a password manager that creates and stores complex, unique passwords. Don’t let users come up with their own — they’ll often choose something predictable.
Regularly scan the dark web for stolen credentials tied to your company. Services exist that alert you if your employees’ emails show up in breaches. When that happens, force a password reset immediately.
15. The average dwell time for undetected malware is 21 days
Once malware sneaks into a system, it often stays hidden for three weeks before anyone notices. That gives attackers plenty of time to steal data, spy on activity, or set up future attacks.
Reduce dwell time by increasing visibility. EDR tools can track activity at the endpoint level, while SIEM systems collect and correlate logs across your network.
Run regular internal threat-hunting exercises. These are proactive scans for anomalies that might signal hidden malware. It’s like looking for smoke before the fire.
You should also have alerts set up for unusual behavior: a user logging in at 3 AM, a sudden spike in outbound traffic, or unauthorized access to sensitive folders. These alerts can catch threats early.
16. 80% of malware is targeted at Windows systems
Windows remains the most popular operating system in the business world — and it’s the most targeted. 80% of all malware is designed to run on Windows.
Start by locking down your Windows environments. Use Group Policy to control user permissions, disable unnecessary features, and prevent unsigned scripts from running.
Use Windows Defender, but don’t rely on it alone. Consider a third-party endpoint solution that offers deeper detection capabilities.
Also, keep Windows systems fully patched. Microsoft releases updates every month. Apply them quickly, especially security updates. Delaying updates gives attackers time to exploit known flaws.
17. Mobile malware rose by 50% year-over-year
Mobile devices are now critical tools for business — but they’re also becoming top targets.
A 50% surge in mobile malware means attackers are shifting focus. Smartphones and tablets often have access to corporate data but lack the same protections as desktops.
Start by managing all mobile devices through a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution.
MDM lets you enforce security policies, wipe data remotely, and restrict app installs. Whether devices are company-owned or BYOD (bring your own device), they need oversight.
Also, educate employees about mobile threats. Many people think phones are safer than computers, but that’s no longer true. Teach your team to avoid sideloading apps and only download from official stores.
Even then, check app reviews and permissions before installing.
Enable automatic updates for mobile operating systems. Vulnerabilities on mobile platforms are patched frequently — but only if updates are installed. Encourage biometric locks, disable Bluetooth when not in use, and require VPN access for connecting to internal resources.
18. Android devices face 10x more malware threats than iOS
Android’s open ecosystem gives users freedom — but it also makes it more vulnerable. Attackers prefer Android simply because it’s easier to exploit and more widely used globally.
To protect Android users, block sideloading completely. The majority of Android malware comes from apps installed outside the Google Play Store. MDM solutions can enforce this.
Encourage the use of Google Play Protect, which scans apps for threats, but don’t rely on it alone. Add a third-party mobile security app that checks for spyware, banking trojans, and risky behaviors.
On iOS, while malware is rarer, it’s not impossible. Jailbroken devices are highly vulnerable and should never be allowed on your network. Have your MDM scan for jailbroken/rooted devices and block them automatically.
And no matter the platform, keep all mobile apps up to date. Attackers often exploit vulnerabilities in apps — not just the operating system.
19. Banking trojans increased by 37% in 2023
Banking trojans are malware that steal login credentials for financial services — and their usage is growing fast.
A 37% increase shows that cybercriminals are following the money, targeting both individuals and businesses.
If you’re a business handling financial transactions or customer data, this should be a wake-up call. First, lock down browser usage on corporate devices. Use browser isolation or virtual browsing environments for financial operations, so malware can’t intercept keystrokes or sessions.
Educate users about fake banking emails and websites. Many banking trojans rely on phishing to trick users into entering credentials on spoofed pages. Show employees real examples so they know what to look for.
Use endpoint protection that monitors for credential-stealing behavior. Some trojans take screenshots, record keystrokes, or redirect browsers. These signs can be detected with the right tools.
Finally, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all financial accounts. Even if a trojan steals a password, 2FA can stop unauthorized access.
20. 30% of malware uses domain generation algorithms (DGAs)
DGAs allow malware to create new domain names on the fly to contact command-and-control (C2) servers. This makes it hard for security tools to block malicious traffic since the domains are constantly changing.
Defending against DGAs means focusing on behavior, not just domain lists. Network security tools should monitor for unusual DNS queries — especially domains that are random, don’t resolve, or are accessed in bursts.
You can also use threat intelligence feeds that identify known DGA patterns. Some security platforms use machine learning to flag traffic that resembles DGA behavior, even if the domain hasn’t been seen before.
Internally, restrict outbound DNS requests to only trusted DNS servers. Then, log all queries and monitor them. If malware is trying to call home, it will likely leave traces in your DNS logs.
21. Malware using legitimate software tools rose by 40%
Attackers increasingly use legitimate tools — like remote desktop software or system utilities — to move quietly through a network. This tactic, called “living off the land,” helps malware blend in with normal operations.
To fight this, control what tools are allowed on your systems. Use application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized programs from running. If your users don’t need TeamViewer, remove it. If PowerShell isn’t required, restrict it.
Monitor how legitimate tools are being used. If a remote tool suddenly runs at midnight, or a command-line tool is executing unknown scripts, that’s a red flag.
Also, restrict admin privileges. Many tools only work if the malware has elevated permissions. By limiting who has admin access — and how often they use it — you reduce risk dramatically.
22. 64% of malware downloads are executed via drive-by downloads
Drive-by downloads happen when a user visits a malicious or compromised website, and malware is downloaded without their knowledge. These attacks often don’t need any clicks at all.
To reduce exposure, keep browsers, plug-ins, and extensions fully updated. Flash may be gone, but other outdated plug-ins can still be exploited.
Use browser isolation — where risky web content runs in a virtual environment — or force all browsing through a secure web gateway that scans traffic.
On the user side, limit admin rights. Drive-by malware often needs to install software, which it can’t do without elevated permissions. Running as a standard user can stop many of these infections cold.
23. 55% of malware campaigns utilize evasion against sandboxing
Sandboxes are used by security tools to test suspicious files in a safe environment. But over half of malware now includes code that checks if it’s in a sandbox — and if so, it stays dormant to avoid detection.
To beat this, don’t rely only on sandboxing. Use layered detection that includes memory analysis, user behavior tracking, and endpoint forensics.
Advanced malware often delays execution or requires user interaction to activate. Security tools should support “detonation chaining” — running a file long enough to trigger its real behavior.
Also, regularly update your sandbox tools. Attackers often target known limitations. Keeping these tools current gives you a better shot at catching evasive threats.
24. 33% of malware uses steganography to hide payloads
Steganography involves hiding malicious code in images, videos, or audio files. About a third of malware campaigns now use this method to avoid detection.
To guard against it, block unnecessary media file types from being transferred over your network unless there’s a clear business need. An HR department may need to share images — your accounting team probably doesn’t.
Inspect files for anomalies. Some security tools can detect if an image contains unusual data structures that hint at hidden payloads.
Also, limit what types of files are allowed through email or web uploads. If employees don’t need to receive .bmp or .tiff files, block them by default.
25. 90% of malware variants observed are only seen once
Most malware is designed to be used a single time. These unique variants are often custom-built for a specific campaign or target, making them very hard to detect with signature-based tools.
That’s why behavioral analysis is critical. Instead of asking “Have we seen this file before?”, tools should ask “Is this file doing anything suspicious?”
Use AI-powered detection platforms that can flag never-before-seen threats based on how they act, not what they look like.
Also, log everything. If a unique threat gets through, logs can help you understand how it moved, what it touched, and how to stop it next time.
26. MacOS malware increased by 13% last year
While still far less common than Windows malware, threats against macOS are growing — and a 13% increase shows the trend is rising. Mac users often believe they’re immune, which can lead to careless behavior.
If your organization uses Macs, treat them like any other endpoint. Install endpoint protection, configure firewalls, and apply updates regularly.
Limit what users can install, and disable unnecessary services like remote login or file sharing unless required.
Finally, educate Mac users. Many of the same social engineering tricks used against Windows users — like fake installers or phishing sites — work just as well on macOS.
27. IoT malware attacks surged by 200% in 2023
IoT devices — from smart thermostats to security cameras — are being hit hard. A 200% increase means attackers are now focused on these weak points in your network.
The problem? Most IoT devices have poor security. Many use default passwords, have outdated firmware, and can’t be easily patched.
Start by identifying every IoT device on your network. You can’t protect what you don’t know exists. Change default passwords immediately and disable features you’re not using.
Segregate IoT devices from your main network using VLANs or separate SSIDs. That way, if one gets compromised, it can’t affect your core systems.
And don’t forget firmware updates. Many vendors release patches for vulnerabilities — but it’s up to you to apply them.
28. 48% of organizations report malware bypassed their antivirus
Nearly half of all companies say malware slipped past their antivirus. This shows that traditional tools are no longer enough on their own.
You need a multi-layered approach. Combine antivirus with EDR, network monitoring, and email protection. The more ways you can detect an attack, the better your chances.
Also, consider threat hunting. Look for signs of compromise even when alerts aren’t triggered. Set up rules to catch abnormal user behavior, strange logins, or unauthorized data access.
Finally, review your antivirus settings. Many tools are installed but not properly configured. Fine-tune them to your environment and schedule regular scans.
29. 72% of malware communicates with command-and-control servers
Most malware needs to talk to its creators. Whether it’s to exfiltrate data or receive commands, this communication is a critical weak point.
Set up outbound traffic monitoring. Flag connections to unknown or suspicious IPs. Block known bad domains using threat intelligence feeds.
Implement DNS filtering. This can stop malware from resolving domain names used by command-and-control servers. If malware can’t find its server, it often becomes useless.
And inspect encrypted outbound traffic, not just inbound. Many C2 communications are hidden in HTTPS tunnels.
30. Malware embedded in PDFs rose by 23% in 2023
PDFs are commonly trusted — and attackers are taking advantage. A 23% increase shows more malware is hiding inside what looks like a simple document.
Use secure PDF viewers that disable JavaScript and prevent automatic actions. Many exploits rely on scripts running the moment a file is opened.
Scan PDFs at the gateway before they reach the user. Many email security tools can do this and even convert risky files into safe versions.
Train users to be cautious. If they weren’t expecting a PDF, or the sender looks off, teach them to double-check before opening.
wrapping it up
The malware world isn’t standing still, and neither should your defenses. As these stats show, attackers are getting smarter, faster, and more creative. But with awareness, the right tools, and smart habits, you can stay a step ahead. Review these trends often, and keep your security strategy evolving.
