Data Dive: What we learn from global malware trends in 2018 (Part 1)

In 2018, we observed an overall decline in malware encounter rates. That said, there is still a long way to go depending on what part of the world you live in…

(Source: Getty Images)

This is a rare sentence in the security world, but we actually have some good news: From January to December 2018, global malware encounter rates declined approximately 34% according to research from Microsoft’s Windows Defender Security Intelligence team. Why?

(Source: Microsoft Security Intelligence Report v24)

Here are 3 reasons we believe contribute to this trend:

1. Effective, built-in security enforcement: As there are strong security measures built-into and being enforced as part of commonly used services, such as web browser, endpoint, and email, it helps to reduce malware encounters. Specifically, Web-browser based warnings, endpoint antivirus software that is continuously detecting and blocking threats if a user opted in for automated updates, and email-based protection (e.g. built-into Office 365) from spam and malware all help prevent malicious files from being downloaded to a device/system.
2. Increased user awareness: Data breaches of well known companies being publicized widely and enforcement of privacy regulations such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is making more end users increasingly aware of the risks they face when using devices, applications and services to communicate and share data (as simple as a name and email all the way to more personal details such as date of birth). Users today more likely will pay closer attention to suspicious emails and requests for sensitive personal information in emails and will not respond. This heightened awareness, especially among the more educated and technically savvy population, helps reduce risk of malware encounters and infections in certain countries.
3. Security-first mindset: Countries with lower encounter rates tend to have mature cybersecurity infrastructures and well-established programs for protecting critical infrastructure and communicating with their citizens about basic security.

At the same time, there is still a long way to go. Despite the overall decline in malware encounter rates in 2018, in several parts of the world we observed a 15%+ malware encounter rate, including countries in the Asia Pacific and Middle East.

In Part 2, we will explore cybersecurity hygiene tips to help reduce malware risks — read Part 2 here and follow the Microsoft Cybersecurity publication to stay updated.

Explore Microsoft’s interactive Security Intelligence Report for yourself!