New malicious files discovered daily grow by 5.7% to 380,000 in 2021

23 December 2021

In 2021, Kaspersky’s detection systems discovered 380,000 malicious files per day, indicating a 5.7% increase compared to 2020. This growth correlates with the continuous rise in the number of devices used worldwide, among other factors.

Kaspersky’s detection systems discovered an average of 380,000 new malicious files daily over the past 12 months, reflecting growth of 20,000 compared to the previous year. Traditionally, most threats (91%) occurred via WindowsPE files – a file format specific to Windows operating systems. However, in 2021 cybercriminals started spreading threats associated with the Linux operating system more actively than ever before. As a result, the number of detected Linux malware and unwanted software grew by 57%.

More than half (54%) of the threats detected by Kaspersky’s systems comprised unspecified Trojans. While many types of threats reflected a decrease in volume in 2021 compared to 2020, Trojan Droppers grew by 2.24% compared to 2020. This type of malware is particularly dangerous since these programs are designed to deliver other, more sophisticated malware to a victim’s device. There was also a noticeable increase in the number of worms detected (117.5%), with their share reaching 9% – these programs can self-replicate and propagate independently once they breach the system. Lastly, viruses grew by 27%, increasing their share to 10%.

These findings are part of Kaspersky Security Bulletin (KSB) – an annual series of predictions and analytical reports on key shifts within the cybersecurity world. Follow this link to learn more about other KSB pieces.

To stay protected, Kaspersky also recommends users the following:

Do not download and install applications from untrusted sources
Do not click on any links from unknown sources or suspicious online advertisements
Create strong and unique passwords, including a mix of lower-case and upper-case letters, numbers, and punctuation, as well as activating two-factor authentication
Always install updates. Some of them may contain critical security issue fixes
Ignore messages asking to disable security systems for office or cybersecurity software
Use a robust security solution appropriate to your system type and devices, such as Kaspersky Internet Security or Kaspersky Total Security. It will tell you which sites shouldn’t be open and protect you from malware

To stay safe, Kaspersky recommends organizations to:

Always keep software updated on all the devices you use to prevent attackers from infiltrating your network by exploiting vulnerabilities.
Establish the practice of using strong passwords to access corporate services. Use multi-factor authentication for access to remote services.
Choose a proven endpoint security solution such as Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business that is equipped with behavior-based detection and anomaly control capabilities for effective protection against known and unknown threats.
Use a dedicated set for effective endpoint protection, threat detection and response products to timely detect and remediate even new and evasive threats. Kaspersky Optimum Security the essential set of endpoint protection empowered with EDR and MDR.

About Kaspersky

Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative security solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection and a number of specialized security solutions and services to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky technologies and we help 240,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them.