AV-Comparatives’ Sixth International IT Security Survey Results Released

PRESS RELEASE

Tuesday, February 16, 2016 – Innsbruck-based testing lab AV-Comparatives has released the results of its 2016 survey of worldwide computer users’ preferences and requirements for operating systems, browsers and security products.

Between 7th and 21st December 2015, AV-Comparatives asked computer users to answer questions about their preferred software and security requirements. 

Respondents came from all over the globe. As was the case last year, about half came from Europe, and a fifth North America, with the USA having the most participants from any one country (16.7%).

Over 70% of participating users described themselves as computer enthusiasts or professionals. Getting on for half of all respondents already use Windows 10, and over three quarters prefer either Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox to a Microsoft browser.  

Android remained the most popular mobile OS amongst those taking part, accounting for over two thirds of users. Over two thirds of the users surveyed deploy a mobile anti-malware program, with Avast being the most popular solution worldwide.

With regard to desktop security programs, over 60% of respondents pay for their protection (up from last year). The top 5 products overall (Kaspersky Lab, ESET, Bitdefender, AVIRA and Avast) remain the same, although AVIRA and Avast swap places. Not surprisingly, these 5 products also represent the products that survey respondents would most like to see in our tests.

As was the case last year, over a third of users stated that their security program had successfully protected them against a threat within the last week, whilst 50% said their antimalware solution had never failed to protect them. Again, this indicates that the chance of encountering malware is high, but that good security software will provide effective protection against it.

AV-Comparatives’ Real-World Protection Test was seen as most relevant by respondents, with over 80% regarding it as most interesting to them. This was followed by the File Detection test (over 70%), and Performance (just under 66%). All three of these tests are obligatory in Our Main Test Series.  The results indicate that readers value the variety of tests performed, without relying too heavily on one single test type.

When it comes to reliable and trustworthy sources of information on security products, respondents rated all the German and English-language computer magazines at between 3 and 4 (5 being the top score), while reviews on forums and YouTube were seen as less reliable (under 3). 

Once again we were delighted to be chosen by respondents as the most reliable and trustworthy testing lab (4.7), while AV-Test and Virus Bulletin also scored received scores of 4 or above.

We are grateful to everyone who took part in the survey, and will use the results to help refine and perfect our tests and reviews in 2016.


About AV-Comparatives

AV-Comparatives is an independent organization offering systematic testing that checks whether security software, such as PC/Mac-based antivirus products and mobile security solutions, lives up to its promises. Using one of the largest sample collections worldwide, it creates a real-world environment for truly accurate testing. AV-Comparatives offers freely accessible results to individuals, news organizations and scientific institutions. Certification by AV-Comparatives provides an official seal of approval for software performance which is globally recognized.