Antivirus Software Global Market Report 2024

The antivirus software market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $4.09 billion in 2023 to $4.23 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5%. Historical growth can be attributed to several factors including the rise in cybersecurity threats, increased connectivity and internet usage, concerns about data privacy, risks in business and finance, and the need for government and regulatory compliance.

The antivirus software market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.1 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8%. Forecasted growth is due to ransomware threats, advanced persistent threats, IoT security concerns, and integration with endpoint security. Major trends include ransomware protection, mobile security, security automation, identity protection, and regulatory compliance.

The anticipated surge in the number of cyber-attacks is expected to significantly drive the growth of the antivirus software market in the forthcoming years. Cyber-attacks, deliberate actions targeting computers or devices in cyberspace, aim to disrupt, disable, manipulate, or destroy systems intentionally. There's been a notable rise in hacking incidents and data breaches across computers, laptops, and mobile devices perpetrated through viruses or malware. Antivirus software plays a pivotal role in thwarting these threats by blocking or preventing the entry of viruses or malware into devices, thus serving as a frontline defense against cyber-attacks. For instance, as per the Australian Cyber Security Centre's report in February 2023, cybercrime reports surged to 76,000 in 2022, marking an increase of nearly 13% from the previous financial year. This alarming escalation in cyber-attacks underscores the growing necessity and heightened demand for robust antivirus software solutions to combat these evolving threats.

The burgeoning adoption of IoT devices is anticipated to significantly drive the growth trajectory of the antivirus software market in the foreseeable future. IoT, or the Internet of Things, represents a network comprising interconnected physical devices, vehicles, and various objects embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity for data exchange. As the proliferation of IoT devices continues, antivirus solutions become imperative in averting and addressing malware infections. This essential role in cybersecurity safeguards both individual users and enterprises against the evolving threats associated with interconnected devices. For instance, Dataprot, a Serbia-based cybersecurity solutions company, reported in May 2023 that the number of active IoT devices exceeded ten billion in 2021 and is projected to surge to 25.4 billion by 2030. Consequently, the increasing integration of IoT devices stands as a significant driver propelling the expansion of the antivirus software market.

Cloud-based antivirus has emerged as a popular trend within the antivirus software market. This solution, known as cloud antivirus or cloud-based antivirus, operates by shifting the workload to a cloud-based server, thereby alleviating the burden on the local computer from hosting an antivirus suite. Cloud antivirus offers protection to PCs, laptops, and mobile devices through behavioral-based screening and regularly updated malware software, all managed via data transfers. Notably, according to a report from Tracxn Technologies Limited, an India-based software company in 2021, major industry players such as Malwarebytes, Avast, Panda Security, Qihoo 360 Technology, and AVG Technologies are actively utilizing cloud-based antivirus solutions.

Major players within the antivirus software market are increasingly forging partnerships to drive innovation and bolster their market positions. These collaborations and alliances in the antivirus software sector aim to foster innovation, facilitate the sharing of threat intelligence, and pool expertise, culminating in more robust and comprehensive solutions against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. An exemplary case is the partnership between AT&T Inc., a US-based telecommunications company, and SentinelOne Inc., a US-based cybersecurity firm, which led to the launch of AT&T Managed Endpoint Security with SentinelOne in April 2021. This comprehensive cybersecurity solution offers endpoint protection against advanced threats and ransomware. Consolidating various security functions into a single software agent, it features continuous 24x7 threat monitoring by AT&T Security Operations Center analysts. The solution elevates visibility through AI and Machine Learning, meticulously tracks endpoint processes, and streamlines automated incident response for swifter threat detection. The collaboration strategically addresses the challenges associated with expanding network perimeters and sophisticated cyber threats, equipping organizations with enhanced protection and comprehensive visibility.

In September 2022, NortonLifeLock, a prominent US-based cybersecurity software company, completed the acquisition of Avast Software s.r.o. for a significant $8 billion. This strategic move by NortonLifeLock has notably bolstered the company's standing within the realm of consumer cyber safety. The acquisition of Avast has substantially broadened NortonLifeLock's capabilities and user base, positioning it to redefine and reimagine comprehensive cyber safety solutions for both consumers and small businesses on a global scale. Avast Software s.r.o., based in the Czech Republic, specializes in cybersecurity software development, focusing on antivirus solutions for servers, desktops, and mobile devices. This acquisition marks a significant step for NortonLifeLock in expanding its portfolio and enhancing its offerings in the cybersecurity market.

Major companies operating in the antivirus software market report are Tencent Holdings Limited, Fortinet Inc., Symantec Corporation, McAfee LLC, Trend Micro Incorporated, Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd., Bitdefender S.R.L., CrowdStrike Inc., Avira Operations GmbH & Co. KG, Avast Software s.r.o., Kaspersky Lab AO, ESET spol. s r.o., Trustwave Holdings Inc., Quick Heal Technologies Limited, ConnectWise LLC, Webroot Inc., SentinelOne Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Comodo Cybersecurity Inc., Cheetah Mobile Inc., Panda Security S.L., F-Secure Corporation, AVG Technologies CZ s.r.o., Sophos Limited, G DATA CyberDefense AG, OneLogin Inc., Lavasoft Limited, AhnLab Inc., Rising Antivirus International Co. Ltd., Jigsaw Security Enterprise LLC.

North America was the largest region in the antivirus software market in 2023. Europe was the second-largest region in the antivirus software market share. The regions covered in the antivirus software market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the antivirus software market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Antivirus software is available across various devices such as computers, tablets, smartphones, and others, tailored to address specific security needs. Computer antivirus software is specifically designed for computers to prevent, scan, and detect viruses and malware that could compromise their functionality. These antivirus programs cater to diverse operating systems including Windows, MAC, Android, iOS, or Linux, and serve a wide array of sectors including corporate, personal, and government entities, ensuring comprehensive protection against cybersecurity threats.

The antivirus software market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides antivirus software market statistics, including antivirus software industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a antivirus software market share, detailed antivirus software market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the antivirus software industry. This antivirus software market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The antivirus software market includes revenues earned by entities by providing software tools that automate the processes for scanning, detecting, protecting against, and removing malware on a computer or mobile device to protect devices and data on them. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.