This is a scary thought isn’t it?

Lack of consumer PC protection is a global problem. McAfee, the world’s largest dedicated security technology company, today reveals shocking findings from a global study set out to determine the percentage of personal computer owners without any working protection. In a study that analyzed data from voluntary scans from an average of 27-28 million computers per month, McAfee researchers found 17% of the world is browsing the internet completely unprotected.¹ Out of the 24 participating countries, the United States landed in the top 5 least protected.

“The freedom to browse the internet comes with the added risk of unwanted exposure, and cybercriminals are preying on unsuspecting victims”

Browsing the internet on an exposed computer not only increases the risk of identity theft and data loss, but it can contribute to the spread of harmful programs and nasty viruses. Even if you think your personal computer has basic protection installed, it is important to make sure your security software stays up-to-date. Research also found many of the scanned computers have disabled or expired software. Within the United States alone, 19.32% of consumers are unprotected.

Key Findings:

83% of global PC owners have working basic security protection²

17% of PCs scanned had no anti-virus software installed or it was expired

Finland came out on top as the most protected, with only 9.7% of PCs lacking any security protection

Singapore came out on bottom with 21.75% of consumer PCs completely unprotected

The United States is the 5^th least protected country, with 19.32% of Americans browsing the Internet without any protection – 12.25% of consumers have zero security protection installed; 7.07% have security software installed but disabled

Spain had the highest percentage of PCs without any installed basic security protection at 16.33%

Singapore had the highest percentage of users, 11.75%, with installed, but disabled, security protection

Consumers globally say 27% of their digital files would be “impossible to restore” at all if lost and not backed up properly, and had an average value of $10,014 US.

Expert Quote:

“The freedom to browse the internet comes with the added risk of unwanted exposure, and cybercriminals are preying on unsuspecting victims,” says Steve Petracca, SVP and GM of consumer, small business and mobile at McAfee. “With the increasing number of global cyber-attacks affecting consumers, it is critical that the 17% of consumers that are unprotected update their virus protection before it’s too late.”

Available Product Solutions:

McAfee AntiVirus Plus instantly detects and blocks computer viruses and helps to stop web threats before they are downloaded to a consumer’s PC. This suite includes anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-phishing, identity and firewall protection, as well as PC optimization tools. The suggested retail price for McAfee AntiVirus Plus is $49.99 US.

McAfee makes it easier than ever for consumers to protect all of their devices with award-winning McAfee All Access, which protects all of a consumer’s digital devices for $99.99 US. McAfee All Access is a single solution that protects consumers’ PCs, Macs, smartphones, and tablets from a variety of threats–wherever they connect. Consumers stay safe when they shop and surf on the net, visit social networks, click on online images, or use their email—no matter what device they’re using.

¹ PCs scanned either had no anti-virus installed or the software was installed, but disabled.

² Basic security protection is defined as working anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall technologies.

Note: Due to rounding, country data may show a variance of ±1%.