AV-Comparatives, a renowned authority in cybersecurity research and testing, has released the Security Survey 2026, providing a deep dive into how users and organizations globally approach digital protection. With responses from 1,328 participants across 87 countries, this study offers a snapshot of current cybersecurity adoption, platform usage trends, and perceptions of global cyber threats.
Key Findings from the 2026 Survey
The survey reveals ongoing dominance of established security vendors, with Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and ESET emerging as the most commonly used desktop security solutions. Microsoft’s security offerings are also widely adopted, underscoring the importance of brand recognition and proven efficacy in users’ choice of cybersecurity products.
On the operating system front, Windows 11 has now become the most popular desktop platform, reflecting a shift from older versions of Windows. The survey also highlights an uptick in Linux usage, indicating growing acceptance of Linux, particularly among users concerned with security. Meanwhile, Android remains the dominant mobile operating system globally, though iOS continues to perform strongly among professionals and security-conscious users.
Global Cyber Threat Perception
The survey also sheds light on perceptions of cyberattack sources. Russia and China were most commonly cited as primary sources of cyberattacks, with the United States and North Korea following closely behind. Participants also expressed growing concern about domestic surveillance and the potential for internal threats within their own countries.
Impact on Cybersecurity Strategies
For cybersecurity professionals, vendors, and policymakers, the Security Survey 2026 provides valuable insights into shifting trends. The continued preference for commercial security solutions, the growing relevance of Linux, and the increasing concerns over state-sponsored threats all offer critical context for strategic decision-making in the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
