Sri Lanka records nearly 15 million local malware attacks in 2025: Kaspersky

Colombo, April 8 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka recorded 14,960,244 local malware incidents in 2025, with 37.4% of users affected by threats spread through removable media such as USB drives, CDs and DVDs, according to the latest Kaspersky Security Bulletin. The country ranks 48th globally for local threat exposure.

Data from the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) covering January to December 2025 shows that offline infection methods remain a major cybersecurity challenge, particularly in environments where shared devices are common.

Kaspersky said that worms and file viruses accounted for most local infections, spreading silently through compromised removable media before detection. Unlike online threats, these malware types can propagate without internet connectivity.

“Local threats continue to pose a persistent risk to users in Sri Lanka,” said Sam Yan, Head of Sales for Asia Emerging Countries at Kaspersky, adding that offline infection methods remain a critical vulnerability in workplaces and educational institutions.

The report also highlights a broader global surge in cyber threats. Kaspersky systems detected an average of 500,000 malicious files per day in 2025, up 7% from the previous year. Password stealer detections rose by 59%, spyware by 51%, and backdoor threats by 6%.

In the Asia-Pacific region, password stealers increased by 132% and spyware by 32%, indicating intensified targeting of user credentials and sensitive data.

Kaspersky advises users to avoid unknown removable devices, keep software updated, and use advanced security solutions. Organizations are urged to implement strict device controls, deploy endpoint protection, and regularly back up data to reduce risks from offline malware.