As cyber threats escalate worldwide, recent data reveals that local malware infections continue to pose a significant risk to users in Sri Lanka. According to Kaspersky, which detected an average of half a million malicious files daily across the globe in 2025, offline infection vectors remain a substantial contributor to regional cybersecurity challenges.
Statistics from the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) indicate that, during the third quarter of 2025, a total of 3,938,281 local malware incidents were detected on the computers of KSN participants in Sri Lanka. During this period, 23.2% of Sri Lankan users encountered local threats, placing the country 53rd globally in terms of exposure to malware transmitted through local infection vectors.
Local threats mainly consist of worms and file viruses, which continue to be the most common forms of malware spreading through removable media such as USB drives, CDs, DVDs, and other offline methods. These infections underscore the frequency with which users are targeted by malware disseminated outside of the internet environment, often via shared or portable devices. In contrast to online threats, which rely on web-based exploits or social engineering tactics, local threats take advantage of physical proximity and device sharing to propagate malicious code.
Defending against these local infection threats requires more than traditional antivirus software. Comprehensive protection also involves the integration of firewalls, anti-rootkit technologies, and stringent controls over the use of removable devices. These security measures are essential to detect, contain, and prevent the spread of malware through offline media, thereby reducing the risk of compromise.
Kaspersky’s data underscores that local infections remain a persistent issue in Sri Lanka, especially in environments where the use of shared removable media is common. As a result, both individual users and organizations are encouraged to adopt a holistic cybersecurity strategy that incorporates endpoint protection and robust device management policies to mitigate the risks associated with physical media.
“While global figures show just how massive today’s threat landscape has become, local infection vectors remain a critical part of the picture, especially in regions where physical data transfer methods remain prevalent,” said Adrian Hia, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky. “Organizations need to employ multi-layered protection strategies that include antivirus, firewall, and device control to effectively combat these threats and safeguard their networks.”
Globally, the countries with the highest percentage of users affected by local threats include Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Yemen, where infection rates exceed 30%. Although Sri Lanka ranks 53rd worldwide, the increasing number of local malware incidents serves as a strong reminder for both individuals and businesses to stay alert and proactive.
As Sri Lanka continues to expand its digital presence, the evolving threat landscape necessitates robust cybersecurity measures. Kaspersky offers a variety of solutions to protect users from both online and offline threats, ensuring safer technology use in both homes and workplaces.
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