1 in 5 Indian PC users exposed to offline threats in Q1: Kaspersky

Worms, file viruses, and malware from removable media continued to plague Indian systems in Q1 2025, exposing a persistent weakness in user security practices against offline threats and physical vectors of infection

Despite growing awareness around online security, Indian computer users remain highly vulnerable to offline threats. Global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky revealed that its products detected a staggering 11,692,851 on-device threat incidents in India during the first quarter of 2025 alone.

Significantly, 17.8% of users encountered malware originating from offline sources such as USB drives, CDs, and other removable media. These figures highlight the persistent risk posed by physical vectors of attack, which continue to bypass traditional online security measures. The report underlines the need for comprehensive endpoint protection strategies that address both internet-based and offline attack surfaces.

“Offline, on-device threats are often overlooked, but they pose a significant risk to data security and privacy,” said Purshottam Bhatia, Head of Consumer Business for India at Kaspersky. “These attacks—mainly viruses and worms—can bypass traditional defenses. To stay protected, users need security solutions that include firewalls, anti-rootkit capabilities, and control over external devices, in addition to antivirus protection.”

The Q1 2025 data shows that worms, file viruses, and malware delivered via removable media continue to compromise systems across the country. This persistent issue points to a gap in security practices among users, especially when it comes to safeguarding against physical and offline vectors of infection.

Promoting cyber hygiene through IPL

These insights come from the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) and are featured in the Kaspersky Security Bulletin. KSN gathers anonymized cybersecurity data from millions of voluntary users of Kaspersky products, offering detailed visibility into regional cyberthreat trends.

To raise awareness and promote stronger cybersecurity practices, Kaspersky has extended its partnership with the Mumbai Indians as their Official Cybersecurity Partner for the 2025 IPL season. This collaboration will involve consumer engagement through events, discounts, subscription bundles, and educational initiatives aimed at boosting cyber hygiene.

As part of its ongoing partnership with the Mumbai Indians, Kaspersky is running exclusive promotional offers during the 2025 IPL season. These include special discounts, subscription bundles, and giveaways designed to encourage better cybersecurity practices among Indian users.