Avira survey shows 1 in 3 people think all websites pose security threat

Tettnang, 31 August 2010 – IT security expert Avira conducted a survey of computer users worldwide in July which shows that more than 1 in 3 people admit that "when it comes to security, all websites are equally dangerous, all over the Internet."

In the survey, which was posed to Avira’s 100 million customers worldwide, a random sampling of users were asked “Where do you suspect is the greatest danger of malware infection on the Internet?” There were 3,325 responses which broke down in the following manner:

• 12.59% - Browser games (Poker, etc.) are really popular – the danger here is very high
• 22% - Visitors are exposed to such dangers especially on websites with pornographic content
• 26.69% - So-called Warez sites, which offer illegal software, are extremely dangerous
• 4.14% - Big portals are particularly vulnerable, due to their popularity
• 34.5% - When it comes to security, all websites are equally dangerous, all over the Internet

“On one hand, it’s encouraging to see that over 33 percent of our user base has learned that security threats can come from any website, but it’s also a statement on our society at large when 1 out of every 3 people can’t trust any of the websites they visit,” said Sorin Mustaca, data security expert of Avira. “Our survey shows that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers they can be exposed to while browsing, and we at Avira are very happy to be able to help our users to stay safe while surfing the Internet.”

About Avira

Avira wants its customers to ‘live free’ from spyware, phishing, viruses and other internet-based threats.
The company was founded 25 years ago on Tjark Auerbach's promise to "make software that does good things for my friends and family." More than 100 million consumers and small businesses now depend upon Avira’s security expertise and award-winning antivirus software, making the company the number-two market share leader globally. Avira provides IT-security protection to computers, smartphones, servers and networks, delivered as both software and cloud-based services.

In addition to protecting the online world, Avira's CEO promotes well-being in the offline world through the Auerbach Foundation, which supports charitable and social projects. The philosophy of the foundation is to help people to help themselves.

For more information, please visit www.avira.com or join the community at www.facebook.com/avira.