AV-Comparatives has published its 2026 IT Security Survey, based on 1,328 responses from users across 87 countries. The annual report looks at operating systems, browsers, desktop and mobile security tools, and attitudes toward AI chatbots, offering a snapshot of current preferences and concerns among users.
The United States accounted for the largest share of respondents, followed by Germany and China. About 70 percent described themselves as advanced or expert users, which suggests the results reflect a technically confident audience rather than casual users.
Three quarters of participants said they pay for desktop security software. Advanced users were especially likely to choose paid tools. Microsoft, Bitdefender, ESET, and Kaspersky were the most widely used desktop security vendors globally, although regional preferences differed. ESET led in North America and Europe, while Kaspersky topped Asia and South America.
On mobile, Android dominated with 74 percent usage overall, although advanced users showed a stronger preference for iOS. Despite widespread smartphone use, 40.3 percent of respondents said they use no mobile anti-malware protection, including 43 percent of IT professionals.
Windows 11
Windows 11 appears to be overtaking Windows 10 among respondents, which isn’t a huge surprise given the older OS reached its end of life last year. More than 76 percent said they had to buy new hardware before switching, which reflects the stricter system requirements tied to the newer operating system.
Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome remained the most popular browsers.
The survey also explored fears around cybersecurity, with technology-related threats ranked highest overall. When asked about potential sources of cyber threats, 60 percent pointed to Russia, 57 percent to China, 41 percent to the United States, and 36 percent to North Korea. Around 24 percent said they feared surveillance from their own country.
Participants were also asked which products they would like tested in the future. Bitdefender, ESET, Microsoft, and Kaspersky were the most requested consumer vendors. For enterprise solutions, Avast, CrowdStrike, Sophos, and Trend Micro were also frequently named.
The full report is available free of charge (and without registration) from here.
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