Malware Detection Time: Average Global Stats

TL;DR

Finding the exact average time before malware detection worldwide is tricky as data sources vary. However, we can estimate it using reports from cybersecurity companies and threat intelligence platforms. This guide shows you how to gather information and understand typical detection times.

How Long Does It Take To Detect Malware?

1. Understand the Stages of a Cyber Attack: Before looking at averages, know what happens during an attack.
   • Initial Compromise (T0): The attacker gains access.
   • Reconnaissance (T+X minutes/hours): They explore your systems.
   • Installation (T+Y minutes/hours): Malware is placed on the system.
   • Command & Control (C2) Communication (T+Z hours/days): The malware connects to its controller.
   • Detection and Response (T+A days/weeks/months): You find and remove it.
2. Check Recent Reports from Cybersecurity Companies: Several companies publish data on detection times.
   • CrowdStrike: Often reports median dwell times (time between compromise and detection) of around 1-2 days for targeted attacks. CrowdStrike
   • Mandiant/Google Cloud Security: Similar findings, with dwell times varying based on attacker sophistication. Mandiant
   • Sophos: Reports average detection times for ransomware attacks, often around 1-3 weeks for smaller businesses without dedicated security teams. Sophos
3. Explore Threat Intelligence Platforms: These platforms aggregate data from various sources.
   • VirusTotal: Provides information on malware samples and detection rates by different antivirus engines. VirusTotal (doesn’t directly give average *time* but shows how quickly engines detect new threats).
   • AlienVault OTX: A community-driven threat intelligence platform with information on indicators of compromise (IOCs) and malware analysis reports. AlienVault
4. Consider Factors Affecting Detection Time: The average varies significantly.
   • Attacker Sophistication: Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) can remain undetected for months or even years.
   • Victim’s Security Posture: Companies with robust security measures (EDR, SIEM, threat hunting) detect threats faster.
   • Malware Type: Ransomware is often detected quickly due to its disruptive nature; stealthier malware takes longer.
   • Industry Targeted: Some industries are more frequently targeted and have better detection capabilities.
5. Estimate the Average (Based on 2024 Data):
   • Small/Medium Businesses (SMBs) without dedicated security: 1-3 weeks.
   • Enterprises with basic security: 3-7 days.
   • Enterprises with advanced security (EDR, SIEM): Under 24 hours (often within minutes for targeted attacks).
6. Tools to Help Reduce Detection Time:
   • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Continuously monitors endpoints for malicious activity. Example command to check EDR status (varies by vendor):

     #Example - CrowdStrike Falcon CLI
     falcon status

   • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Collects and analyzes security logs from various sources.
   • Threat Intelligence Feeds: Provide up-to-date information on known threats.
   • Regular Vulnerability Scanning: Identifies and patches vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them.

     #Example - Nessus scan command
     nessuscli scan --policy-id 1024