If you use Windows, 93% of ransomware is aimed at you. Here's the one fix that blocks most of it.
25 Jun 2026 · 2 min read · Comments
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Ransomware is a specific, growing threat — and it overwhelmingly targets Windows. Understanding why, and what one software change stops most infections, takes about five minutes. Acting on it takes less.
93% of ransomware is distributed as Windows executable files, according to N2W Software's ransomware statistics analysis. This isn't because Windows is careless — it's because Windows is the dominant OS for business and personal computing, which makes it the most valuable target for attackers designing malware that encrypts files and demands payment.
In 2024, over 5,600 ransomware attacks were publicly disclosed globally. More than 2,600 of the victims were US-based organisations or individuals. The financial cost per incident — for businesses — averages in the millions. For individuals, a successful ransomware attack means losing access to photos, documents, and files unless you either pay or had a backup.
How ransomware actually gets in
The fix: real-time antivirus with ransomware protection
Windows Defender provides a baseline, but purpose-built antivirus with dedicated ransomware shields intercepts malicious executables before they can encrypt files. TotalAV's real-time protection layer catches ransomware at the point of entry — the downloaded file, the malicious email attachment, the drive-by payload — before it can execute.
- Real-time scanning catches ransomware executables before they run
- WebShield blocks the phishing sites and malicious download pages that deliver most ransomware
- AV-TEST certified — independently tested against real ransomware samples quarterly
- Covers up to 6 Windows devices on one plan
The fix isn't complicated. It's antivirus software running in real time, kept up to date, on every device. Most ransomware infections that succeed do so because there was no real-time protection layer to intercept the payload at arrival. Adding that layer closes the main gap.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need antivirus if I have Windows Defender?+
Windows Defender covers known threats but misses a significant share of new and polymorphic malware. AV-TEST data shows third-party tools like TotalAV achieve 99%+ detection rates versus Defender's lower real-world scores on novel threats.
How much does a good antivirus cost?+
TotalAV starts at $19/year for up to 6 devices — a fraction of what Norton charges at renewal ($94.99/year for Standard). Most users don't need the most expensive tier; entry-level paid antivirus outperforms free options in independent lab tests.
Can a Mac get a virus?+
Yes. Mac malware has grown significantly — AV-TEST catalogues hundreds of thousands of macOS-specific threats. Macs are safer than Windows by default but not immune, particularly to adware, browser hijackers, and phishing-delivered malware.
