Why it’s time to look beyond traditional Tier-1 GEOs in antivirus campaigns

Driving traffic to the US and Canada is a classic move in affiliate marketing. High-volume traffic, predictable conversion rates, and strong purchasing power make these regions a go-to choice for many media buyers.

But competition is fierce. Acquisition costs are rising, user attention is fragmented, and each new A/B test becomes a battle for marginal gains.

It’s time to ask a simple question: If the US is so reliable, why did someone invent USB? In other words, flexibility is essential, and expanding your GEO strategy can unlock entirely new revenue streams.

Latin America: underestimated no more

Brazil

Brazil ranks among the top 10 countries most targeted by cyberattacks. In 2024, organizations faced an average of 1,876 attacks per week, according to Check Point data.

With over 216 million people and high digital engagement (banking, e-commerce, social apps), there’s a massive need for cybersecurity solutions. Users trust global brands, and McAfee and Avast have instant recognition, reducing friction in the conversion funnel.

Lower competition and CPCs compared to Tier-1 markets make Brazil a strong pick for scaling.

Argentina

With inflation rates above 200%, Argentine consumers are highly selective and focused on value.

An antivirus isn’t seen as just another subscription — it’s an essential layer of protection for personal data, finances, and digital identity. McAfee and Avast benefit from strong brand trust, and their pricing structure aligns well with the cautious yet digitally active Argentinian audience.

Between East and West: overlooked opportunities

Turkey

A hybrid market bridging Europe and Asia, Turkey shows sustained demand for VPNs and antivirus bundles — largely driven by partial internet censorship.

For many users, antivirus software with VPN, anti-phishing, and secure browsing is not a “nice to have,” but a gateway to the full internet experience. Established brands offer the reassurance Turkish consumers are actively looking for.

UAE and the Gulf Region

In the GCC, especially the UAE, VPN demand is a constant due to restricted access to platforms like WhatsApp, Skype, and various content services.

Consumers often seek comprehensive solutions that provide both protection and privacy. Purchasing power is high, and annual subscriptions are common — particularly from Western, well-known providers.

Northern and Eastern Europe: digital maturity at scale

Finland, Estonia, Slovakia

According to MixMode’s 2024 report, Finland ranks #1 globally in national cybersecurity readiness (92.81 out of 100).

Users in these countries understand the value of strong cybersecurity and actively purchase multi-device licenses for households. Estonia, a global leader in digital government and e-ID systems since 2007, has long treated cybersecurity as a baseline requirement.

In Slovakia, antivirus demand is also growing, with local retailers reporting an uptick in consumer software sales in 2024.

Why this matters right now

• Tier-1 markets are oversaturated — user fatigue is real, and ad performance is increasingly volatile.
• In emerging and underutilized GEOs, antivirus products address real, recognized pain points.
• Global trust in McAfee and Avast lowers acquisition barriers and boosts conversion confidence.
• Card billing flows are straightforward, EPCs are strong, and retention rates are surprisingly high in these markets.

Conclusion: it’s time to broaden your scope

Affiliate marketing in 2025 isn’t about sticking to what’s safe. It’s about adapting quickly, identifying underutilized opportunities, and acting before the competition does.

McAfee and Avast are established global brands with proven conversion potential far beyond the US and Canada.

If you haven’t yet tested regions like Brazil, Argentina, Turkey, or Finland — now is the time. We already have creatives, funnels, and localization insights ready to deploy.

All that’s left is to launch.