Microsoft – Stealing of IT Equipment Contributing to Data Loss Microsoft stated on November 3, 2008 that its Windows operating system has improved in security, but threats from frauds, computer viruses and other online activities have become more dangerous in recent days, as reported by The New York Times on November 3, 2008. Microsoft further said that organized criminal gangs, immature users and its competitors are responsible for deteriorating situation and increasing cyber-crime. In its latest report, "Security Intelligence Report", Microsoft disclosed that the volume of malicious and harmful software found on Windows computer surged by 43% in the first half of 2008. The report also revealed that stealing and loss of IT equipments were responsible for nearly 47.5% of the lost data, supporting the rise of cybercrime. While providing details of the latest report, George Stathakopoulos, General Manager of Security Engineering and Communications Group, Microsoft, said that social engineering is the most popular software deception wherein the e-mail text persuades the recipient to click on the attachment that installs a malicious code onto the system, as reported by The Seattle Times on November 3, 2008. The report further said that the ratio of malware affected systems per 1,000 computer varies. For instance - systems with 2001 Windows XP have infection rate of 35 machines per 1,000, while this ratio declines to 9 per 1,000 for computers that are fully updated with Windows XP Service Pack 3. In case of Windows Vista SPI integrated computers, the malware infection ratio per 1,000 systems plunges to 4 machines. Besides, Microsoft report highlighted that the computer industry and Microsoft have failed to solve problems being created by spammers, computer Trojan, malware authors, phishers and virus authors. This refers to computer users tendency to click on the links given in their e-mails or visiting malicious websites, making them vulnerable to Trojan horses and other infections. Patrik Runald, Chief Security Adviser, F-Secure, a computer security firm, said that the step Microsoft can take is patching up its own software. This is what bad guys are not using to penetrate into computer these days, as reported by The New York Times on November 3, 2008. » SPAMfighter News - 19-11-2008

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