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LONDON, April 22 /PRNewswire/ —

- Company finds use of malicious software increasingly motivated by
financial gain.

microsoft Corp today released the fourth volume of its microsoft Security
Intelligence Report (SIR) at Infosecurity Europe 2008. The report focuses on
the second half of 2007 and uses data derived from a range of tools running
on approximately 450 million computers worldwide to provide an in-depth,
global view of software vulnerabilities, software exploits, malicious
software and potentially unwanted software.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO )

The latest SIR shows the fewest number of security vulnerability
disclosures across the software industry since the second half of 2005, along
with a rise in malicious and potentially unwanted software, which
demonstrates a continued use of malware as a tool for targeting computer
users for profit.

More specifically, the second half of 2007 showed a decline in new
security vulnerability disclosures by 15 per cent and a decrease in total
vulnerability disclosures by 5 per cent for all of 2007. Vulnerabilities are
weaknesses in software that allow an attacker to compromise the integrity,
availability or confidentiality of that software. The data also reveals a 300
per cent increase in the number of trojan downloaders and droppers –
malicious code used to install files on users’ systems — illustrating that
the malware category continues to grow in popularity among attackers.

The report also shows a 66.7 per cent increase in the number of
potentially unwanted software detections — programs that may impact user
privacy or security by performing actions the person may not want — between
1 July and 31 Dec, with a total of 129.5 million pieces of potentially
unwanted software found on users’ systems.

“The SIR provides us with a chance to share with our customers and
industry partners what we’re seeing in the threat landscape so we can all
help ensure users are better protected and work toward a more trusted
internet,” said Vinny Gullotto, general manager of the microsoft Malware
Protection Center. “This latest volume supports our position that today’s
threats continue to be motivated by monetary gain, and it also gives us a
solid view of vulnerability and exploit trends.”
The purpose of the SIR is to keep customers informed of the major trends
in the threat landscape and provide valuable insights and security guidance
designed to help customers make better, more informed decisions with regard
to products, technologies and resources. The latest report builds on
previously gathered data, but also includes new sections focused on issues of
security breach notifications, spam and phishing, internet safety
enforcement, and the storm worm — a highly visible, continually updating and
adapting trojan dropper.

Based on these and other key findings from the report, Microsoft
recommends all interested parties use the data, insights and guidance
contained in the report to better assess and improve their own security
practices. Active steps microsoft recommends include the following:

— Check for and apply software updates on an ongoing basis, including
updates provided for third-party applications.
— Enable a firewall.
— Install and maintain up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware programs
that provide increased protection from malicious and potentially
unwanted software.

A copy of Microsoft’s newest Security Intelligence Report and other
related information can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/sir.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise
their full potential.

About microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft
employs more than 16,000 people in over 64 subsidiaries, delivering products
and services in more than 139 countries and territories.

This material is for informational purposes only. microsoft Corp
disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to use of the material
for other purposes. microsoft Corp shall not, at any time, be liable for any
special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an action of
contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in connection with the
use or performance of the material. Nothing herein should be construed as
constituting any kind of warranty.

Web site: http://www.microsoft.com

Microsoft Corp

Tags: Computer //