Organized crime grows online with financial gain key motivator.
Microsoft Security Intelligence Report Shows Malware Increases, Windows Vulnerabilities Decrease
The Microsoft Security Intelligence Report also demonstrates the progress Microsoft has made to better secure its software via its secure software development and security response processes. For example, Microsoft vulnerabilities in the first half of 2008 were down 33.6 percent from the second half of 2007.
“The Microsoft Security Intelligence Report gives us a chance to share our extensive analysis of the threat landscape and related guidance with our customers, partners and the broader industry, helping ensure people are better informed and in turn protected,” said Vinny Gullotto, general manager of the Microsoft Malware Protection Center. “We are also committed to applying the data and intelligence from the report to our research and response efforts to provide customers with increased protection and services.”
Based on the key findings from the report, Microsoft recommends customers use the data, insights and guidance in the report to better assess and improve their own security practices. Some of the 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.
• Open links and attachments in e-mail and instant messages with caution, even if they are from a known, trusted source.
Following customer feedback on previous reports, Microsoft took a different approach with this volume, creating a more reader-friendly core document accompanied by appendices that provide expanded explanations and analysis. A copy of Microsoft’s newest Security Intelligence Report and other related information can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/sir.
Leave a Reply