The threat of computer viruses, worms, and other malicious software increased by 43 percent last year, Microsoft announced in its Security Report on Monday. The computer giant states that this increase occurred despite improved security of operating systems, as hackers focused on individual programs and users.
Microsoft’s report indicates that 90 percent of new threats targeted individual programs, while only ten percent affected entire operating systems. These threats are more common in developing countries than in developed ones. For instance, the infection rate in Japan is 1.8 per 1,000 computers, while in Afghanistan it is 76.4 per 1,000 computers. In the United States, 11.2 out of 1,000 computers are infected, which is an increase of 25.5 percent compared to the last six months.
Therefore, Microsoft recommends several protective measures for computer users: periodically downloading enhanced antivirus programs from Microsoft and other vendors, installing firewalls, and exercising caution when opening suspicious links and attachments from emails, even when the mail comes from known sources. (Hina)
