One in 14 downloads is malicious
By David Howells
18/05/2011
Microsoft has urged web users to exercise caution after warning that as many as one in 14 downloads is malicious.
Despite embedding rudimentary software into its internet browser, Microsoft has said that scammers are still easily getting users to unwittingly download viruses and Trojans under the guise of authentic software.
In order to fully protect a network against such intrusions, they said, users need to install and utilise quality systems management software.
Microsoft went on to advise that a never-ending game of cat and mouse has come about between anti-virus programmers and cyber criminals, and so users should ensure they utilise proper cover that keeps itself up to date in order to be protected from such intrusion attempts now and in the future.
Program manager for Microsoft's Smart Screen, Jeb Haber, has said that in the last two years, focused attacks have skyrocketed. "You're just seeing an explosion in direct attacks on users with social engineering," he told iHotDesk.com.
"We were really surprised by the volumes - the volumes have been crazy."
Online security expert Joshua Talbot explained that cyber criminals are using people's natural curiosity to propagate their software. "The attackers are very opportunistic," he told Computer World: "and they latch on to any event that might be used to lure people."
