Malware Infections 5.5 Times More Likely Without Antivirus Software, Finds New Research from Microsoft

Today Microsoft Corp. released the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report volume 14 (SIRv14). In addition to analyzing prevalent threats from across the globe, the data revealed an important trend related to antivirus (AV) software ("Antivirus"). The study showed 2.5 out of 10 computers on average do not use up-to-date Antivirus. Without this vital protection layer, computers are 5.5 times more likely to be infected with malware, the report shows. Antivirus helps to guard against viruses, remove infections and protect people's privacy.

"People intuitively understand the importance of locking their front door to prevent their homes from being broken into. Computer security is no different. Surfing the Internet without up-to-date Antivirus is like leaving your front door open to criminals," said Ganapathi Subramaniam, Chief Security Office, Microsoft India. "With the release of this new research, Microsoft is urging people to make sure they have up-to-date Antivirus installed on their computers."

SIRv14 explains some of the most prevalent threats facing consumers online:

· Think before you click: Microsoft detected and removed malicious email attachments from almost three million computers in the fourth quarter of 2012. People encounter this type of threat when opening documents, such as a PDF or Word document, that have been maliciously crafted and sent to them in an email. Antivirus can help to prevent infection from this type of attack.

· Bargain hunters beware: Keygen, a threat family commonly bundled with malware, was detected almost 7 million times in the fourth quarter of 2012. People seeking free or discounted software, movies or games online increase the risk of encountering this type of threat Antivirus can help to protect against this.

In India, SIRv14 showed that the following threats were most prevalent:

· The most common category in India in 4Q12 was Worms. It affected 39.9 percent of all computers with detections there, up from 37.6 percent in 3Q12.

· The second most common category in India in 4Q12 was Miscellaneous Potentially Unwanted Software. It affected 38.6 percent of all computers with detections there, up from 35.4 percent in 3Q12.

· The third most common category in India in 4Q12 was Miscellaneous Trojans, which affected 34.7 percent of all computers with detections there, down from 34.8 percent in 3Q12.

Despite the benefits of Antivirus, many people do not realize they are unprotected. There are number of reasons 2.5 out of 10 computers are unprotected:

· A Trial period has expired or the software is out of date

· The antivirus software was disabled by the bad guys

· People may not realize the importance of Antivirus so they do not install it

To find out if they are using valid and up-to-date Antivirus, Microsoft recommends that people go to their system control panel to check their computer's security settings. If they do not have Antivirus installed, they can download it from a trusted vendor. If you have Windows 8, then Micr osoft 217;s Antivirus is already built into the system.

"There are some very basic steps that can be taken to protect systems, like ensuring all software is from trusted vendors, and is always updated," he added. "Simple cautious behavior when clicking on web links, downloading attachments and interactions on social platforms can go a long way in ensuring a protected environment for organizations and individuals. Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing provides multiple simple tips and tricks to equip users with protected systems"