Microsoft has released its Security Intelligence Report volume 15, which analyzes the threats facing more than a billion computer systems worldwide. The report highlights vulnerabilities and malware to help customers manage their risks. Among other insights, it examines the security risks faced by consumers and businesses using unsupported operating systems and programs, and highlights the impact of using Windows XP, given that security updates and support end on April 8, 2014.
In addition, the report compares the security of modern Operating Systems such as Windows 8 with older Operating Systems such as Windows XP, which according to StatCounter, constitute approximately 21% of the Operating Systems currently in use worldwide, with this percentage reaching 27.7% in Greece.
For those using Windows XP, the report lists the following three main threats worldwide:
• Sality – A family of malware that can steal personal data and reduce computer security.
• Rammit – Malware that infects Windows executable files, as well as Microsoft Office and HTML files.
• Vobfus – A family of viruses that allows other malware to be downloaded to the computer. It can also be downloaded through other malware or spread via removable drives, such as USBs.
In Greece, the report cites the following threats as the most important:
• Win32/Obfuscator – Programs that hide their tracks to prevent protection from antivirus programs.
• HTML/IframeRef – Special IFrame tags that lead to websites containing malicious content.
• INF/Autorun – A family of viruses that spreads by copying themselves to networks or portable drives of infected computers.
The report states that in the first half of 2013, approximately 17% of computers running recently updated security products were exposed to malware. While Windows 8 was a similar target for malware as Windows XP, Windows XP users were six times more vulnerable to attack.
"These results demonstrate the effectiveness of security innovations in newer Operating Systems. Modern Operating Systems, like Windows 8, include advanced security technologies specifically designed to make it difficult, complex, expensive, and less attractive for hackers to exploit," said Tim Rains, director of Microsoft Trustworthy Computing.
He also added that from April 8, 2014, when Windows XP will stop receiving security updates, the security risks associated with using old software will increase as hackers try to exploit new vulnerabilities. The last version of Windows XP was Service Pack 2. In the two years that followed, malware infections increased by 66% compared to Windows XP SP3, whose support ends next year.
"The importance of upgrading from Windows XP is critical," said Rains. "We really want people to understand the risks of using Windows XP after support ends and recognize the security benefits of upgrading to a more modern Operating System – one that includes the latest security innovations, provides ongoing support, and offers better protection.".
Microsoft publishes the Security Intelligence Report twice a year to inform the public about the most prevalent global and local threats so that everyone can better protect themselves and their businesses. Volume 15 of the report includes new data from the first half of 2013.
More information:
https://www.microsoft.com/security/sir/default.aspx
https://gs.statcounter.com/#os-ww-monthly-201210-201309-bar
Source: zougla.gr
