PCWorld: Microsoft Report Says Botnets A Huge Problem
The report explains that bots, rogue programs planted on computers and used to steal data or remote control the computer, are the basis for much online criminal activity.
“Microsoft this week unveiled the ninth volume of its Security Intelligence Report (SIR). The semi-annual assessment of the state of computer and Internet security and overview of the threat landscape generally yields some valuable information. This particular edition of the Security Intelligence Report focuses its attention on the threat posed by botnets.
A Microsoft Malware Protection Center blog post explains, ‘We’ve dedicated this particular volume to the study of botnets and the role that they play in the malware world. You’ll find a historical anthology of how botnets came to be along with modern-day examples, including the most prevalent families and differences in their geographical distribution.'”