Data breaches have fallen, says Microsoft

Security breaches resulting in the loss of personal data have almost halved this year compared with 2009 figures, according to Microsoft.

While theft, loss of equipment and reckless data disposal still account for the lion's share of data breaches, total incidents have fallen by some 46 percent in the first half of 2010 compared to the same period last year, according to a botnet report released by the company on Thursday.

Microsoft Australia chief security adviser Stuart Strathdee said that the swing is indicative of a change in consumer security awareness. "The positive results show that consumers are becoming more aware of computer security and are taking steps to protect themselves against cybercriminals," Strathdee said in a statement.

For more on this ZDNet UK-selected story, see Data breaches plummet: Microsoft on ZDNet Australia.