Microsoft claims wins in botnet battles

Data breaches resulting in the loss of personal data have almost halved this year compared to 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 per cent in the first half of 2010 compared to the same period last year, according to a botnet report released today by Microsoft.

Microsoft said it erased botnet infections from some 6.5 million computers globally using its Malicious Software Removal Tool, double that of the same time last year. Of these, the company erased infections on 139,479 computers in Australia this year, compared to 4.3 million in the US.

For more on this story, read Data breaches plummet: Microsoft on ZDNet Australia.

Credit: Microsoft