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Microsoft launches its Malware Infection Index 2016, tracking key cybersecurity threats in APAC

By Wong Chung Wee - on 7 Jun 2016, 10:48pm

Microsoft launches its Malware Infection Index 2016, tracking key cybersecurity threats in APAC

(Image source: Microsoft)

Microsoft has just launched its Malware Infection Index 2016 that keeps track of key major malware infections. This index, with data drawn from the Microsoft Malware Protection Center (MMPC) and the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report (SIRv20), was highlighted by Mr. Keshav S Dhakad, Regional Director (IP and Digital Crimes Unit), Microsoft Asia.

Besides identifying the major malware threats, the index also ranks countries in the Asia Pacific according to the malware traffic that originates from them. According to the security report by Microsoft, the current top three malware “include Gamarue, a malicious computer worm that is commonly distributed via exploit kits and social engineering; and Skeeyah and Peals, which are Trojans that try to look innocent to convince you to install them.” These software threats can steal personal information or let your infected device be taken over by hackers.

Mr. Dhakad also shared information about the countries, which are ranked by “how affected they are”, and it’s an infamous list that none would clamor to get on. It’s the developing markets that are most vulnerable to malware threats, and Pakistan tops the list, and the other countries are Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Nepal. He summarize the issues that lead to the high rates of malware infection in these countries, in the following quote.

“We are noticing that four key common IT environment issues. Firstly, the usage of IT assets which are old, unprotected, or are non-genuine in nature. Secondly, unmanaged and unregulated IT assets usage, procurement and maintenance. Thirdly, poor cyberhygiene of users and negligent employee behavior inside companies. Fourthly, the inability of the companies to timely monitor, detect and remove modern cyber threats, among others, are some of the common causes for cybercrime risks”

In order to prevent malware infection, he highlighted some IT practices that are categorized under the following:-

  • Strong fundamentals
    • No licensed software
  • Cyber Defense Ecosystem
    • Antivirus and malware protection on IT services consumption endpoints
  • Focus on Cyber Hygiene
    • Safe IT practices and usage
  • Assess/Review/Audit
    • Good cybersecurity practices and defense systems should extend beyond own organization to include business practices, suppliers and customers
  • Opt for Cloud
    • Work with a trusted cloud service provider to enjoy the security aspects of cloud computing services
  • Have a Data Culture
    • Data classification so that sensitive data is properly segregated from any public-facing networks
    • Implementation of access control to sensitive data
    • Importance of two-factor authentication for access control

Besides keeping track of such cybersecurity threats, Microsoft is committed to its customers and end-users in the Asia Pacific region. In March this year, the company established a CyberSecurity Center in Korea; a similar center was opened in Singapore in February last year. The primary role of such centers are to cultivate closer public-private partnerships in combating cybercrime, and enhancing cybersecurity. These centers are satellite centers of the Microsoft Cybercrime Center in Redmond, USA, the headquarters of Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit (DCU). Click here for more information on the Malware Infection Index 2016.

(Source: Microsoft)

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