PCWorld: Report: Malware Makers Are Organized, Sophisticated

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Cybercriminals are organized like corporations, and follow regular software release cycles, says principal group program manager for the Microsoft Malware Protection Center.

By David Worthington, Technologizer
Nov 3, 2009

Malware makers – the criminals responsible for viruses and worms – have become increasingly organized and sophisticated, according to a Microsoft security report that was released today. Gamers, the gullible, USB drive users, and people who don’t patch their PCs are their biggest targets.

Cybercriminals are organized like corporations, and follow regular software release cycles, said Jeff Williams, principal group program manager for the Microsoft Malware Protection Center: “They are working for monetary gain.”

The report, entitled, Microsoft Security Intelligence Report Volume 7, is based upon data collected worldwide from January through June 2009. The data was obtained through Microsoft’s security products, Hotmail, and Windows Update, Williams said. “It shows differences from region to region, and provides a comprehensive view of the threat landscape.”

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