I N F O R M A T IO N S U P P L E M E N T

MICROSOFT CANADA’S NEW SECURITY WEB SITE

CAN HELP YOU PROTECT YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR COMPUTER

By Mohammad Akif, National Security and Privacy Lead for Microsoft Canada

CANADA’S SECURITY THREAT LANDSCAPE

Overall, Canada ranks lower than other countries for computer infec- tions and unwanted software but Canada’s security threat landscape still has room for improvement. The threat landscape in Canada was dominated by malware, which accounted for 73.6 per cent of all threats detected on infected com- puters in the last six months of 2009. The number one threat in Canada

is rogue security software, which displays fake warning messages to the consumers. IE8, which blocks a number of sites distributing fake se- curity software, provides an addi- tional level of security to consumers. Additionally, Microsoft has released a full anti-virus software called Mi- crosoft Security Essentials, which can be downloaded for free at www.microsoft.com/security_essen- tials/default.aspx?mkt=en-ca#dlbutton. The

second most common

category in Canada was Trojan Downloaders & Droppers, which ac- counted for 21.5 per cent of all in- fected computers. One of the growing global trends

in malware is social media and on- line games which are quickly be- coming major threats when it comes to unprotected software.

WWW.SECURITYMATTERSMAG.COM

The most recent volume of the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report (SIRv8) gath‐ ered data from approximately 500 million computers worldwide over the last six months of 2009 and found that cyber‐ crime continues to grow. The survey also showed that criminals continue to become more sophisticated in their attacks, tar‐ geting specific audiences for financial gain. One of the key methods used by criminals to achieve their goals is through exploiting un‐patched vulnerabilities in software which is why Microsoft continues to raise the bar. A good example of how Microsoft continues to bolster security is Internet Explorer 8 which offers users a combination of new security and privacy features for more secure default settings. Overall, Canada performed well on a

global scale for having a low computer in‐ fection rate and the telemetry data in SIR has shown the lowest infection rates are on computers running Windows Vista SP2 and Windows 7. Infection rates for both operating systems are less than half the infection rate for computers running Windows XP. It is important to share this kind of in‐

formation with the public to help people understand the threats facing today’s computing environments. Most impor‐ tant of all, SIR provides valuable data that Microsoft uses to help protect customers from evolving threats and help partners strengthen their Windows‐based soft‐ ware solutions. With over two billion people using our

products worldwide, customers expect Mi‐ crosoft to help ensure a safe computing ex‐ perience. To that end, we recently launched a new security‐focused site, www.mi‐ crosoft.ca/protect, a resource for tips, blogs, tutorials and newsletters about how to pro‐ tect yourself, your family and your computer while enjoying your Internet experience. The

following resources are available for con‐ sumers and IT pros alike: • Security tips • Community news and other relevant security information

• Biographies of Most Valuable Professionals in security

• Security guides, resources and best practices

• Security blogs, forums, newsgroups, and related web sites

• Microsoft product lifecycle information

• Security bulletins and updates • Editorials from Microsoft executives and security experts

• Webcasts and chats • Online and in‐person security events • Microsoft Hands‐On Security Labs The site also offers the latest security

updates and support from Microsoft Canada’s security analysts all of which can keep you a step ahead of online threats. Security essentials including Windows Firewall, Windows Defender and Windows Live OneCare, are all de‐ signed to keep your identity, your com‐ puter and your family safe and secure. No single company or technology can

solve the security and privacy challenges we face online. Microsoft encourages all parties throughout the industry to work together through a community‐based de‐ fence approach to help create a safer, more trusted Internet. The entire IT industry should continue to adopt best practices for security risk management in the enter‐ prise and develop software with fewer vul‐ nerabilities for criminals to exploit.

Visit www.microsoft.ca/protect often for helpful updates and information that can help prevent cybercrime.

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