Number of infected PCs in Australia grows

The amount of malware – “malicious software” – removed from Australian computers has grown by 55% in the first half of 2008, Microsoft says.

The number is 43% more than the global average. Microsoft says the Trojan “Zlob” is responsible for the increase in threats, increasing its appearance in computer malfunctions by 54.1%.

Malware, software designed specifically to attack a computer rather than steal information, is the most popular form of computer threats. It accounts for 25% of total infected machines.

“The research from the first half of 2008 shows that while Microsoft and others in the industry have made significant progress towards helping protect customers from malicious threats online, threats to businesses and consumers still continue to evolve,” Microsoft strategic security advisor, Stuart Strathdee tells itnews.com.au.