Malware infections 5.5 times more likely without antivirus software: Microsoft

The recently released Microsoft Security Intelligence Report volume 14 (SIRv14) has revealed an important trend related to antivirus (AV) software ('Antivirus').

The study showed 2.5 out of 10 computers on average do not use up-to-date Antivirus. Without this vital protection layer, computers are 5.5 times more likely to be infected with malware, the report shows.

"People intuitively understand the importance of locking their front door to prevent their homes from being broken into. Computer security is no different. Surfing the Internet without up-to-date Antivirus is like leaving your front door open to criminals," said Ganapathi Subramaniam, chief security officer, Microsoft India. "With the release of this new research, Microsoft is urging people to make sure they have up-to-date Antivirus installed on their computers."

To find out if they are using valid and up-to-date Antivirus, Microsoft recommends that people go to their system control panel to check their computer's security settings.

"There are some very basic steps that can be taken to protect systems, like ensuring all software is from trusted vendors, and is always updated," Subramaniam added. "Simple cautious behavior when clicking on web links, downloading attachments and interactions on social platforms can go a long way in ensuring a protected environment for organizations and individuals. Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing provides multiple simple tips and tricks to equip users with protected systems"