Around 74 percent of rootkits infections are generated for and by systems running Microsoft’s ageing Windows XP platform, it has been revealed.
According to a report released by Virus Lab Division of security software maker Avast, a whooping majority of rootkit infections originate from Windows XP while only 12 percent originate from Windows 7 platform. The remaining are credited to Windows Vista.
The report also revealed that around 49 percent of Avast users were running Windows XP, Windows 7 was being run by 38 percent users and 13 percent users were on Windows Vista.
The company said that it found that new operating systems like Windows 7 were more secure against rootkit infections but the threat should not be taken lightly as they were not immune.
"One issue with Windows XP is the high number of pirated versions, especially as users are often unable to properly update them because the software can't be validated by the Microsoft update," said Przemyslaw Gmerek, a lead researcher at Avast.
"Because of the way they attack – and stay concealed – deep in the operation system, rootkits are a perfect weapon for stealing private data." he added.
As usual, the company advised people to keep their security software installed and updated, irrespective of the operating system that they use.
