Despite Microsoft's renewed focus on security, recent research shows that computers running Windows XP and 2000 form the bulk of bot nets.The study, carried out by the German Honeynet Project, found that more than 80 percent of Web traffic from the networks of compromised computers used four ports designated for resource-sharing by various versions of Windows. The research also indicated that the vulnerabilities behind some of the exploits used to take over a PC can be found by searching for information on Microsoft's security bulletins.
"Clearly most of the activity on the ports...is caused by systems with Windows XP (often running Service Pack 1), followed by systems with Windows 2000. Far behind, systems running Windows 2003 or Windows 95/98 follow," Honeynet Project researchers wrote in the report.
Microsoft responded by reiterating its commitment to secure engineering platforms in the face of bot net attacks, which it said were often carried out for illegal ends.
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