A collection of such zombies in a data pipe is called a botnet.
Discovered in 2011 theWin32/Dorkbotmalware has spread to over a million Windows PCs worldwide.
During the last six months alone it had been infecting over 100,000 machines a month.
Microsoft announced on Wednesday they had teamed up to enact a coordinated malware eradication campaign to disrupt the botnet.
Its primary aim was to steal online user credentials and any information that can personally identify you.
It is also able to install yet more malware to your PC from command and control servers.
The take-down joins a long list of ongoing successful efforts to disrupt malware networks.
The CME program aims to co-ordinate information exchange and response from six key sectors.
The goal being: Prosecute, Starve, Identify & Block, shun and set policies.
Microsofts own real-time security such as Windows Defender is equipped to remove this threat automatically.
Advice on how to not become infected remains very much the same.
Keep on checking out us for updates and practical tips to stay safe online.
source: www.techworm.net
