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Microsoft to engineers Windows 7 to tackle USB malware

Microsoft product users will be offered better online security protection against the increasing threat of AutoRun malware, the computer giant has revealed in a blog posting.

This improved security will be available in Windows 7, which will be engineered to alter the way it handles USB flash drives because the firm says certain malware, such as the Conficker worm, have started exploiting the issue.

According to Microsoft these malicious programmes "have started making use of the capabilities of AutoRun to provide a seemingly benign task to people – which masquerades as a Trojan Horse to get malware onto the computer".

To eliminate the risk of users accidentally clicking on the wrong AutoRun link, Windows 7 will no longer require the AutoRun task except when CDs or DVDs are involved.

Online security expert Graham Cluley of Sophos has welcomed the development but cautioned that "although this is a definite improvement, users will still need to be cautious about what they choose to run on their computer".

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