Microsoft recently released its latest Security Intelligence Report, this time focusing on the power of botnets and what enterprises can do to defend against them.

Like many security vendors, Microsoft releases a periodic report (this one covering the first half of 2010) that details which security threats it has found particularly menacing of late. The goal is to help IT managers make risk management decisions and, if necessary, adjust their security postures based on the changing threat landscape, says the company. In addition to highlighting key findings, this version of the report drills down into how botnets work, a history of botnets, and which botnets have been most active recently.

Malware parading as antivirus software is turning up everywhere on the Web. Security vendor Symantec in mid-October counted 250 variations of this malicious code that pretends to scan users' PCs for viruses, but instead installs Trojans or other malware.

But few would suspect a CD that came with a webcam purchased at a well-known retail outlet would include a link to a site that downloads such malicious software.  According to an article by IDG News Service, a Web designer in Washington ran into that scenario after purchasing a Markvision webcam from Office Depot last week at the "door crasher" sale price of $10.