Data sources
The primary source for the data in this chapter is the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report (Microsoft Corporation, n.d.). During my time working with the researchers and analysts in the Microsoft Malware Protection Center (MMPC), I was the executive editor and a contributor to the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report, which we called "the SIR." During the 8 or 9 years I helped produce the SIR, we published more than 20 volumes and special editions of this report, spanning thousands of pages. I gave literally thousands of threat intelligence briefings for customers around the world, as well as press and analyst interviews. I have read, re-read, and re-re-read every page of these reports—I know the ins and outs of this data very well.
The data in these reports comes from Microsoft's anti-malware products, including the Malicious Software Removal Tool, Microsoft Safety Scanner, Microsoft Security Essentials, Microsoft System Center Endpoint...