Dubai: Computer users will spend 1.5 billion hours and USD 22 billion identifying, repairing and recovering from the impact of malware, while global enterprises will spend USD 114 billion to deal with the impact of a malware-induced cyberattacks, says a Microsoft study.

According to the study commissioned by Microsoft Corp and conducted by IDC, although some computer users may actively seek pirated software in hopes of saving money, the chances of infection by unexpected malware are one in three for consumers and three in 10 for businesses.

"The cybercrime reality is that counterfeiters are tampering with the software code and lacing it with malware.

Some of this malware records a person's every keystroke – allowing cybercriminals to steal a victim's personal and financial information – or remotely switches on an infected computer's microphone and video camera, giving cybercriminals eyes and ears in boardrooms and living rooms.

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