Microsoft announced that data breaches that cause personal data to be compromised have been reduced to half of earlier figures from 2009.

In the first half of 2010, the number of incidents have decreased by about 46 percent. The figures, which were released through a Microsoft botnet report, also showed that most data breaches still involve loss of equipment, theft and reckless data disposal.

"The positive results show that consumers are becoming more aware of computer security and are taking steps to protect themselves against cybercriminals... The problem of cybercrime requires creativity, innovative thinking and collaboration from industry, governments, lawmakers and law enforcers," said Stuart Strathdee, Microsoft Australia's chief security advisor, in a statement.

Microsoft adds that it fixed 6.5 million computers around the world through it Malicious Software Removal Tool.

The figures, which involved botnet infections, is twice as much as last year's numbers. Microsoft also said that it deleted 139,479 infections in Australia this year. The Win32/Alureon botnet family is the most prevalent in Australia. The infections account for almost a quarter of known botnets in the country.