Microsoft has had reason to celebrate as it revealed its web browser spam filter technology – also known as Internet Exploer 8’s SmartScreen Filter – has blocked its one billionth piece of malware from being downloaded unawares.

The SmartScreen Filter warns users if they are about to go on a server that has been known to give out unsafe content. As well as this, it also works across emails, malware files and URLs, to offer a more comprehensive solution for protecting your computer from IT security risks. The one billion milestone demonstrates the constant improvements Microsoft has made to the anti-malware technology.