Global cybercrime ring targeted by Microsoft and FBI Citadel 'malware' has infected millions of computers in more than 90 countries, with the highest numbers of infections found in Europe, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Australia, and the United States, Microsoft said. "The harm done by Citadel shows the threat that botnets, malicious software, and piracy pose to individuals and businesses around the world," said Microsoft general counsel Brad Smith. We're going to continue to work together to help put these cybercriminals out of business. Last week, Microsoft filed a lawsuit against the unknown and unnamed cybercriminals in a US District Court in North Carolina and got legal authorization to sever communication between 1,462 Citadel botnets. On Wednesday, Microsoft and US Marshals seized data and other evidence from botnets, including computer servers at hosting facilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the software company said. Microsoft and the FBI also shared information with international authorities in the hope they will take action against machines outside the United States used to control Citadel botnets. "Today's actions represent the future of addressing the significant risks posed to our citizens, businesses, and intellectual property by cyber threats and malicious software," said FBI executive assistant director Richard McFeely. Creating successful public-private relationships - in which tools, knowledge, and intelligence are shared -- is the ultimate key to success in addressing cyber threats. Microsoft and its allies did not believe the threat from Citadel was eliminated but were confident they were able to "significantly disrupt" the criminal operation. Microsoft urged people to rid Citadel from infected computers, providing free tools online at support.microsoft.com/botnets. Edited by Matt Warman for Telegraph.co.uk