Kaspersky is forecasting a huge rise in malware by the end of the year. The security lab is expecting over 1 million malware signatures to be added to its database this year. In comparison only 250,000 were added last year.

"In addition to the quantity, the quality of malicious programs is also improving," said Kaspersky senior technology consultant David Emms. "New and more complex samples, such as the notorious Zhelatin (the storm worm), are emerging that demonstrate a wide range of hostile behaviour and distribution methods," he added.

The total amount of malware programs, which includes viruses, trojan horses, and worms, found on the net in 2007 is said to be over 2 million. Such a surger may be a boon to Linux, the open source OS in competition with Windows and Mac OS's, Unlike Windows, it's said ti be virtually virus proof.