Internet security firms have recognised the need to adapt in order to combat malware, according to McAfee.

The anti-virus software giant explained that malware security solutions have progressed from being "reactive" to "proactive".

"In the old days…anti-virus and security companies used to rely on getting updates out for each new threat once they had seen it," said Greg Day, security analyst for McAfee.

"However, companies have recognised the need to adapt, just as the threats have."

Modern malware authors commonly use tools known as 'packers' to change what their attack looks like, explained Greg.

He added that in order to provide protection against malware, security firms need to be able to detect and understand the tool used to conceal the attack.

Earlier this month, BBC online reported that certain security firms have claimed that the number of malicious programs found online has reached an "unprecedented high".

Some estimates have suggested there were five times as many variants of malicious programs in circulation in 2007 compared to 2006, although reports do vary.

© Adfero Ltd