According to the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report, rogue security software still continues to be the single largest threat category for customers of the firm.

Despite this, 20 per cent fewer customers were hit by such infections over the last six months, though it detected that the creators of such scripts and malware are getting more adept at masquerading their creations as something else.

Tom Kelchner, the research centre manager at Sunbelt Software, responded to the report: "Malware creators are becoming more creative in the way they produce their malicious code.

"This is in part to try and beat antivirus and other malware prevention tools, which continue to provide a successful defence against malware, but also to deceive and trick users."

He advised computer users to be more vigilant and ensure their antivirus programs are up-to-date, as well as promoting the scanning of all files before opening any attachments, whether or not they are from trusted sources.

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