New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, World Anti-Malware Products Markets, finds that the world market for antivirus solutions reached $4,685 million in 2006, up 17.1% from $4,000.7 million in the previous year and expects this market to grow at a 10.9% CAGR from 2006 to 2013, reaching $9,689.7 million by 2013.

The commercialisation of cybercrime is spurring malware-writing activity and leading to more threats of this nature. In the consumer space, this translates into identity theft and stolen passwords. On the other hand, loss of intellectual property and customer data coupled with extortion with the threat of taking down Web sites or revealing sensitive information are on the rise in the enterprise space.

"Cybercrime is now amongst the most important revenue sectors for global organised crime", says Frost & Sullivan industry analyst Katie Gotzen. Because of this, the potential risks associated with malware have risen dramatically.

The increased number and severity of malware attacks have created significant growth opportunities in the anti-malware industry. This has led to intensified competition in both the consumer and enterprise segments.

"In the consumer market, Microsoft's entry has driven prices down and has led the traditional heavyweights to rethink their strategies," states Gotzen. "In the enterprise space, non-security players are developing a presence in the market."

"Best-of-breed specialisation, diversification or carving out a niche are valid strategies in today's enterprise anti-malware market," oserves Gotzen.