Network Box points out that they can offer the desired security to customers through its next generation protection called 'Z-Scan.'

Michael Gazeley, Network Box managing director, said there was a fall in the number of signatures per-update in 2010 and this indicates the continued move to cloud-based signature systems such as the Network Box Z-Scan.

"We expect this trend to continue, as traditional signatures continue to be the most effective against the depth and breadth of malware, while cloud-based signatures are emerging as the most effective solution for zero-day outbreaks," said Gazeley. "In 2010, the average Network Box blocked 471,304 spams and 25,089 malwares (down 24.1 per cent and up 23.9 per cent respectively, compared with 2009)."

Large-scale takedown operations have controlled botnet-based spam but in 2010, the spammers continued to migrate away from traditional Viagra-type spam to more sophisticated phishing and hoax attacks.