The number of reported corporate spyware incidents rocketed by almost 20 per cent between April and June of this year, research published today has claimed.

According to the latest State of Spyware report issued by anti-spyware vendor Webroot Software, spyware writers are actively growing their distribution channels and entering previously untapped markets.

The study found that the number of websites distributing spyware has quadrupled since the beginning of 2005 to an astonishing 300,000 unique URLs. Webroot noted that it has also seen the number of spyware traces in its spyware definition database double in the same period to over 100,000.

"There is an underlying principle to spyware that often gets overlooked: it is a business like any other," said David Moll, CEO of Webroot Software.

"Unlike virus writers who are motivated by personal pride or a desire for notoriety, spyware purveyors are motivated by profit - whether it's a penny per pop-up or a keylogger who captures valuable account information. Our research shows that like any business, spyware developers are committed to increasing their profit margins by expanding their distribution channels, utilising new products and entering new markets."

However, the report notes that spyware creators and distributors are threatened on several fronts. Legislation against spyware is now pending in 19 US states and four bills affecting spyware are pending at federal level.

The complete State of Spyware Report is available at www.webroot.com/sosreport.