Few virus writers now want to hit the front pages, said Mr Hypponen, most prefer to have their creations sneak under the radar, rack up a few thousand unwitting victims who are then milked for money or saleable data.

It appears that Mr Essebar was intending to make money several different ways from the people caught out by the Mytob and Zotob viruses he is alleged to have created.

It seems we are entering a new era of organized crime online. Viruses are no longer the product of kiddies trying to prove they are capable of doing damage. Instead viruses have become a tool of spammers and adware installers.

BBC NEWS | Technology | Money motive drove virus suspects