Malware attacks against operating systems other than Windows are on the rise, according to a Kaspersky Lab report. As alternate platforms become more popular, malware writers are turning their hand to attacking the likes of Linux and other UNIX like operating systems. Issues with Mac OS X may also rise.

Malware targeting Unix-type systems is similar to malicious programs targeting Windows, except the former typically uses a backdoor to gain system access, the report said. Malware aimed at Unix usually contains packers, used to hinder the detection of malicious programs.