The worldwide security software market is defying the recession and will reach US$14.5bn in 2009, up 8pc on last year.

While growth is slower than the 17pc growth recorded a year ago, Gartner expects the global software market to grow 13pc in 2010 when revenues will total US$16.3bn.

In Europe, the security software market will total €3.2bn in 2009, representing 7pc growth from 2008.

“Although the worldwide security software market is affected by the economic downturn, the growth will continue to be strong in 2009 as security remains a critical area where drastic cuts cannot be afforded,” said Ruggero Contu, principal research analyst at Gartner.

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