Security researchers at software maker MessageLabs contend that malware writers, hackers and other cyber-criminals are <A HREF="http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1985999,00.asp?kc=EWEWEMNL071006EPW1B">combining multiple forms of IT threats</A> in an attempt to amplify their efforts. In the company's latest IT security intelligence report, MessageLabs experts said that criminals are converging their attacks across multiple communications channels, such as e-mail, instant messaging networks and Web sites, and are also pulling together information-gathering techniques, including spyware, spam and phishing schemes, as they seek new ways to menace businesses and consumers.