The extra security features in Microsoft's upcoming Vista operating system could negatively affect smaller security firms, according to a new report.

The report, from the Yankee Group, suggests that as Microsoft users get a welcome security boost when the new Vista operating system is finally available, aftermarkets for anti-spyware and desktop firewall applications will be hit dramatically.

Conor Flynn from security firm Rits doesn't think security firms will be killed off by the new operating system. "There will be a certain segment affected by Microsoft's bundling," he told ENN. "But there is always a market for specialised or focused products to exist."