Security researchers have begun to see a rise in computer viruses that check for Arabic-language information, which suggests countries where Arabic is spoken could soon face more attacks.

Most computer viruses that use a language other than English target Chinese, German, Spanish, Portuguese or Russian speakers, Symantec Corp. security researcher Masaki Suenaga wrote in a post on the company's Security Response blog on Wednesday.

Researchers also see viruses that use Indonesian, Malay, Japanese or Thai, but rarely Arabic.

On June 1, Symantec spotted a PC virus that checks open windows with Arabic or English in the title. The virus, which the company dubbed W32.Alnuh, simply spreads itself and closes programs.

The virus looks more like an experiment than a serious attempt to cause trouble, but it is one of an increasing number of Arabic-aware viruses the security software maker has seen of late, suggesting a sharp rise is in the offing, according to Symantec.

"Before it becomes a surge, like the case of Chinese viruses, both security and computer users in Arabic-speaking countries should prepare themselves," Suenaga said.