Security Software maker Symantec has declared 20 percent increase in net income during the third quarter of 2008. But it could still be facing challenging times ahead due to weak profit margins.

The third quarter loss reported by the company is $6.81 billion, or $8.23 a share, compared to net income in the same period last year of $132 million, or 15 cents a share.

Symantec CEO John Thompson said that they were looking forward to the March quarter which is the final quarter of their fiscal year. "

"In an environment where revenue growth may be the greatest uncertainty, our goal is to grow earnings and to emerge from this economic downturn a stronger company positioning for even greater success during the next economic growth cycle," Thompson said.

Enrique Salem, Symantec COO said that the company could definitely do better. He also disclosed that security offerings, such as its data loss preventions products, had made good revenues.