Computer hackers and botnets.

Hackers are hijacking thousands of PCs to spy on users, shake down online businesses, steal identities and send millions of pieces of spam. If you think your computer is safe, think again.

This article makes it clear that you must have a robust firewall, virus, mal ware, and ad blocking software on your computer. When downloading free software and screen saver utilities one must always be careful of agreeing to be placed on mailing lists that will be used to send you spam.

You won't learn much about what you can do personally, other than make sure that you buy a package of protection. The article will give you an idea of how much talent, time, and money are devoted to gaining control of unprotected computers. Some national security issues are mentioned as well.

"Invasion of the Computer Snatchers."By Brian Krebs, Washington Post,
2/19/06.