When you use your PC for Internet access, you should ensure that it is protected against viruses and more importantly hackers. Hackers are computer experts who can "hack" into, and manipulate data, on your PC.
Here are a number of things hackers can do once they have access to your PC:
- send spam e-mail in your name from your e-mail account
- use your PC as a disguise from which to attack others
- use your PC's processing power to process hacker codes
- use parts of your hard drive to save compromising information
- disrupt or destroy your daily work on your PC
- obtain personal information about you to sell to others
- obtain access to your online banking accounts