Plague carriers: Most users unaware of PC infections | Tech News on ZDNet
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A study of home PCs released Monday found that about 80 percent had been infected with spyware almost entirely unbeknownst to their users.

The study, funded by America Online and the National Cyber Security Alliance, found home users mostly unprotected from online threats and largely ignorant of the dangers. AOL and the NCSA sent technicians to 329 homes to inspect computers.

“No consumer would walk down the street waving a stack of cash or leave their wallet sitting in a public place, but far too many are doing the exact same thing online,” Tatiana Gau, AOL’s chief trust officer, said in a statement. “Without basic protections like antivirus, spyware and firewall software, consumers are leaving their personal and financial information at risk.”