Many well-known security vulnerabilities remain open on home machines and networks, and there is less risk to hackers of getting caught. Thanks to advancing technology and the growth of high-speed Internet service, home computer systems have become faster and more . . .
Many well-known security vulnerabilities remain open on home machines and networks, and there is less risk to hackers of getting caught. Thanks to advancing technology and the growth of high-speed Internet service, home computer systems have become faster and more powerful. But they remain a favorite target of hackers and virus writers who are looking for easy prey with less fear of prosecution.

Experts say that while home user security -- primarily the use of antivirus and firewall software -- is getting better, computer hackers are still taking advantage of home users' overall lack of expertise and security resources to make "launching pads" out of their systems.

And while one home computer does not have the power or connectivity of a corporation or university system -- formerly a favorite hacker target -- recent attacks show how hundreds or even thousands of home machines can be taken over for use by attackers.