And some break in to cause trouble such as corrupting files. If someone could break into an NIH system, he or she may be able to order drugs or copy sensitive research data. Or perhaps alter patient records or lab results. Or bring a computer system down. That could cause serious problems.
Any intrusion can cause problems.
For example, if someone got your E-mail password, they could send out obscene or threatening messages under your name, or they could use your computer as a relay site to hide their identity. We cannot stress enough the importance of password security. But I bet that you would be surprised to find out that most intruders use an authorized user's password to illegally enter a system. Users need to make it as difficult as possible for people to make educated guesses about what password they have selected. DO NOT use other information easily obtained about you.