Internet intrusions are no longer a problem for big companies or the government. In the past, home computer security was not a very serious issue because very few people connected their computers to the Internet. When you entered your finances into a spreadsheet it was impossible for somebody to view that spreadsheet unless they were sitting at your computer. Today, nearly all home computers are connected to the Internet. With upwards of 250 million Internet users worldwide, the market for computer theft and hacking is only getting bigger and more diverse.
Most criminals are opportunists.
The Internet is the same way. Many hackers are specifically targeting the home user because most home users have no network intrusion protection. Unfortunately, many home users believe their computer does not contain any valuable information. To a hacker, your computer can be a wealth of information about you and your habits. Armed with information about you, a hacker can attempt to make charges on your credit card, take out loans against your credit, and pose as you on-line.