It is important to secure your own computer. Even at work, you should not rely solely on the email anti-virus or anti-spam installed by the IT department. These corporate servers protect you from threats coming from the outside of the local network, but usually not against malware spread from inside the networks.
Over 80 percent of personal Windows computers are infected with an average of 30 spyware. In 2006, more that 500,000 malicious web sites were identified. More than 10,000 new malicious software programs were found in 2006. An unprotected PC had a 50 percent chance to be hit by a worm within 12 minutes. The risk is real, and most people who have an infected machine do not realize it for weeks (sometimes months).
You should install more than one security tool on your computer. An anti-virus program is required on all Windows systems. It is better to have at least two; for example, one running all the time, and one to use for a full scan of your computer once a week. You can also install the four anti-fishing toolbars on your web browser for better security. The only downside is the processing power and memory that you dedicate to security.
—Julien Sobrier