AOL study finds 81% of PCs lack protections against viruses and hackers

The second annual AOL/National Cyber Security Alliance Online Safety Study found that 81% of home PCs lack critical protections necessary to help guard against viruses, spyware, hackers, and other threats, rendering computer users vulnerable to identity theft.

The study was released as consumers prepare to spend billions over the Internet this holiday season.

Some great anti-virus programs are available for free, like Antivir, and there are also some good firewalls available for free such as ZoneAlarm. Also don't forget to update these programs on a regular base! Anti-virus programs which haven't been updated for years are worthless.