Anti-Virus software, firewalls, and Windows itself all require constant updating.  Fortunately, for most, this is an automatic process - as long as your software is legal, registered, and current.

As reported by Computerworld, Microsoft recently deployed an update to their Malicious Software Removal Tool that removed game password stealing viruses from more than TWO MILLION copies of Windows, yet most copies of Microsoft Windows go unpatched!  And while you might think, "Big Deal!", it really can be.  Hackers choose to target game passwords due to the fact that they can steal virtual money and items in games and sell them in the real world for real money.  And best of all, there is virtually no risk involved at all.

Consider this, though.  The same tools used to steal these game passwords could just as easily have been used to steal other information - perhaps passwords to your online banking!

Fortunately, as persistent as the hackers are, so are Microsoft and the Anti-Virus vendors, which makes it easy for you to be just as vigilant in protecting your systems.  If you make sure your operating system, anti-virus software, and other security applications are regularly updated, your much more likely to be protected from most attacks.

Remember, you are your best line of defense.