Blight of the zombies

Computer hackers can turn your computer into a zombie -- one that does their dirty work for them. And often, they enlist (infect) armies of zombie computers to attack a specific site, say Microsoft or a bank. So your computer could get identified as participating in a felony.
Hmm, you say, not good. That's why being alert to possible malware and "scam" type links, windows, and email messages is so important.

• The "Invasion of the computer snatchers" article at the Washington Post describes an actual hacker's day.