Security has become the No. 1 topic for computer owners and people who venture online. The current issue of Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.org) includes a series of articles on spam, viruses, spyware and identity theft. Here are some findings from surveys conducted by the magazine:
* 64 percent have detected a virus in the past two years.
* More than 12 percent had 10 or more viruses during that period.
* 7 percent have lost data to a virus.
* 36 percent reported that their Web browser's home page has been hijacked, a common sign of spyware.
* 41 percent use spyware detection or removal software at home.
* 14 percent of broadband users don't use a firewall for protection.
* 27 percent said spam has affected their use of the Internet, including using e-mail less and shopping less.
* 69 percent said half or more of their e-mail is spam.
