Home PC Users Jump On Security BandwagonHome PC Users Jump On Security Bandwagon

All the hullabaloo about computer viruses finally seems to have made an impression on home-computer users, who in August stepped up and purchased security programs at a rate more than 127% higher than in the same month last year.

Technology research firm NPD Group also says sales of security software jumped threefold in the weeks immediately following the appearance of the SoBig and Blaster viruses. "The fact that nearly 1 million customers ran out and purchased security software may represent a turning point in consumers' recognition of Internet security and their desire to take some responsibility for safe computing," NPD research director Stephen Baker said in a statement.

Sales of virus-detection products reached nearly $27 million in August, compared with $13.7 million the previous August; security programs hit $19 million in August, up from $6 million the year before.

NPD's report noted that September appears to have seen security sales to home users slow from the August pace, but still moving at a higher rate than the year before.