HACKER ATTACK

$200 million worth of online fraud occurred in the U.S., where a third of all attacks took place, during the second half of 2006, according to a Symantec Corp. study.

Hackers penetrated 11 percent more home computers in those six months than in the first, using software to use the machines without the owner's knowledge.

QUOTABLE

"Real estate investments suffer serious and sometimes prolonged downturns. A real-estate 'bust' could be quite damaging to an investor nearing retirement who relied too heavily on home equity."

Economist W. Van Harlow, in a new study of home equity and retirement from the Fidelity Research Institute

CUTE CAR

All the rage among young women in Japan is the Nissan Pino, a toylike minicar just 11 feet long that features star-stamped upholstery, a hook for a handbag, pink interior, a hubcap inspired by a snowflake and a merchandise line including pink bear-shaped cushions, seat covers with hearts, a CD case that looks like fat, red lips, and a colorful cover for a tissue box.