You get HACKED primarily in SEVEN ways...

You get HACKED primarily in SEVEN ways:

1. If your E-mail Service Provider is hacked.

2. If your ISP is hacked.

3. If your Instant Messaging Provider (or Instant messaging app) is hacked.

4. If your Personal computer(s) is hacked.

5. If your communications are intercepted.

6. If people you interact with are hacked.

7. Undetectable, purpose-built RAT (remote access Trojan).
 

This is how you'd PROTECT yourself:
 

1. Sign up for Gmail and Opt for Gmail's 2-step verification / Two-factor authentication

2. Pick a big ISP. Avoid local cable Internet providers.

3. Secure Instant messaging like Off-the-Record (OTR) Messaging.

4. Install ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall PLUS Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free

5. Use Hotspot Shield free VPN

6. Watch out for online impersonation.

7. Boot your computer every time with a bootable Ubuntu USB stick -- for instance. Yep, it's cumbersome but thwarts undetectable, purpose-built RATs (remote access Trojans).