Hackers steal personal information through various methods like entering social media accounts, infecting websites with viruses, and sending spam emails. They do this to access privileges like bank accounts, or sell the information to other sites. Identity theft is a common way information is stolen since users are unaware of how to protect what's inside their computers. To prevent data theft, people should create strong passwords, regularly change them, avoid leaving accounts open in public, and use antivirus software with firewalls that are kept up to date. Identity theft can occur without noticing, so being vigilant is important.