Does my computer can be hacked even if it is not corrupted with viruses?

@wahsher (175)
India
July 8, 2010 11:37am CST
I have Windows XP operating system in my computer. I use AVG anti-virus. I don't have any virus currently on my pc (as far as I know). But I am not aware of how computer gets hacked through internet. I am very afraid of hacking because in my computer I daily visit important sites like paypal and enter my password and username. Can someone see my important data even if my antivirus is not showing any virus. Can hacking be done without viruses? And how email gets hacked? Please help me friends. I am completely blank in the hacking knowledge.
2 responses
truly_honest8
@truly_honest8 (1)
• United States
8 Jul 10
Yes, your computer can be hacked with or without viruses.
bodil4o
@bodil4o (271)
• Bulgaria
9 Jul 10
It can be hacked, but only if he allow it or visit certain sites. If he does not surf useless sites, use different passwords everywhere, don't accept files from mails and skype, he CAN't be hacked!
trohichko
@trohichko (197)
• Bulgaria
8 Jul 10
It is not necessary your computer to be corrupted with virus in order to be hacked. In 2010 anti-virus is really not enough in order to keep your system safe - you need good anti-spyware software(anti-virus not always succeeds to catch all of the spyware) and more important you need a well-configured firewall cause if you don't have working firewall your system is like a house with all doors open located at the street full of criminals...