story identification - What was sci-fi book where the main character could read computer networks

In 1990 I was buying some science journal, and it used to publish excerpts from sci-fi and fantasy books. In such a way I got acquainted to Ursula Le Guin and etc.

I remember there was a (maybe short) story where the main hero could hack networks, devices and get info or manage them.

In this new Intelligence TV series, the main hero also can hack computer systems.

I would be glad if you could point me to the story.

Thank you very much!

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