In the latest issue of the Times (August 1), I read the impressive lead story, "Hacking Secrets Revealed". I was amazed that any person would do what the interviewee did. But then I thought.
You tell a two year old to do something, but do they listen? If you have a bully in your class and you tell them to stop, do they always stop?
People are people, and people are going to do mean things. It doesn't matter how advanced the world becomes. There will still be rich people, poor people, sick people, healthy people and people who steal. It's part of life.
So for starters, to protect yourself in Whyville from hackers, all you have to do is don't fall for their tricks explained in "Hacking Secrets Revealed". For some added security, here are some tips to a password they'll never crack... unless you tell!
1. Use something out of your own life, that you don't tell people online about. Like your dog's name, or the name of your favorite food.
2. Don't use something obvious like Whyville or part of your user name. For example, don't use the password cat if your username is cat123.
3. Always use at least a few numbers and symbols. This is the one that will make your password very unique. Examples:
A=@
B=8
E=3
I=!
L=7 (It's an L upside down.)
There's many more. That's just a few.
Out of the 815,000+ citizens of Whyville, there will probably always be a handful of hackers and some bullies, but then there will also always be people to help and who are kind, folks who don't steal and will always have something nice to say.
Also, if you are hacker now when you are just a kid, what are you going to grow up to be? Are you going to go around stealing, or will you be the better person that everyone can be if they choose?
It's your choice. I hope you make the right one.
Your friend,
dancer153
p.s. If you need help with anything, I'm happy to help.
