Staying safe online is something that has always been really important to me, from keeping your personal information safe, to keeping your computer safe, to staying safe in games. It’s not always easy, either, as the people who want to do bad things are always coming up with new and tricky ways to get you to give them your address or phone number, or install their malicious software, or to hijack your character and take your equipment or gold or whatever. Fortunately, even though there are always going to be a lot of ways people can try to trick you, there are only a few things they’re trying to get from you, and once you know about them and their tricks it becomes much easier to recognize them and protect yourself against their schemes.
[singlepic id=3269 w=320 h=240 float=left]First of all, what do they want, these bad guys? I always picture them as old fashioned spies in long trench-coats and dark glasses trying to take pictures of my personal information with one of those cool mini spy cameras. Lucky for us, there are only a few pieces of information that they want, which makes it a lot easier for us to protect ourselves. The biggest thing they try to get their hands on is any key personal information; that’s your full name, your home address, home phone number, and social security number. That information is usually pretty well protected by most people, but as I said, the bad guys are tricky, so they are also very interested in things like your school, where you might work, your birth date, your sports team, your pet’s name – basically anything that will tell them more about you than just your name.
Keeping your home address and phone number safe is obvious, I hope everyone out there is already very careful with this information, but why should you worry about giving up something like your pet’s name or the town you live in or the hospital you were born in? Well, have you ever had to recover a lost password to a game or website? They ask security challenge questions like ‘what was your first pet’s name?’ or ‘What town were you born in?’ all the time, right? If one of our fedora-wearing spies gets their hands on a piece of information like that, it’s like a puzzle piece, and when they have enough pieces of the puzzle filled in they’ve got a picture of YOU they can use for lots of naughty things. The less you give them, the safer you are.
This is also important to keep in mind when you’re signing up for a new website or online service too – where did you find out about the site? What kind of information is it looking for? Believe it or not there are fake sites on the Internet that try to get people to sign up and fill out all this personal information to use it for bad things, so if a site is asking for a lot more information than you think they need, ask some questions before filling it out. Why would a website need your home address or phone number if all you want to do is read an article? And NO gaming or social website should ever need your social security number – if a website is asking for that just click away immediately. Maybe close the browser then wash your hands too, just to be safe.
Another important note on signing up for new websites and games is your user name and password. After all, that’s all that’s keeping the bad guys away from your profile information and, in a game, your characters and equipment. Many of us – maybe all of us by now – have multiple profiles on multiples games and websites, and most of like to use a similar (or the same) username in all of these, because that’s our online identity; we like people to know who we are, we have a reputation and friends that are important to us, all linked to that identity. That means that it’s your password, that one little secret code word, that is keeping the bad guys out of all your stuff.
Passwords need to be strong to be effective, but the stronger they are the harder they are to remember, especially across multiple games and websites, so people often fall into two different password ‘camps’ – either using easy passwords, like their last name backwards or, terrifyingly enough, ‘password’ (OK, if you have ANY game or website account with the password of ‘password’, please stop reading right now and go change it. Do it now. I’m totally serious. Don’t worry, I’ll wait.) or they use a really strong password, but they use the same exact password across all the games and websites they sign up for.[singlepic id=3270 w=150 h=112 float=right]
You can see the problem with both cases – using an easy password means that it won’t take the bad guys many guesses to get in, and the same password across all websites and games means that if one of your sites or games gets compromised or one of your accounts gets hacked (it happens, even to huge sites like the Gawker network, which is the home of the gaming site Kotaku) then the bad guys have access to ALL of your accounts, and believe me, once they get your username and password to, say, your WoW account, they’ll try that information on LOTRO, then DC Online, then EQII, and so on, and so on, until they’ve hit every first tier and second tier game out there, and if you use the same username and password in every game you play they can strip every active account you have, literally overnight, while you’re asleep.
There is a pretty good compromise between ‘multiple easy passwords’ and ‘same hard password’ that you can use that will keep your accounts safer. No password or website security is perfect, of course, so I can’t say you’ll NEVER get hacked, but this is better than the other two options above, and much easier to remember than random super-strong passwords for every website you sign up for. What you should do is choose a really strong password , one that combines upper case and lower case letters, numbers, and at least one special character (if allowed) , and then for every website and game you sign up for, add two or three characters to the password that will identify the site or game in a way that’s obvious to you, but would be very difficult for someone else to guess. For example, my standard password could be D1tto (it’s not, obviously) and I might use the first two letters of the URL or game I’m signing up for, plus another identifier known only to me, so for MMO Crunch I would add mm$ at the end of the password. That way, even if someone can get my password for another site and I use the same username, it isn’t going to let them into my MMO Crunch profile.
[singlepic id=3280 w=549 h=400 float=left]I’d like to talk briefly about changing your passwords too. One of the most secure things you can do for online accounts is regularly change your passwords. Most major companies force their users and employees to do this, sometimes as often as once a month. For regular folks like you and me, though, it’s a pain, there’s no doubt. How do you do it, how do you remember which sites to do it with, how do you decide how often, and how do you remember what you changed it to? You don’t want to save some text document on your desktop with all your usernames and passwords on it, obviously – that’s what Neville Longbottom did and he wound up letting Sirius Black into Gryffindor tower! We sure don’t want that! What you can do, though, is just make a list of what sites you want to use rotating passwords on, and the date you want to change them. You only need to change them by one or two characters to be effective, and though I don’t recommend using a 1,2,3 at the end of the password (that’s pretty obvious) you can use the associated special characters related to that instead, like !,@,#…
Easy for you to remember, very hard for the bad guys to figure out.
One last note on account security, and this one should be obvious, but I’m going to say it anyway. The strongest most unguessable password on the planet is not going to protect you if you tell it to other people! If someone needs your password… no, let me rephrase that. NOBODY NEEDS YOUR PASSWORD EXCEPT YOU! Not your friend from school who just wants to log in to see your house or your new armor, not some guy you met in-game who promised to give you that awesome sword or finish a hard quest for you. And the same goes for writing it down – ideally you don’t want to do this, but if you do feel the need to jot your username and password down in some notebook or on a sticky note somewhere so you don’t forget it, make sure that notebook or sticky note is kept in a secure place and is not rattling around the bottom of your backpack with half a pack of gum and those broken headphones you keep forgetting to throw away. If you’ve already shared your password with people, it’s OK, just go change it now and don’t do that again!
That’s the basics on account and information safety, but there’s a lot more to talk about in part two of this series, so please come back next week for even more! Until then have fun and play safe!
I don’t think its so much about it being 9 paragraphs, its not so kid-friendly the way its set out, there was some comedy I liked the, and wash your hands just in case line :) but I think some illustration or something that breaks up the “dryness” of the content, ie stuff that isn’t words, would help, its hard to maintain interest in something like security for many people, I don’t think its so much about it being long, which I don’t really think it is too long, much of it has become commonsense these days anyway. That being said I am never really that secure with my own passwords as I should be.
lol everyone is saying (not everyone) how old they are and there name, lol o wow! i play wizard101 i am ice lvl 60! so yeah i read it and it still isnt ready to play, sigh lolz!
gosh dude keep it simple kids that are about ten and under are going to look at this and be like i really dont care this isnt going to effect me i am older than that and i was dude stop reapeting your self its getting very annoying i mean come on
Hey i am would’s biggist wizard101 I have a wizard that is on 25.Do not take a peak at my password or my username or I will crush you!
wow i care about this my password stinks im putting my password with symbols and numbbers in it :) i care about this
woo i love wizard101 and safety! so this site is perfect for me!
i am write on this page with nothing to say this time!
WIZARD 101 IS BEAST!
this is a great guide applies to everything >.<
P.S. hi hackers you guys are suckers!!!
P.P.S wait a second if hackers see this guide aren't they going to use it to get our info? (gets mad)
My password is ‘password1’! lol I’m surprised they didn’t talk about the most common password ‘123456’
What if we don’t know what 7+5 is?
Also why would it make us human to know this? I Thought robots were the ones to get mathematical questions right. Ya know?
Guys, mostpeople r goin 2 look at this and say whateva i dont care well when somebody hacks you and i laugh u will say sorry to the truth just sayin
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
HA!!! CAN’T BEAT HE BAD BOY AT WIZRD101!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’M LEVEL 22!!HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA(I’M A NON-BRAGGER)WIZARD101 RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUULLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hi again. i’m wizard101’s biggest fan ever!!
i’m here today to talk about not to HACK computers.
lol. my password is: 55555 hehe and user name is:12345!! try it! it’s wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! muh hahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
It’s funny how illusions can trick the mind, huh?
One reason why this piece looks “too long” is because the article size and column format squishes the text closer to each other. In addition, Ditto’s style involves using a greater number of words, so that kids aren’t having to run to Dictionary.com every few sentences; he defines his message clearly, provides examples (in case you’re doubting his warning) and *still* has personality. When I get wordy or lengthy, I’m pretty bland and boring.
In addition, account and identity security are taken very lightly by a multitude of people — KingsIsle see it themselves in the mountains of chat logs and reports people are sending in. If it was no big deal, and everyone was following the rules and being careful, perhaps KI may NOT have spotlighted Ditto’s message, as it would have been theoretically redundant (yet, still the ideal thing to do as a family-friendly entity).
If more people explored Ditto’s adventures, videos, and gave the chance to understand him, this article would not be so intimidating.
Keep it up Ditto Wizard, looking forward to part 2!
i love wizard101 my charerter is fire level 12 im almost level 13
Hey everybody you might know me Hunter thunderblade my character its the real me talking did you know some guy[or woman] stole 10,000 gold from me and my ice sword it sucked
p.s. I’m level45 ice look for me out there I will accept ANY friend request doesn’t matter who again look for me i’m a very nice guy in wizard101
i think this safety thing sucks i mean everyone should know not to have easy usernames and passwords right? LOL any way im lvl 36 life and will accept any friend requests over lvl 20 i mean im nice and all but i have a lot of friends and i cant add that many. Bye… P.S i hope someone reads this and comments and accepts my frind request. i really want a lvl 60 friend. P.P.S if i find u magicman3412 i will accept your fiend request sorry that someone stole your gold and sword. Gotta go now bye:) NOTE i am not a hacker just love friends and the game wizard101.
I have a lvl 60 pyromancer and took down 2 lvl 42 ice dudes i forgot what they is called…..but my name is Zack LegendBreather so if u see me add me andi can pretty mucch solo any monster in the game….i love bragging MWWHGAHASAMWWHAEFDISUHJAkGHWJkdnf oh darn my corndog got cold
Wizard101 is a great game, but there is to many hackers… STOP THIS!!!
P.S. your a retard if you post your password… I can hack it but I wouldnt…
By the way, my W101 char name is Garrett Dawnstaff lvl 60 balance… i will post my realm later…
wizard 101 is fliping awesome i am in lvl 42 my name is valerian mythcaster i am a myth and storm wiz. dont you guys think the ame is awesome right and NOW ITS SAFE YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAh! if you see me be my friend and chat with me.
I never do mean things on Wizard 101 I never say negative things about other wizards never love a wizard that is for adults do not give other wizards weak cards on trade do not call wizards stupid do not give your password do not give wizards personal information do never say hate to a wizard
Wow srsly? I dont read I just sort of look over the Important stuff and that is way too much to read. Try and keep it simple and i might READ IT next time instead of skimming. xP
P.S I’m kaitlyn deathheart lvl 31 death wiz. I’m writing a book called “Mortal?” be sure to cheack it out in about 5 yrs xD its about wizardry so dont worry. lol jk … not really
I love wizard101! I am Fred Fairy Caster if you see me in the game tell me (in text chat) that you were on this website. And i will be your friend. I am level 50 life wizard by the way.
hi
bye
hi peoples of this website. wizard101 is one of the best online games i think i have every played in my life o btw i am a lvl 60 fire if u see me i would be happy to add u!!!!!! :D
I am a bit surprised this article is geared to kids. I have some knowledge of getting a point across to others and I can tell you if you want to get a point across – MAKE POINTS!!
That said Well Done for effort – Everyone (especially adults) could use tips on keeping the valuable assets of information away from of prying eyes. More than we will ever know I suspect.
i have nothing to say i take my leave good day
was sup people hey my wizard is life and well i not a subcriber but i making my way up to the top by fighting bosses so i hope this encourages you peoples! bye :D
ok l
they need to be safe online
kids need to ask permission to play a non safe game and face book too
ok if you have something like that in your hands you should really ask me or a parent to use text chat because many people like to well you know make real words into bad word like they would as hole but it is… well you get the point
plus yas brandy they need to be safe
i meant plus YES brandy
no da
I HATE ME LIFE Cause some one changed me password on Free Realms and now i cant get in so i will break her face! >:O
I AM THE WORLD BIGGEST WIZARD101 FAN EVER AND ALSO TO PEOPLE SAYING LIKE” yeah im nine i care about this stuff” well dont tell people u r nine when u just read the stinkin article!!!!!!
nad what is i dont want to solve a MATH PROBLEM IN MY FREE TIME AND U GUYS ARE TELLING US NOT TO GIVE OUT PERSONAL INFO LIKE EMAILS BUT THEN U ASK FOR IT…………………WOW!
i like corn dogs less than wizard101!!!
u need to make it simple plese i have dislesea :( i have no ida what you are talking about now! i am a levl 3,2,6,4,1,4 my names are thomas thunderstomfriend,jordoran deathfriend,trever deathfriend,thomas lifefriend,ian firefriend and jonathan icefriend if you see me add me as a friend i will accept any friend reqecet :) i never lie!
wizard 101 is the best !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111111111111111111111
Hi I am level 12 and i think the safety thing is execllent
For online safety .Cause Ounce this guy asked where i lived my phone number. My Dad Typed it is none of his buisness.
Hi again My Wizard Name is courtney dragonspear so add me
as a friend.
ditto you kinda rock! i mean like 4 paragraph of dis stuff i not no. password is dumb password i guess [i don have it incase you thinking wrong of me!]and i like your sense of humor,like the wash your hands to be safe thing AWESOME I WAS LITERALLY POKING MY EYEBALLS OUT!
oh magician3412 i sorta low lvl [ like lvl.12 nearly 13 ] but i keep eye out for ya hope you accept my request[ that if i find you :( ] . byio about i like corn dogs that just RANDOM!
ditto 4+6 like SOOO hard. i mean [NO OFFENSE NO TAKE PERSONALLY] srsly, like thought why robot or something. again that was nice sense of humor there so i forgive you :)
people my password is: stuffyou66 and username: ilovemom try it, it won work cos it rong :p
P.S to bad guys reading dis YOU RULE! not XD
P.P.S guys if someone no sub and want no sub friend so they can shill with them most of the time, then look for me. wiz name: BLAZE LIONHEART. school: FIRE. lvl: LOOK FOR GUY LVL. 12-20 I UPDATE WHEN I GET PASSED 20. clothes:
I WEAR WHITE GOLD/YELLOW OUTLINE I UPDATE IF I CHANGE
P.P.P.S I like hanging out realm sunbird and in haunted cave
Password: YoMama pwns
Username: This is a big lie you idiots
Yea if you try that nothing will happen xD
WELL!!! Very well said there Monster. You made it very informing while still keeping it humerous. Pretty impressive for a monster :P KEEP IT UP DUDE. OR MONSTER DUDE, WELL WHATEVER!