Module 11

By Hunter DeVries

            Funny what a kid with a passion for always trying to raise the bar can do. The only thing is the higher you climb up the ladder in intelligence, the harder the impact will be once you fall. For example when an extra intelligent kid decides to break a code on a very private server because he already had hacked the school’s computer system, little does he know the code he is breaking would be War Operation Planned Response.  This is the control center for all nuclear weapons in the United States arsenal. If you haven’t guessed already, I am talking about War games.

            Don’t count out the little guys, and especially those that can hack the United States Military system, and start a nuclear war competition instead of a game of chess. Thanks to a super cool 80’s technology filled man cave, and the idea to download a new video game before it is released, this teenage prodigy really gets himself in some trouble. But luckily he is able to receive some help from some friends and deescalate a nuclear war. Today these threats haven’t gone away, but simply have continued in different ways and forms.

            Throughout the year, we have seen many reports that the Chinese have attacked our Nations networks or in other words the Chinese Cyber Attacks. The purpose of this attacks is to immobilize our nation’s defense, which are dependent upon the finest technology. But when you are in a war against the country that manufactured a good portions of the technology that you have, you have to wonder, is it secure?  We have created a great and resourceful way of living with technology, but it does have an Achilles heel. The question is when will it be exploited? And how much damage will be done? We don’t have the answer for that, but rather the passing of time will tell that unpredictable answer.

 As of right now we have to recognize that we carry powerful computers in our pockets, and that makes life scarier for all of us. We have taught ourselves to be dependent on this small technology. Dependence is something that can cripple us as society, because how private are we when we surf the internet? Stealing someone’s identity within seconds of just passing by someone, or just tracing the “cookies” that comes with using public wifi. Dangers come with any endeavor, but at this time we believe the benefits out weight the risk. The advancements of security procedures and systems come with the millions of failures, which are found on the way to the finished product.  That being said, I think we just need to use common sense and take the proper precautions to stay technology safe.

It's just a game, right? Not in the least, we need to take serious precautions to be able to keep us from the dangers of technology. But once we identify the dangers and use the steps necessary to keep us technology safe, we can enjoy the conveniences that it can provide while remembering the guidelines.  Technology provides us with fun and exciting games, but the safety of technology is no game.