I think a lot of us devote ourselves to hacking, cryptocurrencies, and other forms of digital anarchy in search of the freedom and opportunity we couldn't find elsewhere. The promise of the virtual world and its networks is one of no-strings-attached actions and ultimate flexibility, not to mention an escape from censorship and social ostracization. Whether the internet can deliver on these promises is a question that will be decided by the actions of the hacker community. The modern data infrastructure was constructed to further the objectives of the institutions that already control the world, but will we leave the system they built in their hands to mold? Can an individual really make these systems work for them longterm?

Questions of morality further muddy the waters. A less than unilaterally negative response to censorship of any sort threatens hackers from within their own circles. It is becoming increasingly perilous to enter this domain without a greater-than-lay understanding of scripts and networking. Will a new regime seek to rob individuals of their cryptocurrency? What happens if a thing you have been doing online for years becomes seriously illegal in your area? And what of the sites you have come to depend on? Even if they are hosted on a distributed system of servers, what if a key developer behind the project is compromised by a thug wearing the colors of some criminal or government organization? Alas, I cannot solve these problems for you at present. We can only educate ourselves if we want to get from the Cypherpunk Frontier what we want of it.

At the risk of saying things that are already obvious to most of my readers, I have compiled a brief list of key disciplines and attitudes to study and adopt, respectively, in order to survive in this new world:

Things to Learn:

• Programming- Start with Python for the way it will make you think. Also, learn web development basics (HTML, CSS, Javascript). This is just a start, but it's a good one.
• Linux- If you want any assurance of ownership and privacy when it comes to your software (and hardware), dual boot your machine with Linux. Bonus points if you get a Linux-only computer. Learn the command line. If this is hard for you, you're not even prepared to call yourself a script kiddie. Push through the pain.
• Networking- Even if you have to start small with articles and videos on Steemit and other platforms, get an understanding of networks.
• Hardening- I'm making this a category all of its own because of the number of times I have seen people fail to execute on the knowledge they gain. If you learn about a popular exploit that could affect your devices and their operating systems, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Harden your digital life against these attacks.
• Lastly, Crypto- Buy yourself some cryptocurrency. If you're a noob, I would keep it simple and purchase Bitcoin or Ethereum. Learn the difference between them and the pros and cons of different cryptocurrency models. Most of the people on Steemit don't need this advice, but I'm including it because it's essential. Holding a few weeks' (or months') income worth of cryptocurrency will make you start to take infosec seriously too. If someone steals your crypto, there's no bank or government agency to whine to. It's gone.

Attitudes of a Cypherpunk or Crypto-Anarchist:

• Live in Action, Not in Fear- Do the things you love, even if they are against the law. Just be smart about it and keep a bugout bag.
• Money is Number One- If you can't afford to survive, the prospect of cypherpunk freedom becomes impossibly distant. Respect the power of money (preferably precious metals and cryptocurrencies) to free you from economic shackles.
• Privacy and Security- Get out of the habit of volunteering information to corporate or government entities when it isn't absolutely necessary. Cultivate a separation between your crypto life and finances and your old Matrix-bound persona. A professional hacker could destroy or discredit your normie civilian life at any second anyway. Use it for what it is, but dont' be too attached.
• Nothing's Ever Perfect, So Enjoy Yourself- If you are cultivating your wealth and health, and no one has imprisoned, attacked, or captured you, today was a good day. Prepare for the worst as best you can, then go on and live your life.

Thanks for reading. If you have any comments or feedback, be sure to leave them below. The White Skull is a new effort on my part, and I'm always looking for ways to improve.