made the fact that his parents were missing all the more ominous, however.
After reading these texts, he opted for ultimately writing his own software to better control how every aspect of the computer worked. The free systems were functional enough, but from what Steven had read of the work his godparents had done, they were as vulnerable as any other system and he had to take things up a notch if he was going to be sneaking into networks. The notes illuminated a scary, dark world under the hood of most computers, one that was extremely secretive and dangerous. They indicated that most software and even hardware were engineered to allow unknown hackers to freely enter into any system, regardless of the security measures put in place. A nearly undetectable back door existed, and from what the notes indicated, this "door" didn't require the computer to actually be actively on. Just plugged into the power. Most modern systems never fully turned off when plugged in, which made it easy to surreptitiously utilize the computer for non-sanctioned tasks.
Someone was using these computers and spying on people on a massive scale and manipulating data and transferring resources and funds with no restrictions whatsoever. From what he saw, wars were even sparked by this dark network by exploiting the power of social media and forged messages to various diplomats. That sort of thing was easy enough already, but the power of a practically hidden network made it almost predictable. Being able to observe emails and digital conversations live and the ability to manipulate these communications without being detected gave these people tremendous power over world events. They were people that Steven wished to avoid, but at the same time investigate. They were surely behind the disappearance of his parents and the reason why his godparents were hiding out here in the hills.
By writing his own system software, Steven was able to block most of the hardware exploits indicated in the notes and eliminate the software security holes while at the same time opening those doors for his own exploitation. He even wrote his own microcode that ran on the central processors, closing up even more vulnerabilities. He constructed the system specifically to enter into other computers in his search to find his parents, allowing him to access databases, medical records, real estate records, tax records and more using the very hardware and software exploits that his godfather had discovered. He grinned at the mischievousness of it all, but a part of him remained apprehensive. There was always a chance of being discovered. However, by identifying the secret networks thanks to the notes, Steven was sure he would be a ghost out there.
A part of him was still afraid, however. These people detected and abducted his parents after all. But what choice did he have? If no one else was looking, what could he do? But he felt confident. His parents may have not known of the threat until too late. Steven had the benefit of the notes and their experience to be better prepared.
Steven closed the notes and put them in their own box and relaxed a bit to let the anxiety pass. He daydreamed of spring days and the fresh explosion of growth that resulted from them. The late summer season was seeing a rapid slowing of growth and everything was starting to get ready for winter. He hated that season because soon nearly everything except for the pines went brown and was covered by deep snow for months. He resorted to his imagination to accommodate for that, seeing green growth where snow and winter had made brown and white, making for himself his own little world amidst the desolation of the season. That time wasn't long coming now. Inspired, he took his sketchbook and absentmindedly sketched what he saw. Living plants, flowers, insects, and life of all sorts filled his pages, as well as things he saw in his dreams and people he knew or that stood out in his memory. It was for him a way
After reading these texts, he opted for ultimately writing his own software to better control how every aspect of the computer worked. The free systems were functional enough, but from what Steven had read of the work his godparents had done, they were as vulnerable as any other system and he had to take things up a notch if he was going to be sneaking into networks. The notes illuminated a scary, dark world under the hood of most computers, one that was extremely secretive and dangerous. They indicated that most software and even hardware were engineered to allow unknown hackers to freely enter into any system, regardless of the security measures put in place. A nearly undetectable back door existed, and from what the notes indicated, this "door" didn't require the computer to actually be actively on. Just plugged into the power. Most modern systems never fully turned off when plugged in, which made it easy to surreptitiously utilize the computer for non-sanctioned tasks.
Someone was using these computers and spying on people on a massive scale and manipulating data and transferring resources and funds with no restrictions whatsoever. From what he saw, wars were even sparked by this dark network by exploiting the power of social media and forged messages to various diplomats. That sort of thing was easy enough already, but the power of a practically hidden network made it almost predictable. Being able to observe emails and digital conversations live and the ability to manipulate these communications without being detected gave these people tremendous power over world events. They were people that Steven wished to avoid, but at the same time investigate. They were surely behind the disappearance of his parents and the reason why his godparents were hiding out here in the hills.
By writing his own system software, Steven was able to block most of the hardware exploits indicated in the notes and eliminate the software security holes while at the same time opening those doors for his own exploitation. He even wrote his own microcode that ran on the central processors, closing up even more vulnerabilities. He constructed the system specifically to enter into other computers in his search to find his parents, allowing him to access databases, medical records, real estate records, tax records and more using the very hardware and software exploits that his godfather had discovered. He grinned at the mischievousness of it all, but a part of him remained apprehensive. There was always a chance of being discovered. However, by identifying the secret networks thanks to the notes, Steven was sure he would be a ghost out there.
A part of him was still afraid, however. These people detected and abducted his parents after all. But what choice did he have? If no one else was looking, what could he do? But he felt confident. His parents may have not known of the threat until too late. Steven had the benefit of the notes and their experience to be better prepared.
Steven closed the notes and put them in their own box and relaxed a bit to let the anxiety pass. He daydreamed of spring days and the fresh explosion of growth that resulted from them. The late summer season was seeing a rapid slowing of growth and everything was starting to get ready for winter. He hated that season because soon nearly everything except for the pines went brown and was covered by deep snow for months. He resorted to his imagination to accommodate for that, seeing green growth where snow and winter had made brown and white, making for himself his own little world amidst the desolation of the season. That time wasn't long coming now. Inspired, he took his sketchbook and absentmindedly sketched what he saw. Living plants, flowers, insects, and life of all sorts filled his pages, as well as things he saw in his dreams and people he knew or that stood out in his memory. It was for him a way
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