Hacking at MIT
The safety of yourself, of others, and of property should have highest priority. Safety is more important than pulling off a hack or getting through a door.
Be subtle; leave no evidence that you were there.
Brute force is the last resort of the incompetent.
Leave things as you found them or better. Cause no permanent damage during hacks and while hacking. If you find something broken, call F-IXIT.
Do not steal anything; if you must borrow something, leave a note saying when it will be returned and remember to return it.
Do not drop things without a ground crew to ensure that no one is underneath.
Sign-ins are not graffiti and shouldn’t be seen by the general public. Sign-ins exhibit one’s pride in having found an interesting location and should be seen only by other hackers. Real hackers are not proud of discovering Lobby 7, random basements, or restrooms. Keep sign-ins small and respect other hackers’ sign-ins.
Never drink and hack.
Never hack alone. Have someone who can get help in an emergency.
Know your limitations and do not surpass them. If you do not know how to open a door, climb a shaft, etc., then learn from someone who knows before trying.
Learn how not to get caught; but if you do get caught, accept gracefully and cooperate fully.
Share your knowledge and experience with other hackers.
Above all, exercise common sense.
