I want to meet my hacking soulmate

First Person | Zhai Jiajia

I am an information-security zealot, so my "Mr. Right" must also be addicted to the industry and accompany me along this road.

My dream boyfriend should have many traits in common with me, to be my guide and treat me just like any other enthusiast as I explore the world of cybersecurity.

I dream of marrying a "white-hat" hacker. We could talk about hot security issues and compete in discovering security risks or loopholes at weekends. The prospect is fantastic.

I became interested in "white-hat" hackers after I met some on the Internet. I admired them, and thought the fact that they used their skills to protect information security was cool.

The biggest attraction was that, unlike many hackers who have mastered computers and cyberspace, they perform good deeds.

Unlike guys who try to impress girls with blandishments, these hackers usually speak directly, succinctly pointing out security loopholes and risks. I believe that such a direct way of communicating reduces unnecessary conflict between people in a relationship.

I am studying electronic information engineering at a university in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, but I'm not interested in it. Generally, graduates in this major wind up specializing in welding equipment, which I think would be too boring.

I fell in love with a "white-hat" hacker during my junior year at university. I was grateful for his patience when I repeatedly questioned him about security issues. I find the simple way "white-hat" hackers get along with other people puts me at ease.

I came to Beijing to follow my dream of becoming an information-security keeper.

When I visited the city before, I disliked the frequent smog and serious traffic congestion, but I returned in July and since then I have been an intern at Wooyun, China's largest "white-hat" hackers' online community.

Of course, there was also a selfish motive behind my desire to join Wooyun - maybe I can meet my Mr. Right here!

Zhai Jiajia spoke with Cao Yin

(China Daily 12/17/2015 page28)