The Badge Archive

Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Cadette Cybersecurity Safeguards badge requirements.

Info Needed for badge requirements: Metadata is information about a file, such as when a photo was taken, where it was taken, or the type of camera used. It’s like a digital “tag” that describes the file. It makes it easier to organize and find files or helps photographers protect their work with copyright information. Hackers can use metadata, like the time, location, or device information from files and photos, to harm users. For example, metadata in a photo might reveal where it was taken, allowing hackers to track your location. They can also use this information to figure out what device you’re using and look for ways to attack it. How to Protect Metadata? Turn off Location Services on your phone to avoid sharing where photos were taken. Remove personal information from file properties before sharing files. Be mindful of what files you share and who you share them with.

Items Needed

• VTK Where in the World Cards by GSUSA (cut out and placed on the table before the meeting)
• Fake metadata written or printed and glued to the back of each card (see below for data samples).

Instructions

1. Welcome scouts and invite them to pick up the photos on the table.
2. Scouts examine the photos with the fake meta data on the back and try to guess where each might have been taken. Encourage them to look for clues in the pictures and data to identify the locations.
3. Share these key points about posting photos and information while traveling:
   • Avoid oversharing on social media about your trips or vacation plans. Posting about being out of town could alert potential thieves to your absence.
   • Never post upcoming travel plans or share vacation updates in real time.
   • Be cautious when posting vacation pictures. Thieves can figure out your location either from the photo itself or from geotags (GPS-based metadata) attached to the image.

Fake Metadata

This metadata can make the activity more engaging by simulating real-world GPS information that might be attached to photos shared online. Scouts can analyze the metadata to make educated guesses about the photo locations. Use the following fake metadata on the back of each photo, but do not include the location to allow the scouts to still try and guess where the photo is from.

1. La Paz, Bolivia
   • GPS: 16°29’0″S, 68°08’0″W
   • Timestamp: 2025-04-10T15:30:00Z
   • Tag: “Mountain city with vibrant markets.”
2. Sólheimajökulsvegur, Iceland
   • GPS: 63°31’32″N, 19°22’30″W
   • Timestamp: 2025-04-09T09:45:00Z
   • Tag: “Glacier views and icy terrains.”
3. New York City, USA
   • GPS: 40°42’46″N, 74°00’21″W
   • Timestamp: 2025-04-07T18:10:00Z
   • Tag: “Bustling streets and towering skyscrapers.”
4. Seattle, USA
   • GPS: 47°36’35″N, 122°20’27″W
   • Timestamp: 2025-04-08T14:00:00Z
   • Tag: “Coffee culture and the Space Needle.”
5. Kathmandu, Nepal
   • GPS: 27°42’10″N, 85°18’30″E
   • Timestamp: 2025-04-06T10:50:00Z
   • Tag: “Temples and Himalayan views.”
6. Osaka, Japan
   • GPS: 34°41’18″N, 135°30’0″E
   • Timestamp: 2025-04-05T20:15:00Z
   • Tag: “Cherry blossoms and bustling streets.”
7. Cairo, Egypt
   • GPS: 30°2’36″N, 31°14’41″E
   • Timestamp: 2025-04-04T08:30:00Z
   • Tag: “The pyramids and ancient wonders.”
8. Santorini, Greece
   • GPS: 36°22’23″N, 25°27’33″E
   • Timestamp: 2025-04-03T17:45:00Z
   • Tag: “Whitewashed houses and ocean views.”
9. Bali, Indonesia
   • GPS: 8°40’18″S, 115°12’20″E
   • Timestamp: 2025-04-02T16:20:00Z
   • Tag: “Lush forests and serene temples.”
10. Perth, Australia
    • GPS: 31°57’8″S, 115°51’30″E
    • Timestamp: 2025-04-01T12:05:00Z
    • Tag: “Coastal city with scenic beaches.”
11. Patagonia, Argentina
    • GPS: 49°18’22″S, 72°57’0″W
    • Timestamp: 2025-03-30T13:40:00Z
    • Tag: “Breathtaking landscapes and glaciers.”
12. Guilin, China
    • GPS: 25°16’33″N, 110°17’44″E
    • Timestamp: 2025-03-29T11:10:00Z
    • Tag: “Karst mountains and river views.”