Ever wonder how hackers manage to outsmart the good guys that develop websites? They are schemers. Many of them are very smart. Many of them see the Internet as a great big challenge—the equivalent of Sir Edmund Hillary’s ascent “because it was there.” What if you could get into their minds and learn something about protecting yourself while you were there?

That’s the idea behind Hugs for Hackers, a new website campaign developed by AVG, makers of popular antivirus software. AVG has over 70 million users, thanks, in part, to a generous free download campaign where users can get a version of the program for free.

At Hugs for Hackers, you’ll meet Dr. Chester who’s come up with the brilliant idea that hackers need love because deep inside they’re just socially maladjusted, lonely people. You’ll meet his entourage of some of the worst hackers—kids with names like OverRide and Exodus. Through them, you’ll learn why things get hacked in a memoir blogging style. Videos document real cases of hacking, showing you how easy it is to be duped by things like fake programs that steal your information.

The result is a videogame experience that feels like a cross between Get Smart! and CSI. Make sure you’re using a system with good download speeds or the video will be painful.

Though it’s a bit discombobulated in places and requires some intense blog reading, what I like about this site is that it uses offbeat humor to help solve the hacking problem. Humor with a splash of mystery, the mystery of how this stuff really works on the backend.

Spend a few minutes on the site and you’ll be a smarter person for it.