Smarten Up. Increase Your Information Security Vocabulary

Years ago (like 20) a friend was graduating from college and moving away and a bunch of friends were throwing a party for this person. Collectively they asked me if I’d write a small speech as a version of “This is your life”.  Stymied as to why they would ask me to do it I asked ”Why me?” My girlfriend at the time said, and I quote “Because you gut good words”. Serious. And my writing and speaking began. Inspiration comes in many forms.

People who generally have to much time on their hands read my posts. Or they simply enjoy my train wreck world view. Anyway there are some fantastic resources that I draw from that help me to break down the complicated issues revolving around how to keep the bad guy from draining your bank account. The following make me look good. (not to insult the following)

READ/CONSUME/RSS:

Finextra Blogs. A vibrant community of finance, IT and security professionals from almost every corner of the planet. A melting pot of diversity that provides a world view on numerous issues.

The Register. A UK based digital diary of all things tech.  John Leyden and Dan Gooden are Register rockstars.

Dark Reading. Isn’t as dark as it sounds. They hit on every possible security issue and are well researched. Kelly Jackson Higgins (is tireless) and John Sawyer & Graham Cluley provide great information. Tim Wilson is a must must must read.

COMPUTERWORLD Provides the most detailed exhaustive data of any source. Articles are deep and informative and keep you tuned to industry players too. Jaikumar Vijayan and Robert McMillan wear me out.

Wired.com Has anything and everything wires or wireless. Kim Zetter, David Kravets seem to have the inside scoop on everything. Kevin Poulsen Sr Editor used to run from the law with Kevin Mitnick and now bitch slaps anyone who says stupid stuff.

StorefrontBackTalk.com. Run by Evan Schuman is a smart e-commerce/retail/PCI publication

DataLossDB is run by the Open Security Foundation, an ornery bunch that keeps tabs on insecurity. Provides accurate statistics to CSO’s and CTO’s to assist them in decision making. They and their merry band of volunteers are watching you.

USAToday Michelle Kessler is all technology and Byron Acohido and Jon Swartz are very respected journalists who come up with the best insider stories on the planet, and have never ever called me.

The Washington Post Security Fix by Brian Krebs. Nobody has more crack heads, meth addicts and criminal hackers begging to tell their stories to a well known journalist. At least that’s my impression. You can’t not learn from this guy.

Information-Security-Resources.com a new addition to my feeds is edited by Anthony M. Freed and has contributions by Richard Stiennon and Danny Lieberman who often draw colorful commentary.

Nextadvisor.com/blog/ a consumer based easily digestible take on whats new and current in consumer security issues and product comparison.  Kent and Caitlin keep tabs on all things “need to know”.

IAPP Daily Dashboard Mike Spinney, Senior Privacy Analyst , CIPP is a senior privacy analyst with the Ponemon Institute. Dude just rocks.

CNET Elinor Mills does the best job of breaking down complex issues into bite size chunks.

Increasing your information security vocabulary helps keep you and your business secure, like eating good food and exercising helps keep you healthy. So get smart. Up your IT/infosec intelligence. Read these sources and follow these journalists. They all gut good words.

• And do yourself a favor: Get a credit freeze. Go to ConsumersUnion.org and follow the steps for your particular state. This is an absolutely necessary tool to secure your credit. In most cases, it prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.