(SCC) Catalyst Community Update for November 12, 2008
Posted by Michael Santarcangelo on November 11, 2008 · Leave a Comment 
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It has been an interesting two weeks – thanks to a catastrophic failure on the bulk of my web servers – thanks to an unannounced dreamhost switch/migration that results in their setting all permissions incorrectly. It’s a long and boring story – loaded with insights for anyone involved in technology and customer service. But we’re fixed – and I’m back.
The last few weeks have been pretty amazing; we have traveled the country from Upstate, NY to Kansas City…. Seattle…. And then back “East” to Detroit. We leave here on Thursday and head to Ohio for two days before heading on to the DC Metro area. CompTIA is sponsoring a book signing and give-away at the CSI show – so look for more details.
Last week – before the blizzards closed down sections of I-90 — we stopped on Monday at Mount Rushmore – and the entire family was taken with the effort on multiple levels. I was drawn to the history of the presidents – and will be spending more time learning about the character of these men, and the way they served themselves and their country. All very inspiring!!
Join the conversation. Take responsibility. Make a difference!
Discussion Forum Activity
I have noticed an exciting trend in the community – more and more people are coming together to “create.” The community is reaching another level (and I will be forming a team of volunteers to help improve the available tools) – and it is exciting to realize that by working together, we really can make a difference. Here are some recent discussions ripe for contribution or learning:
Here are three community-based efforts that you can contribute to, or learn from:
- I’m starting an online CISSP study group (member driven)
- Explaining the WPA-TKIP issue to end users (TALK ABOUT TIMELY!!)
- Red Flags (ID Theft)
- Starting an Incident Handling/Response Program (MUST READ!!)
- Security (or other) White Papers that stand out? (or that don’t suck)
Upcoming Opportunities to Work Together or Meet in Person:
- New group added to LinkedIn: Log Analysis Professionals
- CSI Annual 2008 — Lunch Meetup for SCC Members
- Meetup at the 25th Chaos Computer Congress (Berlin)
- Shmoocon 2009
List of community blogger and podcasters
(I am working to ensure the list is accurate and separate out the blogs from the podcasts — let me know if you need to be updated/included)
What Security Blogs and Podcasts are represented in this community? (http://www.securitycatalyst.org/forums/index.php?topic=28.0)
Here are some recent blog posts from Community Members that you may have missed:
About the Security Catalyst Community
We are a positively focused and supportive community that unites passionate professionals to achieve three goals:
(1) Provide a community where it is acceptable to be vulnerable and ask for help when you need it
(2) Create a community where anyone with an idea can share their approach in the pursuit of helping another. If today is your first day in security, welcome – share what you have learned without fear.
(3) Participate in a forum where members can share their passions, expand their thinking and find support with others who believe in making a positive difference.
Signing Up for the Security Catalyst Community
Your participation is your currency (means no charge to join) – the more you contribute the more you learn and the more valuable the community becomes to everyone (so dive in and share).
Registration Overview (NOTE THE NAMING CONVENTION)
Go here: http://www.securitycatalyst.org/forums/
Select the register link
Follow the naming standard: firstname.lastname (include the period between first and last names)
Your account will be reviewed and approved
Jump in and share your thoughts!
Where is Michael – onTour Schedule & Updates
As we set out to journey the country, keep tabs on our schedule and opportunities to meet at www.catalystontour.tv or follow the progress of the book and speaking tour at www.intothebreach.com. As always, if you are on the way (or in the city we are heading), please contact me directly so we can meet. Our RV is our home, and our home is always open to our friends.
I am also spending more time on twitter these days – and would love to engage in the conversation with you. You can learn more about twitter here: http://twitter.com/ and “follow” and chat with me here: https://twitter.com/catalyst
Coming Up:
Once the RV is repaired (working on it now) and our laptops restored (also in progress), we head right back out – and amazingly, don’t really miss a beat!
- Week of November 10: Southern Michigan (DC Metro) and Ohio
- Week of November 17: DC Metro – CSI Conference (look for more details) and Philadelphia, PA for a private briefing for the CSO Breakfast Club
- Week of November 24: Albany, NY – then Hershey, PA
- Week of December 1: Trenton, NJ
- Week of December 8: Baltimore/Metro DC
Join The Security Catalyst LinkedIn Group
For active members of the Security Catalyst Communityhttp://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=27010
Michael connects with people, shifts their thinking and creates situations where individuals are naturally inspired to change their behaviors. As a bridge between technology and the user experience, Michael focuses on the positive – acknowledging the good work of the users, amplifying their actions and revealing to them they have the power – and the responsibility – to act to protect information. With wit and clarity, he freely shares unique insights, innovative approaches and effective solutions that are informed by both experience and research.
