Beginning Less than a year ago,
In an attempt to a productive member of a technology community, I shifted all my focus from being a complacent Sys Admin to an area I have always been an outsider looking in on. Information Security. I am no stranger to technology, and have had a strong passion for anything related to it for as long as I can remember. I just lacked focus…
Jump
When I finally made the decision shift focus to InfoSec it was scary to say the least. The more I learn, the less I know. Not only that, but I realized this was a close community with a solid history and more talented people that I could ever imagine. I felt like it was my first day in prison (disclaimer: I’ve never been to prison) and I felt like I needed to make a name for myself. Each passing day I was trying to draw comparisons between an existing community with years and years of experience to what I was doing. I hope I caught that mistake in time, that could have been bad.
Slow Down
Frickin’ Newb, Its only been 8 months…ish. In that time, I obtained a C|EH, completed Offensive Security PWB 101 training (No OSCP, on attempt 2), visited my local hackerspace a handful of times ( I recommend doing the same) . I joined Infragard, ISSA and OWASP. No, I’m not trying to be a braggart, and no, I don’t think this is the path to 1337ness. It served me two purposes really. First it was an attempt to learn and surround myself with people that built the very community I am trying to get into. Secondly, It was a good way to test the waters.
Welcome to the Thunderdome
Have you guys seen what you have built? HOLY SHIT! This community is amazing. I wont get into a naming of names, but the twitter users alone are not only impressive but if you follow the right people you could socially engineer yourself into an InfoSec job just by regurgitating tweets. Podcasts? Yeah, you got em. Need Videos? There are too many security video sites to count. Cons. Nuff said. I am going to make an effort to hit as many of these cons as possible this year. Finally, Blogs? 0_O
Going Forward
I always hear, “give back to the infosec community”, and that is something I plan on doing. I don’t have much to offer at this point. Writing isn’t my strong suit (<<Captain Obvious) and podcasts from a noobs perspective (hmm catchy) would be a waste of everyone’s time. I decided the best thing I can do, for myself and the community is to STFU and learn. The last thing “we” (ducks) need is a wreckless wannabe. I have no idea where I fit in, and its better that way. I have a long way to go, but the journey so far has been worth the jump. I only wished I made it 10 years ago.