The IT Security Attaché

Good day to you,

It is with an earnest heart and a longing desire to see the value of our work go to use that I’m putting in a lot of time and effort in promoting our social network this week to gain at least 200 members by 10/10. We have all this valuable information and resources waiting for you and is dying to have you participate in it with us.

So help us to help you by joining our network and sharing in what we are making available for all in an effort to create a more educated and aware mindset for everyone to be secure.

http://titssn.org/signup.php

I look forward to your support of this initiative and as we grow, so will the values, benefits and resources.

Thank you and have a great day,

~Brett A. Scudder~

Good day to you my members, friends, connections, clients, partners, associates, et al,

 

Today I am very excited to send you a very special invitation to join us in our new home for you to benefit from what is being provided for you, and to help build on the collaboration and networking resources we’re making available for all on and about technology and IT Security. Don’t think of this as “another network”, think of it as a better network with a more targeted focus on two critical areas of our future, IT/technology and securing them. We’ve taken some of the best features of LinkedIn, Facebook and Ning and integrated them into our own with more to come.

 

We have put a lot of work into it and will continue to do so in order to make it more valuable as we move forward.

 

I know this will be of great value for us all as we are all affected by the issues and there impacts and so we must build this great place of collaboration and networking about it. Please help to share this new resource and info.

 

About the network.

 

Our Technology / IT Security Social Network is a professional place where people come together to create a vibrant, resourceful, strategic and secure social atmosphere of networking, training, education, awareness and collaboration for, on and about technology and securing them.

 

We invite you to participate in the full functions and features of our network as we build on it to enhance its values and mission for the future. We ask that you share the word with your associates, friends, peers and everyone that is interested in the world of security and being more comfortable and secure in it. This network is specifically geared towards technology, IT Security and everything in and about it.

 

The focus of this social network is to build greater training, education, awareness and provide the guidance, advise, services and support needed to maintain the secure presence and stability of all infrastructures (homes, businesses (all sizes and types), schools, churches, etc) for all. We look forward to your participation in this effort as a professional, specialist, technologist, leader, contributor, reader, advisor or just a member wanting to learn more.

 

Please adhere to the policies and rules of the network so that all may find it a common professional place to collaborate in.

 

Please join us by signing up here http://titssn.org/signup.php

 

Thank you and have a great day,

 

~Brett A. Scudder~

Good day to you,

 

On May 1^st 2009, TITSSN answered the call of providing a converged resource to address the needed online training, education, awareness and resources of the technology and security issues and challenges facing us today for tomorrow. As leaders in this field we understand the challenges being faced in dealing with the day to day management, learning and happenings of these threats and their impacts. While countries, companies and organizations are falling victims to these attacks, industries are suffering through the loss of revenue, privacy and productivity, and people are feeling and seeing the real effects of the real world we live in where the internet brings us together as a global connected network filled with valuable resources and resistance is futile, it is everywhere and is not going away.

 

We are still not seeing enough being done to educate people across the board and make them aware of these issues and their true impacts and so we’re taking the network to a higher level towards this initiative.

 

IT Security is a people problem, not an industry one and as such must be addressed effectively and accordingly.

 

So it is for this reason that we choose to build a social community to address these things together and to provide the training, education and awareness by the people who can speak of and about them at all levels, those who develop them, those who sell and support them, those who are out in the field fighting the good fight to prevent, mitigate and stop the growing rates of infections and compromises and those who want to learn more about being safer and secure together in one place. This is a work in progress and as we grow, so we’ll learn and so we’ll adjust to the need for changes. This is what we do on a daily basis as TITSSN continues to deliver its messages of security education, training and awareness now for a more secure future. We will be moving our operations into the social network immediately to help enhance the collaborative values, resources and functionalities.

 

The IT Security Suite Network’s Technology / IT Security Social Network is a place where people come together to create a vibrant, resourceful, strategic and secure social atmosphere of networking, training, education, awareness and collaboration for, on and about technology and securing them.

 

We invite you to participate in the full functions and features of our network as we build on it to enhance its values and mission for the future. We ask that you share the word with your associates, friends, peers and everyone that is interested in the world of security and being more comfortable and secure in it. This network is specifically geared towards technology, IT Security and everything in and about it.

 

The focus of this social network is to build greater education, awareness and provide the services and support needed to maintain the secure presence and stability of all infrastructures (homes, businesses (all sizes and types), schools, churches, etc) for all. Everyone is affected at all levels and so we must cultivate an open concerted atmosphere to address issues effectively.  We look forward to your participation in this effort as a leader, contributor, reader, advisor or just a member wanting to learn more. Please adhere to the policies and rules of the network so that all may find a common group to collaborate in.

 

The networks address is http://titssn.org.

 

Features include:

 

Real-time chats

Blogging

Audio/Video/Text IM

Discussion groups

Polls

Events calendar

Products/Solutions recommendations

Featured products, people, service providers

Our own publications (recommendations, best practices, guides, reports, findings and educational info)

And much more.

 

Discussions and groups that are up and running:

 

Application Security – developing secure applications and standards

Breach Notification Laws – country/state laws

Business to Business IT Security “BtBITS” – businesses protecting each other’s interests

Cloud Computing/Security – Issues, concerns, development, education and awareness

Computer Forensics – Data and Network

Cybersecurity – myths, issues, concerns, development, education and awareness

CyberWar – on, about, awareness, information, collaboration

Data Security – securing the data/information

DCITSUG – Washington DC IT Security Users Group

Emergency Security Response Program “ESRP”

Endpoint Security – What are they, why they are vulnerable and how to protect them

Hacking Unleashed – Ethical/Unethical – the world of hacking

I-CON Science and Technology Conference

Identity Theft – prevention, support and solutions

Incident Response – What happens when something goes wrong/bad?

IT/Security things/issues that make you paranoid

IT Security Best Practices – General

IT Security Facts and Myths

IT Security Leaders

IT Security Requests and Support

IT Security Service Providers ~ITSSP~

IT Security Training and Development – General

IT Security in our educational institutions – curriculum upgrade

Microsoft Small Business Server Security – Securing the server and components

Mobile Security – securing the mobile users/devices and they data they host

Managed Security Services Providers “MSSP”

NYeWin – New York Enterprise Windows Users Group

NYITSUG – New York IT Security Users Group

NYSBS – New York Small Business Server Users Group

Online Security – Securing your online experience

OWASP – Open Web Application Security Project

PAITSUG – Pennsylvania IT Security Users Group

PC Security at home

Perimeter Security – securing the perimeter

Physical Security – a critical part of your security model

Ready Rockaway – Disaster/Emergency Preparedness

Small Business IT Security – securing the small businesses

SPEAK – Security Professionals Engaged in Advanced Knowledge

Social Networkers United – the future belongs to us

Social Networking – security, trends, myths and best practices

TITSSN’s Adopt an Institution Program – ~AaIP~

TITSSN’s Code of Honor – Advocates for the future of professional Messaging

TITSSN’s Code of Honor – Advocates for the future of IT Security Education and Awareness

TITSSN’s ENGAGED ~ENabling Greater Awareness, Growth and Educational Development~

TITSSN’s General Network Members

TITSSN’s IT Security Community Outreach Program ~COP~

TITSSN’s IT Security Scholarship Program ~ITSSP~

TITSSN’s Secure Medical Protection Program ~SMPP~

TITSSN’s Secure Mobile Professionals Network ~SMPN~

TITSSN’s Secure Minds Initiative

TITSSN’s Small Medium Business IT Security Summit ~SMBITSS~

TITSSN’s Windows 7/Vista SP2/Windows Server 2008 SP2 Testing and Development Group

The Compliance Suite (Regulatory/Non Regulatory)

The Framsyn Initiative

The IT Security Threats Landscape ~TITSTL~

The Privacy Suite – it’s all about privacy

Viral Outbreaks – containment, response, prevention

Viral, Spyware, Malware Detection and Removal – the growing trends

Voices of IT Security

Wireless Security

 

Government Security Mandates, Protocols, Policies and Response

 

US – CERT – United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team

US – CIA – Central Intelligence Agency

US – DHS – Department of Homeland Security

US – FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation

US – NSA – National Security Agency

 

These are just a few of the topics, issues and groups that are available as we start off on this journey together and when you join us, you too can add to what is there if there is something of interest that is missing.

 

We look forward to your support and we know this will be of great value for you.

 

Thank you very much and have a great day. We apprecilove your business and support and look forward to serving you more.

 

~Brett A. Scudder~

The IT Security Attaché

Good day to you,

 

So it’s another day in the box and now i’m looking at either hiring a few people or just cloning myself. So much to do, so much need, so much to lead/plan on, feeling quite happy and comfortable with myself.

 

Today I plan to finish up two project plans and get a few people involved. I have to start working on the office and restructuring it for opening up to training and development sessions over the next few months. I’m also opening up my security operations to the general public so they can see some of the technology and things we have going on here. I have a few vendors who are asking me to test and show off a few products and solutions so they will come in handy as well.

 

I have a few voicemails so will check on those today. I didn’t see any known or important numbers so this must be new connections which are always a good thing. Will reply and then cut the lines again. One never realize how much of an intrusion the ringing of a phone is until you turn it off for a day and feel the peace and calm it does for you. Wow, such subtle serenity is priceless. Bring on the IM, emails and txt messages.

 

So, do I clone myself or just try and find a few good people to help me with all this work I have on my plate, hmm, I ponder.

 

Anyway, it’s back to work and I hope I can finish up by tomorrow (which looks very much possible).

 

I am in need of someone with good web graphics designing skills in Flash to help me with the SecuriCity. There are a few things I want to do with it that i’m not skilled on. We’ll see what happens.

 

BTW. I have a Facebook fan page here http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-IT-Security-Attache/38575323030?ref=mf for those who are on that network and would like to follow my work.

 

Have a great day and I thank you for your support here on my blogs and for my organization.

 

~Brett A. Scudder~

The IT Security Attaché

Good day to you,

 

So here I am at it again since 5am. putting my thoughts, ideas, plans and concepts into fruition and getting ready to release TITSSN v.2010. As the flow of emails, IMs and text messages come in I feel such a sense of comfort as I work because I have control over how to address them and when based on severity, criticality or need. The sound of no phones ringing is a divine blessing thanks to a low call volume and the understanding of those I work with that email is my primary form of communication so they reach out to me there first.

 

I’ve got my music playing and running 6 systems all of which are doing different things in my master planning so i’m all set. So today I will continue to work inside the box in an effort to finish what i’ve set on my schedule. I will be releasing the ENGAGED initiative info today so look out for that.

 

Today is our oldest son’s birthday and after school we’re going to hang out for a while and we’re having his party this weekend. It will be fun.

 

By the way, anyone not yet looking at Windows 7, you better get to it now while you can. It’s an awesome OS.

 

Until the next update, have a great day,

 

~The IT Security Attaché~

Good day to you,

I was asked by Ms. Zandra Myers, project coordinator of the Ready Rockaway organization, if I could join in helping to build out this new organization/initiative here in my hometown of Far Rockaway. As a community leader I was very enthused by this opportunity as I also work with Ms. Myers on the Far Rockaway Community Coalition Executive’s Team and have found her to be quite an intriguing lady with a serious desire to give something of value back to her community here. I saw this to be a very good synergy for the two organizations as they are both focused on the community and being involved in different ways. Bringing the two together for the greater good of the community is the ultimate goal. So, I accepted the offer and have started working on building out the technology aspects of the organization as you will see below.

This is how I envisioned our technology professionals working within their communities to help build on initiatives like these and get something valuable and useful going there. Our yearly community outreach programs approached this from a technology point of view with the hope that organizations within the community would find value in having a specialist working within their midst to help them get over some of the issues they may have in building out their project plans and initiatives. This is just another way that TITSSN integrates into the process of community involvement and bringing the added values. I hope that we will continue to see more of these kinds of initiatives for our global network and i’d like to hear of them and where they are being done.

Far Rockaway is a beach front community surrounded by the sea and across from the JFK airport. It is a beautiful place to sit back and watch the sunset or just gaze at the massive existence of the airport across the water day or night. A disaster can occur from any angle here and so this is a much needed initiative to save lives. I believe in being proactive than reactive and so here we go in the undertaking of this disaster/emergency preparedness initiative. Since this is what I do on a day to day basis, it pretty much marries into my scheme of things but adding the more physical side outside of IT to these issues. As a person who has developed and assisted in disaster recovery and planning for general businesses and organizations, I can use that knowledge to help build this community initiative to a higher level.

Here’s a little about the organization and my role.

The Ready Rockaway Disaster/Emergency Preparedness organization was formed to focus on the planning and development of an emergency response system for the Rockaway’s NY in the event of a disaster (natural or unnatural). The organization will create the needed training and development and disaster planning needed in the Far Rockaway community in an effort to scale out the needed sense of awareness to the possibility of a disaster and its effects.

As with any such initiative, the support and input of the community is critical to its success and so we call on our community to join us as we build on this.

We have made an extra effort to follow the growing communication trends of technology today and so we have a good presence on the social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, MySpace and others to come.

My role is to use my technology background and expertise to create a converged network aggregating the needed education, awareness, alerting, monitoring and management of the technology and web infrastructure needed to make this effective. I will create the infrastructure to host this virtually and technologically while also training the team and community members on the technology behind the operations and how they will help to make this effort more user friendly and successful. I will be a liaison for the organization to address the strategic partnering and affiliations with outside technology organizations and companies in order for us to have the needed resources available to us.

Our web infrastructure is up and the info’s are:

Our website is http://readyrockaway.org.
Our Blogs http://readyrockaway.org/blogs
Our Forum http://readyrockaway.org/forum
Follow us on Twitter here http://twitter.com/ReadyRockaway
On Facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58417332634
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/e/vgh/1853669/
MySpace http://groups.myspace.com/readyrockaway

And more to come.

Thank you and have a great day,

~Brett A. Scudder~
The IT Security Attaché

Good day to you,

TITSSN is very pleased with our new president’s focus on the national cyber infrastructure as it had been one of our most intimate concerns during him campaign. Our motto over the years has been that the problems being faced in the IT Security space was not an industry one, but a people one and as such warrants the need for a more global concerted effort towards its education and awareness initiatives. The impacts and effects of the IT Security Threats Landscape reverberates through ever layer of our lives at home, school and work and as such is more than just a simple issue at hand. Yet, unchecked, these issues are not getting the time and attention needed to be seen as serious as they really are today for tomorrow.

The infrastructure of our country relies heavily on a strong technology backbone and unless the proper security education and awareness is provided at all levels, our points of vulnerabilities and exploitation increases with every new device, gadget or piece of technology that is added to it. It is for this reason that over the past few years, we have risen to the challenges of promoting the education and awareness values of IT Security and why it is imperative that people understand the real impact and effects it has on us as a people. This isn’t an issue that is for us as individuals, it is about how we as individuals creates an impact that affects others through the use of messaging (email, IM and text), browsing, file sharing, peer-2-peer networks and general PC etiquette.

I am as much a risk to you as you are to me and thus the global infrastructure is at risk unless we cultivate this mindset of security consciousness. This new era of warfare is a technological one that allows an individual to sit at a PC and launch massive targeted attacks against people, processes, critical infrastructure, governments and countries, without even knowing who you are nor do they care of the intended impact. The need to create hysteria and massive downtime effects drives them to do this without any regard for those who suffers the effects. This is where we are today and is why we need to do this sooner than later.

This is the reason why we kicked off our Secure Minds Initiative to create an educated/aware resilient global network of IT Security Minded people who can secure and protect themselves from IT/Internet threats. We want this administration to realize the need for integrating IT Security into the lower school systems so that our youths can better be prepared for the technology age ahead before they reach high school and college levels. Educating their young minds will help to strengthen the weakest links and bind the chains of the infrastructure much more secure. Parents should also play their part and not leave this up to the school systems to foster this needed education and awareness of basic internet/technology best practices.

As internet broadband services become more mainstream to the average user and the connection speeds increases, the effects of the IT Security Threats Landscape bears heavily on those who are not properly secured and protected either through the protective solutions or just the educational awareness of how to be more secure. The increase in use of instant messaging, social networking and email adds an immeasurable list of ways in which we are at risk. Our future is very strong with the presence of technology at the heart of it and no matter how much we invest in it, the needed for better education and awareness will circumvent whatever is put in place because the human element plays such a significant role in these issues.

We will continue to provide the public outreach and educational programs needed to facilitate the enhancement of this needed resource for our people across the board. Our community outreach programs add the needed one on one communications and access to our IT/Security professionals who are able to talk with community members about these issues and are there as a local go to resource. We are integrating these educational resources into social networks and services to enhance the safe, secure and collaborative resources they provide. We don’t have to fear technology, we just need to secure it by having the proper education and awareness backed by the needed useful solutions.

As in anything we do at this level, there are those who talk about these issues and then there are those who listen and decide on what next steps to take. Here at TITSSN we cover the entire process of listening, research and development, training and awareness and providing local hands on resources to people, processes and things to complement the circle of competence and confidence. Delivering the message of IT Security doesn’t take high levels of technical skills or levels of specialty in the space, it takes the simple understanding of why this is an important part of our world today and why we need to take an active part in being stronger links in the chain of our infrastructure.

Applying the configurations and settings does require that you be aware of what is needed, how to do it and what the effects will be. This does require some level of technical understanding as the impacts of not configuring it properly can lead to bigger problems. And so the process of this initiative is a staged one, one that begins with creating the resources for providing the education and awareness, the other for promoting those resources and then delivering them effectively. As we look forward to this new era of change(s), one tends to feel a sense of wow, what is going on, are we ready for this and if not, do I have a choice. It is not a question of if, but when, and it is that when we must prepare for.

TITSSN is that leading force providing the pathway of resources, education, awareness, services and deliverables to compliment this new era of technology and its focus. We look forward to bringing this whole process together for those who are looking to be more aware of how to protect their privacy, intellectual property and identity on and offline. There isn’t a line between both as they are very much intertwined, it is the knowledge of how and why that create a blur in the mindset to think that the online and offline worlds are truly separate. We must get past this level of thinking and move forward with the mindset of convergence as we brace ourselves for these upcoming changes.

We welcome this new administrations focus on these issues and looks forward to working with them towards a more converged and resourceful technology experience. We are here and will answer the call if and when needed, to take these initiatives to the next level.

Thank you and have a great day,

~Brett A. Scudder~
President/Chairman/IT Security Attaché
~TITSSN~