ET's Info-Stew

I'm a self-proclaimed Computer Security expert. My only published work is my Master's thesis but my knowledge of the subject comes from several years of experience, going back to the last century (just barely...1999). I believe a good expert in a field has a good breadth of knowledge of the field and specializes in a few areas. This way he or she is more able to contribute to the field. Furthermore, specialization makes the person more marketable, assuming there is a market for the specialty.

I have two primary specialties/interests: Network Intrusion Detection and Wireless Security, two very different areas. The philosophies of my interest in these two topics are also different. Network intrusion detection has been around for a while and is fairly well understood. But on an individual organization basis, there is always the need to continually improve detection of intrusions and other threats in the network, especially as hacker tactics continually change. It is important that the intrusion detection analyst constantly think of new strategies and methods for detecting threats given the information that is available. I get a rush when one of my new detection ideas catches a hacker, and I know I've done a good job.

Wireless Security differs in that it is a relatively new technology. I believe that ubiquitous wireless is an ultimate technological goal in modern society. When did you ever see wires in Star Trek? Only when the ship was damaged. I believe current wireless technologies are only scratching the surface of what is possible. I am fortunate to have caught the wave early. Not only can I make more contributions to the field, but I'm also in the position of being an expert in a field which is sure to continue to bloom in the foreseeable future. It is the security of wireless networks that interests me. A technology must be very stable and secure in order for it to be ubiquitous, and lets face it, wireless is not very stable or secure. One of the biggest lies an organization can say is "We don't have wireless." They might not know about it, but it's there all right.

My primary duties at work involve both of these areas so I am fortunate to be doing what I love to do. I am constantly learning and every day brings new challenges. The knowledge I gain is not only practicle but also important to everyone, whether they are aware of it or not. I believe that puts me in a very favorable position, professionally.