DygiScape

Alright, so probably not the best inspiration for this entry, but nonetheless it struck a chord with me when I went to see Live Free or Die Hard — Security. That is, how does one define security?

Simply put, security is not just the best encryption or the latest and greatest technology, it’s a behavior, a mindset, and an new-world understanding of risks. In the movie, the most vulnerable component in the nation’s security, is the asynchronous network and the ability to seize control of entire systems via computer and the effects would impact government forces, civilians, and result in their rise of power.

Now, I know, the movie is fiction; however, it did combine some logical ideology such as a Firesale. The idea of a firesale is to obtain control by means of chaos in freezing transportation, collapsing the economy, and disrupting government infrastructure. Certainly this is a problem with not only our country, but also others around the world as they (like us) are growing in technology reliance.

The questions to ask, after seeing some vulnerabilities in LFDH would be:

• Who manages and is directly responsible for security of a system (or a process)?
• In making global changes (e.g. not more than a 10-mile radius impact), what overrides or additional security clearances is necessary?
• Is there any AI mechanisms to detect failure and restrict to a fail-safe mode and lockout operators?
• If one or more systems are down, can your system manage itself or provide a means of alert?
• How does one verify an alert has taken place (e.g reporting scientific data, instead of a “dummy light” approach)?
• Do you utilize verifiable communications? Do all stakeholders acknowledge the risks of not using verifiable communications (e.g. Analog Radio)?

Anyhow, those were just a few questions a security analyst might ask when providing a review of a system such as our government.

Sometimes, there is no means of resolving all these questions — but if we ask the questions and provide the most reasonable solution and acknowledge all risks involved — that will make for a safer and more reliable system. I observe everyday that people are afraid to ask questions. That fear resonates in not just in large corporations, but I would only imagine it holds true in government organizations, too.

So, before you stand firm on how new and tight your security is on something; ask yourself is it really secure to all methods of attack? If not, what can be done to minimize it? And to what extent will you disclose such risks.

Finally, what is your definition of security? Or, if you want, share your thoughts on the LFDH movie in the comments below.

Blogging, Geeky, Safety Risk Management, Security

I’m continuing my weekly roundup (although, this is more like a month or so) and this is the third installment. Comparing last week to now; things have shaken up for me. Find out what is happening in my life, work, and other things.

My car is due for maintenance. Quite frankly, I’m surprised my tires have held up to as much abuse as I put them through. The nail in my LF tire is staying put without my need to keep refilling every few weeks. I constantly bounce the idea that I want to buy another car and give mine up; but the reality is that I need to take care of the one I have. The transmission that I put in it before my move is still holding up real well with no problems. (Thanks Dad!) and the only real problem I’m noticing is misalignment. It’s also been about time to get a valve job done. It’s been about a few months since my last oil change, so I’ll get that done, too.

Sarah is doing well, but… she wants to move back to Tucson. I support her at any cost it does to our relationship. I couldn’t imagine how stressful it is to move from one side of the country to the other and not miss it. I’ve only come to terms with it since I initiated the move and I like change (to some degree).

(A while ago, I took a class on creativity) Lately, I’ve been questioning authority. Maybe that isn’t the best words, but I’ve been challenging my thought process on things. Well, I really can’t spill the beans here, but it’s about work. I hope that all of us would embrace the trademark phrase of Apple, “Think Different.” I know that where I’m at, I feel comfortable sharing new ideas.

I think I’ve said enough. Thoughts?

Blogging, Personal

… don’t do anything. Okay, okay, not really. A co-worker asked me this today and I realized that I had to think about this. I’ve just been so caught up in work, I lost my sense of personality — briefly.

I really don’t have any interesting hobbies though. On my Friday and Saturday nights, I was with my friends. Now, I don’t have that network of friends, and I don’t feel all too comfortable making new ones where I am. I don’t know, because it just seems more complex than it is.

Right now, I live in a suburb of Leesburg, there isn’t anything to do or anyone to see for like 10 miles. And at that, I’m not looking forward to maze in DC.

In this moment of deep thought, I occasionally apply some thoughts from work to help me make a decision. Sure, it’s risky to meet new friends, but what about the risk of not meeting new friends? Yeah, I know, I get a little nutty sometimes.

So this weekend’s goal is to find a hobby. Srsly.

Blogging, Personal, Work Personal, Work

I can’t get these Internet Memes out of my head! Instead of reading them, I’ll write my own. Feel free to add more in the comments.

Your Know Your Are A Geek When …

1. You have more than one user name on your Instant Messenger.
2. You actually know what OMGWTFBBQTCPIP means.
3. You can explain the differences between Windows, Mac and Linux.
4. You can explain the differences between Debian, SuSE, Mandrake, BSD.
5. You habitually clear cache and cookies on a daily basis to keep your browser happy.
6. You deleted your IE shortcut and are not missing it.
7. You are able to quickly learn how to use any web site, no matter how different it is.
8. You know what PVs, UVs, PVU, SEO, HTML means.
9. You often think when you have a perfect picture, “I want this as my wallpaper.”
10. You learned to type fast from IRC. (OK, fine, AOL 2.0).
11. You are on the RIAA’s Top 10 list.
12. You are on the MPAA’s Top 10 list.
13. You remember the ‘old’ Napster.
14. The first thing when someone asks you for help with their computer, “Download Firefox.”
15. Your password does not consist of a name, location or word in the dictionary.
16. Your password does not consist of numbers that are sequential, repeating, or are novel like ‘69,’ ‘666,’ etc.
17. You successfully built your computer without looking at manuals, diagrams, or require any assistance.
18. You will occasionally reformat your computer to switch OS’s or take out all that MS crap.
19. You’ve hacked your kernel.
20. You computer’s cooling system is either louder than, more efficient than, or more expensive than your car’s cooling system.
21. You will blog at end — almost limitless — on any geeky topic.
22. You aspire to meet Steve Jobs or pay a visit to Steve Balmer.
23. You know what large Internet company is located in Mt. View, CA.
24. You can explain the difference between a CPU and a Processor to your family.
25. You are on speed-dial for any computer problem, with no regard to your personal life.
26. Conversations with relatives start with, “I’ve got this computer problem …”
27. You get such a kick out of geeky comedies like Office Space.
28. You can finish the famous line of, “PC Load Letter —”
29. You’re The Man Now Dog.
30. You’ve downloaded that new movie before it gets released in theaters.
31. You’ve tweaked your cable modem, just to have it reset minutes later.
32. You’ve worked tech support, work at, or seem to take calls from naive customers.
33. You have a number of reasons for someone NOT to go to the Geek Squad.
34. You can accurately explain how the Internet works. (No, it isn’t with a series of tubes)
35. When dating, you ask for their Myspace.
36. Scratch #35 — you exclusively date on Myspace.
37. You define “Myspace Pimping,” even though you spent all night browsing profiles.
38. You actually used the Internet before it went “mainstream.”
39. You canceled your AOL account so long ago, that when you called their billing dept. and they gave you no rebuttal.
40. You know nothing about how to fix AOL, but can enumerate four different ways to take it off.
41. You roll with Firefox, Gaim, Opera, Foobar 2000,HL2 and Teamspeak.
42. World of Warcraft.
43. You can describe the differences between a Geek and a Nerd, and insist you are a geek.
44. You Digg your News from Slashdot, and Fark your way to The Onion.
45. You prefer old school: NES
46. You have thought of modding a computer into your car.
47. You wardrive, and know it’s not a crime.
48. You c4n r34d 1337 5p34k 45 17 w45 3ngl15h.
49. You sport an Apple logo on something.
50. You own a cute little penguin named Tux.
51. You haven’t bought a CD in years.
52. In your understanding, ‘Safe-Sex’ is using a Firewall and Firefox.
53. You blog, you think about blogging, and act upon it.
54. You’re absolutely, positively, undeniably not addicted to the Web, but you’ve just got to check your e-mail.
55. You reply to people in real life with “LOL,” “OMG,” “WTF,” “Kthxbye.”
56. You know that all those scantily-clad women on Myspace are spam bots.
57. You no longer approve friend requests on Myspace, because of all the spam.
58. You know a blog is not a forum, which is not a chat, which is neither an IM.
59. Your iPod is your only source of music.
60. You will never have a tan, but will be sunburned within hours of sun light.
61. Your only source of news is the Web.
62. Your phone is the size of a brick, has the Web and a really small antenna.
63. You LOLed at Senator Ted Stevens
64. You verify if rumors are legit via Snopes.
65. You master your inbox with filters, colors, and make certain your mailbox is organized.
66. In lieu of coffee in the morning, you check your e-mail.

That’s all I can think of now. As you can tell, I’m a real geek, but it’s okay — I take some pride in that. Add your own reasons why you are a geek in the comments.

Blogging, Funny, Geeky internet, Lists, memes

I’m pwnt. Sorta. I’ve been quite busy at work so I haven’t really had a lot of extra time to focus on my personal blog. Watch out, cause I’ve dedicated some time this weekend to catch up on it.

In my daily grind, I work very closely with current events, such as celebrity news and other major news — but not in publishing or editing (thank god!), but rather the community management aspect of it. For example, cleaning up the distasteful commentary from visitors, and helping make for a positive user experience. At times, I find it necessary to vent simply because of the fact I get wrapped up in the drama, and I also maintain equality in my moderation so, y’know. That said, here is my response to various news topics:

• Paris Hilton goes to jail — gets out — and goes back again. It needs not to be said that she is no better than everyone else in society, quite possibly worse. Her life is a party and it’s time she exhibits some responsibility for her crimes. I’m not sure if she is mentally capable of understanding her actions, I mean she has the same exact facial expression (sans, bawling), as if she was deserving to not be imprisoned. I’m so terribly sorry she has to go back to her detention center — be grateful it isn’t an overcrowded Maricopa Co. (The worst prison system in Arizona) prison. Seriously though, I hope she takes this moment to analyze her life and see if the party is over and to pursue a more mature role in life. My solution: Have her parents cut her off from money, cars, real estate and make PR about their disdain of their irresponsible daughter.
• ‘Jack’ Charged with MO Teen’s Death. No, she wasn’t abducted because of her short-shorts or physique. No, it’s not the liberals’ fault. No, it’s not Bush’s fault. No, it’s not MySpace’s fault. It was done by an individual who has yet to release the motive in the murder — so let’s just wait until more details unfold before we jump to conclusions.
• School Denies Diplomas Because of Cheers. You’ve got to be kidding me. This teaches our children that red tape and bureaucracy will ultimately determine their path in life. I don’t care if some document tells me that I can’t celebrate my graduation until you say so. In my experience, cheers, screaming, air horns and other forms of outdoor-expression is common while someone is speaking. While it is disrespectful, it does not warrant denying someone their diploma. I hope these people don’t make it to my Jury…

That’s all the news I’ll dish on for now.

I also have been playing researching Facebook and it’s many qualities (and limitations) as a social network. I was thinking of making a “Facebook Vs. MySpace” chart, but in all honesty, you can’t compare social networks this way because of the varying dynamics that can’t be explained in a spreadsheet. Sure, I can put down the numbers like monetization, users, and growth but who really cares about that? You can check out my Facebook profile, additionally, you can visit my updated MySpace profile, if you’re interested.

Earlier this week, I went to the Fall Out Boy concert. It was fun and I was happily delighted to be blasted with watts and watts of bass from Paul Wall, too. I admit, that it was was odd to have Paul Wall at an Emo concert, but it looked like everyone had a good time. I waited in the pouring rain to get in and I snapped 240+ pictures like an overzealous photographer. All in all Sarah and I had fun. She blogged about it, without me suggesting it. Yay!

Just to test if anyone of my family actually reads my blog, I’d like to confess that I’ve smoked cigarettes even though I know it is completely antithetical for me to do so. Personally, I enjoy Djarium Blacks and despise American cig’s. I know they are a waste of money, bad for you, and will kill you. Sometimes, we all need a little poison to end off a long day. Snarkily, there you have it. I’m not lying, though I do feel eerily guilty. :: Innocent grin ::

On a related thought — I haven’t gotten piss-ass Irish (yes, I know I’m Italian) drunk in a long time. Damn, I crave some Irish Car-Bombs, Jaeger-Bomb, and Vodka. You know you are a real drunk when you start planning your future vacation around which bars you will be going to. Haha, I kid.

Thanks for making it this far in this entry. Will you be kind enough to share your thoughts in the comments below?

Blogging, Personal music, News

You know you live in Northern VA when it rains every weekend.

Seriously, when you’re working all week, it’s sunny and warm, but when you have an inkling to go outside on the weekend, clouds form and rain falls.

Does anyone else notice the strange weather pattern lately?

Blogging virginia