Writing

Security Blog

  • Virtual Patching

    Virtual patching, adding rules to a WAF to filter out traffic exploiting known vulnerabilities, is beneficial. While it shortens the mitigation window, the real debate lies in managing the underlying vulnerability. Some argue for fixing the specific vulnerability, while others advocate fixing the entire category of vulnerabilities for long-term benefits.

  • DDoS Thoughts

    DDoS attack efficiency is typically measured in bits-per-second ratios. To extend this measurement, we can use “flits per second” to gauge cost and impact. Reducing attack ratios and increasing client costs are key defensive strategies. Traffic filtering and capacity increases offer potential solutions.

  • Compliance, Security, and the relations therein

    As an amateur hairdresser, I’ve learned that just like the diverse disciplines within information security, there are countless techniques and specialties in hairstyling. It reminds me to approach other professionals with humility, acknowledging their expertise in their respective fields. We all have valuable knowledge to contribute.

  • Security and hairdressing

    Being an amateur hairdresser has taught me a valuable lesson about the diverse disciplines within information security. Just like braiding hair, where I’ve only scratched the surface, I’ve realized that I may only know bits and pieces about the various security specialties. It’s important to approach other professionals with humility, recognizing their expertise in their…

  • The Problem with Password Unmasking

    There is a disagreement regarding whether passwords should be shown in clear text or masked while being typed. One perspective argues that password masking reduces usability and offers limited protection against snoopers. However, the opposing view emphasizes the importance of security and raises questions about the effectiveness of unmasking passwords. The ultimate solution lies in…

  • Sanitization vs. crypto

    Bruce Schneier disagrees with NIST’s stance on encryption as a means of sanitization. He argues that properly implemented encryption, with secure key management, can effectively sanitize data. While NIST has removed the paragraph, Schneier acknowledges the numerous qualifications required for encryption to be fully secure, suggesting that sanitization should still be performed when possible.

  • Security and Obscurity

    The mantra “Security through obscurity is no security at all” originated from concerns about proprietary cryptographic algorithms. However, in the context of security systems and architectures, obscurity plays a crucial role. No system is perfectly secure, so a good security professional aims to reduce vulnerabilities and make exploitation costly. Layered security and maintaining architectural details…

  • Social Engineering Self-training

    In contrast to traditional security systems, social engineering has an interesting advantage: the more unsuccessful attempts made to deceive someone, the better prepared they become to resist future attacks. Each failed social engineering attempt serves as valuable training for the target, enhancing their defenses.

  • Phishing
    Phishing

    While we prioritize phishing prevention in banking, other sites like LinkedIn may become targets for identity thieves. The ease of phishing login information and the potential to exploit trust within a professional network highlight the need for heightened vigilance beyond banking. Personal experiences remind us to be more cautious.

  • Invisibility Cloak
    Invisibility Cloak

    As the possibility of invisibility draws nearer, its potential implications become apparent. Scary applications include concealed weapons, bombs, and potential traffic hazards. However, in the cool category, it opens doors for urban renewal, architectural innovations, and even portable privacy umbrellas, although such technologies may also have concerning uses.

Leadership Newsletter

  • Making Bets
    Making Bets

    Leadership Moment: Snowmageddon? Or is that NOmageddon? While I’m now enjoying the lovely weather in Tel Aviv, last week I was home outside Boston, prepping to leave, when I was joined by my whole family, since school was closed for the impending snow storm. The storm was a dud, however. rain, wintry mix, and a… Read this …

  • Engaging Backups
    Engaging Backups

    Leadership Moment: Leaning In for the Needy This past Shabbat our synagogue graduated seven new adult Torah readers, which deepens our bench of people to leyn Torah (chant from the Torah) each week. Learning to leyn Torah isn’t as easy as “can you read Hebrew?” Reading the Hebrew isn’t all that difficult. The large symbols… Read this …

  • Let your grace shine through
    Let your grace shine through

    Leadership Moment: Letting Go A few weeks ago, Cloudflare let go a number of folks in its sales organization, and one of them (let’s call them AE) recorded the experience, and shared it online. It’s a long video, but to summarize: An HR representative, and a member of sales management (not AE’s manager or director,… Read this …

Fiction