Friday, September 25, 2009

Independent Security Researcher

At the end of August I took a generous buyout package from my employer and I am now an independent security researcher, whatever that means. I am planning on focusing on development security, since that fits really well with my background, but I am also quite interested in compliance issues and I believe my PCI experience is worth using in the marketplace today.

I am not looking for anything specific now, enjoying a slightly longer break than I have had in some time, but I am now starting to dig into things. I plan on doing some work with OWASP in some manner, but let me know if you have an ideal opportunity.

I would love to get my PhD now, so also let me know if you know of a good place I could craft a unique program, learn some more, contribute and have fun. I am hoping to not relocate from the Dallas area anytime soon, but I am open to travel as needed.

Brad

CISM Passed

I took this test in June and I was not at all sure I passed. The questions are much less clear cut than I prefer, carrying a lot of thought underneath what is written. At least that is my opinion.

My CISM test reminded me of a Probability and Statistics test I took in college. I had gotten A grades in math through Differential Equations prior to that, so math was not the problem (for me). I was just having a harder time wrapping my mind around the concepts in the class, which went beyond basic "rolls of the die" probability. I came out of a 4 question test knowing I missed 2 questions and feeling I had only partially passed 1. I figured I failed my first math test. I ended up getting a B on the test, likely because everyone else struggled.

That is what my CISM felt like. I passed, even though it didn't feel like I would at the time. Lots of people knew I would do well, since passing tests is fairly easy for me, but I suspect it is my hatred of not doing excellently that threw me off. :)

Now I just need to get all the paperwork into them. I was waiting for confirmation of my degree, which I just got in a letter from my college. I will get that out soon and just have to wait for everything to process.

Brad

I Passed My GCIA Exam!

It took me much longer than it should have, but the wait was worthwhile! I still want to master the material more, but I scored a 94% on the test!

I am now studying for the G7799 and GSNA, which I got the books for almost 2 years ago. I think they should be up to date enough to pass the test and I want to get that wrapped up. Hopefully I can challenge the GSE-C next year, but that depends on whether it is offered or not. :)

Brad