jgamblin

I helped a local company pay off hackers.

From time to time I get called by small organizations, law firms and companies in my local area to do some consulting on security issues.  Yesterday afternoon <redacted organization> called me and told me they were getting this pop up on one of their computers: That pop-up is known as CryptoLocker and once your machine … Read more

Oh crap. My kid is just like me.

One of my close British friends said I had one of the most naturally ebullient personalities of anyone he ever met.  After I looked up the word “ebullient” to make sure he wasn’t insulting me I came to understand that it defines my character better than any other single English word. Cheerful and full of … Read more

The Unglamorous Work of a Security Practitioner

Here is a stack 105 computers we are surplusing at work after 5 years in service. Before they get sold at auction it is my job to make sure all the data is securely and permanently removed from the drives.   For this tedious job I turn to a copy of DBAN to wipe the drive … Read more

Not What I Want To Do, But Who I Want To Be

As I sit in the seat of Row 28 (No upgrade for me today!) on a flight from San Francisco to Chicago I have plenty of time to think about what kind of person I want to be.   A lot of people have a bucket list of places they want to go, things they want … Read more

Thank You Fitbit!

Last Friday I was going through the security line at the Atlanta airport and somewhere between putting my Fitbit Flex in the gray bin along with my phone, belt, watch, wallet, blazer, laptop, other laptop and shoes it got lost, stolen or maybe abducted by aliens. So I do what I always do when something … Read more

Rules for the First Day of Preschool

My son is starting preschool tomorrow and I am going to sit him down and tell him this about school:                      Listen to your teachers. You don’t have to get naked to go to the bathroom. Ask questions! Help pick up! It is OK to be nervous. Play with everyone. You don’t have to be first … Read more

Keeping Hackers Out Of Your Capitol

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Stop AT&T From Selling Your Data

AT&T is going to start selling your “anonymous” browsing history, location, and more to advertisers. Here is how to stop it: Go to which AT&T’s opt-out page: http://www.att.com/cmpchoice Log in with your phone number and password Check the box next to each wireless phone line you wish to opt-out with Click the “Submit” button. Give … Read more