Welcome to my corner of Paradise
In today's digital age, understanding and implementing cybersecurity is not just a necessity—it's a responsibility. As a long-time veteran of information technology and cybersecurity, I've seen what happens when security policies become lax, when budgets chip away at the few resources available, and when security is ignored altogether. You could have the most well-designed lock on your front door, but if you don't protect your data with the same dedication, you will lose more than just your things - you can lose your entire way of life.
Don't be "that guy" - the one who thinks that the free Microsoft antivirus is all anyone will ever need, the one who thinks that "passwords are stupid", or the one who thinks that because she's just one person that she's not a target. We're all targets, and it only takes one click to become a victim. Firefighters, doctors, welders, engineers, and others train for hundreds of hours over lifetimes, and still learn new things; cybersecurity is no different.
No this is not "doom and gloom"!!!! There are no secret bunkers, no preppers who should go to the magical Opt-Out Village (thanks The Onion!) to keep your data safe. However, as many attorneys will state, "a person who defends himself has a fool for a client". More importantly, there is always more to learn, and the field is always changing.
For those of us who have dedicated our careers to this endeavor, it's an adventure, matching wits against the most hardened cybercriminals on the planet while shoring up our own defenses against external and internal threats (yes, I like Uncle Steve too, this is just to keep him honest).
About little ol' me
As an IT and cybersecurity veteran with over 20 years' experience in multiple environments, I make it my mission to democratize and expand cybersecurity knowledge. I created this page to share my lessons learned, interesting tidbits from around the internet, and a few techniques that hopefully can help someone down the road. My focus is on a wide range of audiences, including relative newcomers, small businesses, fellow IT and cyber pros, and others who would like to learn more. By breaking down complex concepts into understandable content, I hope to empower our readers with the skills and knowledge to protect themselves and their assets in the digital space.
I also offer talks with non-profits on cybersecurity and related topics. Email me at cyber@msmolenda.net if you're interested.