Being a serial thinker and systems builder, I am very at home in the IT Security community. The InfoSec world provides a nice home for me and my thoughts.
My Passions are:
Solving problems that affect real people
Thinking philosophically
Learning more about security
Mark Twain is quoted saying “Don’t let school get in the way of your education” and although I love my formal education I would be missing out on exploring this amazing world if I set my learning end there.
After spending the past few years of exploring and pursuing the reason “why” I am growing in my understanding in how to make systems robust and secure. Security is not about the tools but mindsets and systems. Whether it be guns, firewalls or foreign aid the tools are a means to an end and whole system is what is important. Questions like “Is the populous safer online and off?”. Are they able to enjoy a good experience? Whether that be an piece of technology or the opportunity to take a walk at night without fear.
Complete security is something that can not be achieved, and that is why it must not been seen as a destination but a relative experience viewed only in light of the whole. That being said, we have a lot of work to do online and off.
About Me:
- 2013: I got married! Also, I am continuing my work in the InfoSec field at Old Mutual, and in the last year of my Bachelors and working on Cisco CCNP Security certificate. I am expected to graduate in Summer 2014.
- 2012: While working at Old Mutual as a Systems Engineer I achieved my CCNA Security and FIRWALL Cert from Cisco and completed another year of my Bachelors.
- 2011: The last year of my work at a consulting firm McGladrey. I learned everything by swimming in the deep end and let me assure you there were lots of sharks. Yes school was happening as well.
- 2010: Completed my time on the Old Mutual HelpDesk and jumped into a fantastic opportunity at McGladrey upon reflection it was the most intense learning period I have ever completed, and I also started at Boston University for my bachelors. I am grateful for both.
- Pre 2010: Lots of work and learning, most notably was the Completion of the rank Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts, graduating High School and getting my Associates with honours in both. I also completed the Microsoft and Cisco academy and received my Cisco CCENT.
My interest in technical security was started when I was in the police force. I was not and am not a fan of paper work so I jumped to the next best thing to kicking down doors, wardriving! After being able to crack WEP on my parents Wifi, not hard, in order to make a point I realized that this is something I would like to pursue. So, I spent the last summer of high school learning security from a Linux platform and teaching anyone who would give me a moment of consideration. To this day wireless protocols still have a soft spot in my heart.
If you would like to know more please connect online or even better in person. Next to learning and exploring, meeting new people is my favorite past time.
Life is short, let’s explore
The Exploration, Achievments and Thoughts of Conor 