Handler Note

This diary is part of the path to becoming a handler. Today's peice was written by Russell Eubanks and is on his path to becoming a handler.

You can find out more at: https://isc.sans.edu/handlerroadmap.html

Russell can be reached at securityeverafter at gmail dot com.

Russell's Diary

The beginning of the year is a great time to commit yourself to a local security community. These organizations exist to foster active and lively security conversations through regular meetings. Many opportunities exist, especially in larger cities to attend and participate on a regular basis. The following are many of the popular security communities that may very well be available in your area. Listings for them and their link to learn more about them follows.

• Defcon Groups - https://www.defcon.org/html/defcon-groups/dc-groups-index.html
• InfraGard - http://www.infragard.net/chapters/index.php?mn=3
• ISSA - http://www.issa.org/?page=ChaptersContact
• NAISG - http://www.naisg.org/default.asp
• OWASP - https://www.owasp.org/index.php/Category:OWASP_Chapter
• Security BSides - http://www.securitybsides.com/w/page/12194156/FrontPag

Every person should strongly consider becoming more involved in their local security community. Both the individual and the community will benefit in the following ways.

• You will have the opportunity to meet like minded people.
• You will learn something new and could very well learn a new skill.
• You will be able to avoid a pitfall previously encountered by others.
• You will very likely become inspired to improve yourself.
• You will become known in the community as a leader.
• You will improve the community by your involvement.
• You will have the chance to share something you have recently learned with the community.

I have been involved with the leadership of my local InfraGard and OWASP chapters for the last five years. I have found this to be beneficial to both myself and the organizations. It has required a little bit of work every week and can start to resemble a part time job without the involvement of others. The leaders of these security communities serve by finding interesting speakers, securing a location for the meeting and by encouraging others to attend. I know from experience that the leaders would absolutely welcome your active involvement and participation by sharing the work needed to conduct a successful security community.

If you are not involved in a local security community, I encourage you to do find one and become more involved this year. If you are already a regular attender, strongly consider offering your time in a leadership position. The current leaders will certainly welcome your help. You will find this experience to be rewarding as you actively participate and give back to your local security community. Watching a local security community grow is very rewarding and will often encourage continued involvement from others.

What is keeping you from being involved in your local security community this year?