Threat Adaptation and Guns – Security 101 June 14, 2016
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: assault weapon, ban, gun control, http://affa.hells-angels.com/, Orlando, sandy hook, security, terrorism
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Let me start by saying that I, like everyone, am horrified by the events in Orlando. That being said, it is important to understand some concepts inherent to security and why the argument of gun control to prevent attacks like those in Orlando is flawed.
Before I delve into my post I want to give some of my own background. I started my professional career in the US Marine Security Forces providing armed physical security for a critical national asset. I have provided Force Protection in a combat zone, was a Marine Scout/Sniper, and I have provided unarmed security in a level 3 psychiatric ward. I have conducted anti-piracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden and finally, I have been an information security professional for nearly 20 years. I am also working in a Doctorate in CyberSecurity. I have written scores of articles and spoken at many dozens of security events. I may not know much in life but I understand security.
I read a letter from a mother of a Sandy Hook victim. In the letter she said:
“I am sorry that our tragedy here in Sandy Hook wasn’t enough to save your loved ones,”
While I feel for the mother and understand her very normal and appropriate response to losing her child, the argument simplifies the issue. Unfortunately, what we are dealing with is not a gun issue…it is a people issue. (more…)
General Patraeus (Betray-Us) and Gun Control June 13, 2016
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: 2nd amendment, Broadwell, CIA, common sense, giffords, gun control, He espouses the need for 'common sense' yet did not have the common sense to not compromise national security for his mistress and does not have the 'common sense' to recognize the hypocrisy of his ow, mark kelly, Patraeus
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When I first read this story I thought it was a joke. Famous betrayer of his own country David Patraeus (pronounced Betray-US) and retired astronaut Mark Kelly have started a new gun control group called Veterans Coalition for Common Sense. The next by Mark Kelly is priceless.
“As service members, each of us swore an oath to protect our Constitution and the homeland. Now we’re asking our leaders to do more to protect our rights and save lives,”
As a reminder, General Patraeus (head of the CIA at the time) was forced to resign after it was discovered he was having an affair with his biographer. After pleading guilty to a misdemeanor (many felt his actions warranted a felony conviction), Patraeus was sentenced to 2 years probation and a $100,000 fine for giving classified information to his mistress.
Here is a man armed with a PhD and who spent 37 years serving his country that compromised the safety and security of his own country and those with whom he served to help his lover. He betrayed his wife, his family and his country. Patraeus “…swore an oath to protect our Constitution…” and instead violated the oath for his own selfish purposes.
He espouses the need for ‘common sense’ yet did not have the common sense to not compromise national security for his mistress and does not have the ‘common sense’ to recognize the hypocrisy of his own actions.
Patraeus could not be convinced under the threat of prison to not share secrets with his lover yet now expects that tougher gun laws will prevent other criminals (since he is a criminal) to be deterred from violating new laws related to guns.
Let that sink in for a moment..
Chris Mark in “Using Security Metrics” Book June 9, 2016
Posted by Chris Mark in cybersecurity, Uncategorized.Tags: Chris Mark, cyber, hack, network, risk, security, Security Metics, Tenable
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A number of months ago I was interviewed regarding my opinion on the effectiveness of security metrics. I was notified today that the eBook has been published. Titled “Using Security Metrics” the book includes 33 authors and according to the publisher:
“We asked 33 security experts how they communicate security program effectiveness to business executives and the Board.
They share their recommendations and best practices in this ebook. If you’re a security professional, you’ll find their insights indispensable for helping you better communicate with business executives and Board members who often do not speak the security language. Download this ebook to learn about:
- Security Metrics That Tell a Story to the Board
- Security Metrics That Help Boards Assess Risk
- Security Metrics for Threat Management
- Security Metrics that Drive Action in the Financial Services Industry
My contribution can be found starting on page 39. You can download the eBook here!.
Chris Mark to speak at 2016 TASSCC Annual Conference June 3, 2016
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: Bayes, cybersecurity, dark web, data breach, Inference, KeyNote, proximate reality, Speaking, TASSCC
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I w
as excited to receive a call yesterday evening in which I was informed that my presentation abstract was accepted for the 2016 TASSCC Annual Conference being held in August in Galveston, TX! If you are not familiar TASSCC is Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications. They host a great event every year and are pretty selective about choosing speakers.
My topic will be a variation of my dissertation study related to adversarial analysis. As opining on Bayesian Inference, Proximate reality, and apophasis as they relate to security events would likely put the crowd to sleep I am going to cover some important topics at a high level and then provide a live demonstration of the dark web. People are always shocked to see in real time where they can hire a hitman, or have a Kilo of Cocaine delivered to their door using only BitCoins.
Sharon Helman- The latest VA Criminal suported by Obama June 2, 2016
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: Act, AG, Helman, Lynch, McDonald, Phoenix, Robin Paul, Stolen Valor, VA, Veterans, Veterans Choice
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Until today likely few knew the name Sharon Helman. Let me provide some background. Ms. Helman was the director of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Phoenix. This is the same hospital in which 40 (FORTY) Veterans died waiting for services. As a reminder the Phoenix VA was caught manufacturing lists to show reduced wait times so that administrators would get their bonuses. Ms. Helmen is even more deplorable. She was FIRED when it was discovered she was taking “gifts” from vendors and lobbyists. On May 16th, 2016 a judge sentenced Ms. Helman to probation for refusing to report gifts from vendors..these gifts totaled thousands of dollars and included a car. Keep in mind that 40 vets died under her watch while she was lining her pockets. In the wake of this scandal Congress passed the Veterans Choice and Accountability Act of 2014. Part of the Act enables the government to fire people like Ms. Helman who act egregiously. During her hearing Ms. Helman provided the following statement:
“Serving veterans was truly my life’s passion, and I am proud of my work. I should have disclosed the gifts I received from a personal friend, but I did not. That was a betrayal. …”
No doubt that 40 vets who died appreciate her commitment and “life’s passion”. The fact she is “proud of her work” is horrifying. I am reminded of another quote by a person who worked in medicine: “The more we do to you, the less you seem to believe we are doing it.”– Joseph Mengele
Today it was announced that President Obama’s latest Attorney General, Loretta Lynch is refusing to uphold a clause in the act that would allow the firing of people like Ms. Helman. Now Ms. Helman is suing to get her JOB BACK. That is right…this person who allowed 40 veterans to die while lining her pockets with tens of thousands of dollars may now be reinstated to her position as director of the Phoenix VA. A convicted criminal who allowed veterans to die. While I would expect most people with a sense of decency would simply fade away, someone who is indifferent to the deaths of 40 Vets clearly has no decency. I am reminded of another VA representative, Robin Paul, who mocked Veteran suicides.
This is simply the latest slap in the face to vets by the Obama administration. National Security Advisor Susan Rice claimed that turncoat Bowe Bergdahl had served with “Honor and Distinction” and President Obama welcomed his parents to the Whitehouse. At the same time a Special Forces Soldier who defended a boy against rape is being forced out of the US Army! Let us not forget the current Secretary of Veterans Affairs who not only lied about his own military service and mocked a member of Congress who is also a veteran but then had the audacity to compare waits at the VA to “lines at Disneyland”.
Veterans do not ask for much but they deserve much more than is being provided by this administration. General George Washington said: “A Nation is judged by how it treats its veteran.”- This administration treats veterans with contempt.
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