A Universal Lemma For Compliance

2500 words, 9 1/2 minutes. Matthew Hopkins, Witchfinder General. 1647 Engraving. Here I describe a lemma1 or helping theorem for technical compliance of IT with a focus on Information Security. It’s an approach for all compliance regimes whether regulatory or corporate. It doesn’t date, nor is it predicated on a technology or platform. It isn’t a trick. It doesn’t provide cover for inadequate security or incompetent staff. If you’re looking to evade compliance, disguise incompetence, or shirk accountability then you’re in the wrong article. »

The Largest Open Goal In Cyber Security

1000 words, 4 minutes. “But how was one to explain repeated instances of derisive laughter at melodramas and films that hardly set out to be funny?" - Prof. Eric Rentschler1 Out of place laughter is an anarchist in the dark. Someone who refuses to let the film cast its spell. Imagery is important. Moving or still. Whether it be religious iconography, depictions of national myth, a coat of arms, a rallying military standard, your company’s brand, or something as incidental as clip art. »

NSA PRISM's Commercial Cousin

2200 words, 11 minutes. Engineering, Vol. 62, December 18 1896. “In 1882 I was in Vienna, where I met an American whom I had known in the States. He said: ‘Hang your chemistry and electricity! If you want to make a pile of money, invent something that will enable these Europeans to cut each others’ throats with greater facility.’” - Hiram Maxim. Selling arms during an arms race is such an interesting topic it warrants its own post. »

Avoiding The Infosec Extinction Part 2.

1600 words, 8 minutes. Turning Up The Magnification Three lens microscope for simultaneous observations. 1882 This is the second of a short series of posts about the Cyber Security market. This market is interesting now because I believe it’s at a juncture where we can choose one of two possible futures. We being the product builders, investors, and customers. In the previous postI presented you with a choice. A choice between a beautiful fantasy, and practical reality. »

The Next Big Thing? Go Back To The Future.

1500 words, 7 minutes. Man, embracing his origin, … civilization, … mental and moral faculties. … Illustrated. Lind, G. Dallas, 1884. I’m interested in the history of technology, especially those moments which gave rise to great advances or failures. I’m interested to know the conditions, the growth medium, the organisational structures, the management strategy which helped or hindered. I’m interested in whether (and to what degree) Government has a role to play in the stimulation or sterilisation of research, development, and commercialisation. »