Security Ripcord

I have to say that Richard Bejtlich and Mike Rothman really stepped up to the plate with guidance and expertise on the issue of Security Mentoring. Richard set the stage with his post titled “Security Mentoring.” I responded to add a little more clarity to my thought process for everybody following the story. Mike then, in this weeks edition of Pragmatic CSO Weekly, responded to all of the input with an excellent summary. He detailed the methods a security professional can use to advance their skillsets in a proactive and professional manner.

I have to say that I am proud about the input and outcome from my dirt kicking. I believe that it has started the rock moving and hopefully we will see it pick up steam. From a mentoring standpoint, maybe a few people will take a little extra time to answer questions and provide guidance. From a coaching standpoint we might see some changes in a few business models (I definitely should see between 10 and 20 percent commissions for getting this rolling ). Either way I see this as a win for everybody: upcoming security managers, current security managers, and the IT community.

How is this all going to affect me? Well, I plan to take all of the advice we have been given into consideration. Instead of worrying about establishing a planned out mentor relationship with an established security manager I will utilize the resources I already have: Trusted Catalyst and Security Catalyst Community, Other Security Bloggers, and other security forums. I will make it a point to asked more detailed questions and prod for responses. In short, I already have the resources I just have not been utilizing them effectively.

If we do see a Security Management coaching model develop from all this I will probably consider it as well. I tend to want to do things right the first time and at times it holds me back. Michael Santarcangelo says that it is the sniper in me. I think it is an effort to be cost effective and protect the image of security within my organization. As usual, it is probably a combination.

I would like to say thank you to everybody who has participated in this conversation. It has definitely helped me and I hope that it has helped others as well.

Go forth and do good things,
Cutaway

P.S. I can neither confirm or deny that my given name is “Don”.

Rothman, Bejtlich, mentoring, TCC, Security Ripcord

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