JP Vossen, Integration Manager, Counterpane Internet Security
JP has been working with computers since the early '80s and has been in
the IT industry since the early '90s, specializing in information security
since the late '90s. He spent a lot of that time working as a consultant
but is now the integration manager for Counterpane Internet Security.
Vossen has worked with DOS, Windows, UNIX, VMS and AS/400 platforms, with duties ranging from first-level technical support to network and security architecture, and design. He currently loves to work with Linux, Perl, Snort and other open source and freeware but is otherwise not much of a programmer. Unlike many of his technically inclined colleagues, he also enjoys writing and documentation, which has led to the publication of various infosecurity articles, scripts and tips.
JP is also a member of CSI, ISSA ( Delaware Valley), SANS and other
industry-related groups.
More about JP...
How did you get started in security? My boss at the consulting company where I was working at the time asked if I wanted to join the new security practice he was starting. I did and found that I really enjoyed it. I've always been a hacker in the traditional sense of the word, so infosec was a great fit for me.
What non-IT related job experience have you had? Not much. I've worked in IT for my entire professional life. I loaded trucks for UPS one summer though, does that count?
What work-related accomplishment are you most proud of? No one thing, I just enjoy helping people solve problems. So any time I can help solve a problem or meet a need, that's the payoff for me. I enjoy helping and writing, so that's why I'm here.
Who has influenced you most as a security professional? That's a long list. I guess my top three are the following: Bruce Schneier for his simple and memorable security quotes like "Security is a process not a product"; Bill Murray, whom I had as an instructor during a CISSP review class, for his stories and perspectives; and Lance Spitzer for seeing a need and just diving into it with the Honeynet project.
What is your favorite piece of hardware or software? Can I choose
two? Linux and Perl.
What are your hobbies? Infosec, Linux and Perl. Scary, isn't it? In those rare moments when I'm not behind a computer, I kayak, SCUBA dive, build sets for community theaters, and mostly, I read a lot of technical and hard sci-fi books.
What one book would you like to be stranded with on a desert island and
why? I don't think I can pick just one book, so here's my best shot: Robert A. Heinlein; because I love all his books; The Anita Blake Vampire series by Laurel K. Hamilton; because I love campy vampire stuff; and any genre of hard sci-fi, of course.
What do you like the best about your job? I'm a generalist by nature, and in infosec you need to know a little about a lot of things. That keeps me and my short attention span interested.
What do you like least? You really have to sweat the details. I'm good at that, but it gets tedious sometimes.
What words of wisdom do you give to other security professionals?
Sweat the details, even when it gets tedious. If you don't believe they really
ARE out to get you, you're probably not paranoid enough to be in infosec.
|
