Kendall Giles

For those who don't know, Gary McGraw is Someone to Know.

He is a top security researcher and is the author of several noted security books. His latest, Exploiting Software, is a really interesting resource that gives some insight into just how software exploits are pulled off.

He lectured in our security and privacy class today and it was a real treat. Software security is a Big Deal these days - sadly, too few companies realize the problem and/or are not willing to spend the dollars to design and implement software correctly. But maybe if Gary beats enough drums, and heads, then things will change.

Until then, this leaves a lot of employment guarantees for security professionals, so I shouldn't be too distraught!

Technorati Tags: academia, security

With all the work Dr. Rubin has done with uncovering the security problems with electronic voting machines (especially with Deibold), and because our class project this term dealt with inserting and finding hidden backdoors or evil code, the New York Times wants to interview him and some of the students in the class. Should be interesting.

Technorati Tags: academia, security

I have bad form, but here I am doing the Muso Shinden Ryu jodo kata Tachi Otoshi; Steve is doing sword.

If your browser doesn't have the right plugin, you can download the movie.

Technorati Tags: fitness, martial arts

Lately, with work, school, research, travel, and family obligations, I have not had as much time as I would like for MA training. However, I did jump through quite a few hoops in order to be able to attend a two-day seminar on Italian Dueling Sabre this past weekend in Annapolis, MD. The seminar was taught by Maestro Sean Hayes, master of arms at the Northwest Academy of Arms, and was sponsored by MASHS

Dueling sabre was from a time where swordsmen developed exquisite technique as well as the highest levels of health and conditioning in order to not only excel at their sword art, but also to survive its direct application in the form of duels.

The seminar was excellent and Maestro Hayes is a superb instructor. He took a well-attended but diverse audience, all new to the dueling aspects of sabre, from initial positions to the Countertime Theory, a great example of time and action in the later 19th century Italian schools.

Dueling sabre, as taught by Maestro Hayes is a living tradition of a historical martial art, and I look forward to exploring its subtleties and power in the future.

Technorati Tags: defense, fitness, martial arts

OK, so today a photographer came and took a lot of pictures for the evoting article. It seems that some students, because of their employers' policies, can't be photographed, or some just don't want to be photographed, so the photographer did an after-class session.

So we all gathered around a bunch of computers and tried to look busy. Every once in awhile, Dr. Rubin would point to the screen and we would all look at the screen. The photographer just walked around snapping pics. He had a digital camera, so he must have taken at least 100 snaps.

It was quite staged, but I think there are some good photos in there. I also learned not to sit with your hands holded across your lap, because in the picture you will look like you have to go to the bathroom. Also, don't cover your mouth, because that makes it look like you are whispering snide comments.

So with those photo tips, I guess I'm ready for Hollywood !?

Technorati Tags: academia, science, security, technology

So today during class, the New York Times article writer came and sat in. He took notes on his laptop, so during the project presentations there was a constant background click-clacking as he typed as fast as he could.

After class he asked me a couple of questions and wanted me to clarify some things I said during my presentation, where I was explaining my voting system backdoor. He also talked with another group that had a very good project.

Technorati Tags: academia, security, technology