In the meantime, a former colleague and very good friend sent me this sticker.
Again, no political message intended. But this site *IS* The Security Beard, right?
Monday, January 23, 2017
Beards - Make Faces Great Again...
Lately, I've been trying to stay out of the social media world. Too much has been going on, and social media has been a VERY caustic place, regardless of the topic or view. But I promise that I haven't fallen off the earth. You will see more from me as we approach the RSA conference in a couple of weeks, I promise.
In the meantime, a former colleague and very good friend sent me this sticker.
Again, no political message intended. But this site *IS* The Security Beard, right?
In the meantime, a former colleague and very good friend sent me this sticker.
Again, no political message intended. But this site *IS* The Security Beard, right?
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
AWS re:Invent - Day 1...
30,000 attendees are expected to gather at the Venetian and Sands Expo center for 3 days of all things AWS cloud.
Cryptzone has a huge presence at the conference, with over a dozen people attending, including most of the executive team. We are in booth 1918 on the show floor, so stop by and say hello. I will personally be there for quite a bit of the show, or out roaming the floor. If you are looking for me, check there first, and if I am not there, the guys at the booth will be able to find me.
If you are at the conference, and looking for a solution for pretty much anything that is cloud related, this is the place to be. There are hundreds of exhibitors, representing the best in class that AWS has to offer.
This conference is also one of those that brings out the world’s experts at AWS and cloud computing. Some may seem a little scary, but I promise, they are the absolute best at what they do and are here to figure out better ways to help solve your cloud challenges. Don’t be afraid of chatting with them before a session or at one of the meals.
I don’t intend on writing a huge blog every day, but I will share some of the things I find particularly interesting as the show continues. You can also follow me on Twitter - @CloudSecChris – where I will be giving almost constant updates.
Stay tuned!
Monday, November 28, 2016
Cyber Monday Shopping Security Tips...
This blog originally appeared on the Cryptzone blog site. You can find the original here.
Cyber Monday will be the largest online shopping day in history according to a recent Adobe Digital Insights report. Thanksgiving Day will show the fastest growth, reaching $2 billion in online sales (15% YoY growth), Black Friday will reach $3.05 billion (11.3% YoY growth), and Cyber Monday will hit $3.36 billion in online sales (9.4% YoY growth).
Guess what? The bad guys also know that you want to spend money online, and Cyber Monday is a big day for them as well. While Cryptzone is not going to directly protect you from credit card fraud, as a security company, we believe in sharing tips and tricks to make everyone more secure, especially during this holiday season. Here are a few tips to consider before you order the latest video game or electronic device online today or this holiday season:
Guess what? The bad guys also know that you want to spend money online, and Cyber Monday is a big day for them as well. While Cryptzone is not going to directly protect you from credit card fraud, as a security company, we believe in sharing tips and tricks to make everyone more secure, especially during this holiday season. Here are a few tips to consider before you order the latest video game or electronic device online today or this holiday season:
- Always choose a reputable site. There are soooooo many great e-commerce sites available to choose from. Chances are that you may have ordered from one before. Stick to sites that you know or have done business with previously. Many “brick and mortar” companies have websites offering great deals as well.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you decide to travel off the beaten path to find that epic deal, you may not be getting what you want. Worse, you may not get anything at all. Make certain to do a little research about the product and the company that you are buying from before passing along your credit card information.
- Beware email and text messages. There are lots of scams this time of year from bad guys supposedly coming from reputable retailers asking you to verify or update your personal information. Be very cautious clicking on links that ask you to enter additional information. It is always a good idea to manually go to a website directly, or, better yet, call the retailer, if you need to update your personal information.
- Use a credit card with fraud protection. Check with your credit card company about their fraud protection policies. Most credit cards have some level of protection associated with them, but it is better to know exactly what those limits are. Also, if possible, use a credit card instead of a debit card to make online purchases. Generally speaking, a credit card will offer you greater protection and security, while your bank’s debit card will impound your funds while they conduct a fraud investigation.
We hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and remember to be safe and smart with your celebrations and purchases!
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Geek's Guide to Things to See At AWS re:Invent 2016
NOTE: I have received ZERO compensation for any of the businesses listed here, nor are they “officially” recommended by anyone else besides myself. Also, I originally wrote a very similar blog for another conference earlier this year. But the recommendations are still very valid, and worth sharing again.
I know that you are likely at AWS re:Invent next week, and it is about time to finalize your conference schedule and what to do when you are not at the conference (when you are not visiting the Cryptzone booth, of course!). If you are looking for something apart from computers and conferences to do, Vegas has it all. You can always look to the free “What to Do In Las Vegas” magazines for shows and other attractions, but I thought I would recommend a few things off the beaten path and more tailored to the crowd that will be attending the re:Invent conference – things that don’t require taking out a second mortgage or testing your luck with a one armed bandit.
Obligatory Free Stuff: Fountains, Gardens, Water Shows, and Volcanos.
The Strip can overwhelm the senses – from lights to smells to sounds. And the casinos have to pull you in somehow, so many offer free shows and attractions that are worth seeing. If you make your way down to the Bellagio, the Dancing Fountains are a Vegas “must see” attraction. While you are there, my wonderful wife would have me tell you to pop in and visit the Bellagio Conservatory, which rotates several times a year with the seasons. Next to the Venetian is the Wynn Las Vegas, and behind that man-made mountain of pine trees is actually a pretty cool water show at the Lake of Dreams. Lastly, across the Strip at the Mirage, the Volcano erupts several times every evening, usually on the hour. While not quite Yellowstone, it doesn’t have the sulfur smell that you have to put up with to see the real thing…
Get Your Geek On: The Toy Shack and Antiquities
http://lasvegastoyshack.com/
http://www.antiquitieslv.com/
If you make your way to Downtown Las Vegas (the Deuce bus picks up right in front of the Venetian, and I think it is $8 for a 24 hour pass), make certain to check out the Toy Shack. They specialize in sci-fi and vintage toys, especially from the 80s. Very cool Star Wars and GI Joe selection. But bring $$$.You will need it. A little closer to the Venetian at the Caesar’s Forum Shops is Antiquities. They have an awesome selection of exclusive memorabilia such as signed movie posters, but also have a good selection of loose action figures in the back of the store.
Serious Reading: Bauman Rare Books
https://www.baumanrarebooks.com/
On the second floor of the Palazzo shopping mall is my favorite store / museum in all of Las Vegas: Bauman Rare Books. This is not Barnes and Noble. This is where you come to find that signed first edition or extremely rare copy. They also have one-of-a-kind historical artifacts (I don’t know what else to call them) for sale – they had an original copy of the Declaration of Independence for sale there at one point, and currently have a copy of the Nuremburg Chronicles on display (printed in 1493). If you hit it big (and I mean real big) on the tables or slots, you might be able to afford something from this store. But it is free to have a look, and Rebecca Romney (store manager) will be happy to show you around.
Pinball Wizard: The Pinball Hall of Fame and Museum
http://www.pinballmuseum.org/
I have no idea why this place doesn’t receive more exposure, but the Pinball Hall of Fame (PHoF) is maybe one of the coolest things in Las Vegas. They have over 150 playable pinball games – all in one place! Entrance to the PHoF is free, and all of the proceeds from the game play go to charity. Even if you are not a Pinball Wizard, this place is worth a look. It is a little ways from the conference, but the website has a decent map and bus routes.
Old School Vegas: The Neon Museum and Fremont Street Experience
http://www.neonmuseum.org/
Make your way back to Downtown Las Vegas in the evening – the table game minimums are much more reasonable and the slots are far looser (if that is your thing). The canopy that hangs over Fremont Street downtown is part of the Fremont Street Experience – a 5-8 minute show that starts on the hour after dark, and synchronizes to really good music. Worth seeing if you never have. While you are down there, a block off of Fremont Street is the Neon Museum. This is the place all the old casino neon signage comes to rest, and it is especially cool at night when it’s all lit up.
I hope these suggestions help you journey out on the town. There are sooooo many more things to do in Vegas that I didn’t have space to list - look me up at the Cryptzone booth (Booth #1918) while you are at the conference and we can compare notes!
See ya there!
I know that you are likely at AWS re:Invent next week, and it is about time to finalize your conference schedule and what to do when you are not at the conference (when you are not visiting the Cryptzone booth, of course!). If you are looking for something apart from computers and conferences to do, Vegas has it all. You can always look to the free “What to Do In Las Vegas” magazines for shows and other attractions, but I thought I would recommend a few things off the beaten path and more tailored to the crowd that will be attending the re:Invent conference – things that don’t require taking out a second mortgage or testing your luck with a one armed bandit.
Obligatory Free Stuff: Fountains, Gardens, Water Shows, and Volcanos.
The Strip can overwhelm the senses – from lights to smells to sounds. And the casinos have to pull you in somehow, so many offer free shows and attractions that are worth seeing. If you make your way down to the Bellagio, the Dancing Fountains are a Vegas “must see” attraction. While you are there, my wonderful wife would have me tell you to pop in and visit the Bellagio Conservatory, which rotates several times a year with the seasons. Next to the Venetian is the Wynn Las Vegas, and behind that man-made mountain of pine trees is actually a pretty cool water show at the Lake of Dreams. Lastly, across the Strip at the Mirage, the Volcano erupts several times every evening, usually on the hour. While not quite Yellowstone, it doesn’t have the sulfur smell that you have to put up with to see the real thing…
Get Your Geek On: The Toy Shack and Antiquities
http://lasvegastoyshack.com/
http://www.antiquitieslv.com/
If you make your way to Downtown Las Vegas (the Deuce bus picks up right in front of the Venetian, and I think it is $8 for a 24 hour pass), make certain to check out the Toy Shack. They specialize in sci-fi and vintage toys, especially from the 80s. Very cool Star Wars and GI Joe selection. But bring $$$.You will need it. A little closer to the Venetian at the Caesar’s Forum Shops is Antiquities. They have an awesome selection of exclusive memorabilia such as signed movie posters, but also have a good selection of loose action figures in the back of the store.
Serious Reading: Bauman Rare Books
https://www.baumanrarebooks.com/
On the second floor of the Palazzo shopping mall is my favorite store / museum in all of Las Vegas: Bauman Rare Books. This is not Barnes and Noble. This is where you come to find that signed first edition or extremely rare copy. They also have one-of-a-kind historical artifacts (I don’t know what else to call them) for sale – they had an original copy of the Declaration of Independence for sale there at one point, and currently have a copy of the Nuremburg Chronicles on display (printed in 1493). If you hit it big (and I mean real big) on the tables or slots, you might be able to afford something from this store. But it is free to have a look, and Rebecca Romney (store manager) will be happy to show you around.
Pinball Wizard: The Pinball Hall of Fame and Museum
http://www.pinballmuseum.org/
I have no idea why this place doesn’t receive more exposure, but the Pinball Hall of Fame (PHoF) is maybe one of the coolest things in Las Vegas. They have over 150 playable pinball games – all in one place! Entrance to the PHoF is free, and all of the proceeds from the game play go to charity. Even if you are not a Pinball Wizard, this place is worth a look. It is a little ways from the conference, but the website has a decent map and bus routes.
Old School Vegas: The Neon Museum and Fremont Street Experience
http://www.neonmuseum.org/
Make your way back to Downtown Las Vegas in the evening – the table game minimums are much more reasonable and the slots are far looser (if that is your thing). The canopy that hangs over Fremont Street downtown is part of the Fremont Street Experience – a 5-8 minute show that starts on the hour after dark, and synchronizes to really good music. Worth seeing if you never have. While you are down there, a block off of Fremont Street is the Neon Museum. This is the place all the old casino neon signage comes to rest, and it is especially cool at night when it’s all lit up.
I hope these suggestions help you journey out on the town. There are sooooo many more things to do in Vegas that I didn’t have space to list - look me up at the Cryptzone booth (Booth #1918) while you are at the conference and we can compare notes!
See ya there!
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Geek's Guide to Where to Eat While At AWS re:Invent 2016
NOTE: I have received ZERO compensation for any of the businesses listed here, nor are they “officially” recommended by anyone else besides myself. Also, I originally wrote a very similar blog for another conference earlier this year. But the recommendations are still very valid, and worth sharing again.
AWS re:Invent is next week, and it is about time to finalize your conference schedule and decide what to do when you are not at the conference (when you are not visiting the Cryptzone booth, of course!). When you are looking to break away from the conference action for a meal or two, here are a few recommendations that are a little outside of the usual ones that you will read in all of the free “What to Do In Las Vegas” magazines that seem to be everywhere.
Best Place for a Business Meeting: Delmonico Steakhouse
http://emerilsrestaurants.com/delmonico-steakhouse
To start, I included Delmonico’s at the Venetian for a few reasons, even though it is on practically EVERY one of the recommendation lists I was mentioning above. First, you will be hard pressed to find a better steak in Vegas, especially at the price. No, they are not the cheapest (nor the most expensive), but they are quite excellent. And the service is very very good. Second, if you are going to re:Invent, Delmonico Steakhouse is located in the same building as the conference (sort of). But lastly, and the reason I mention this at all: if you are reading this, and have any plans on eating there while there is a conference going on, you had better make a reservation now. You will not be eating there (or any of the finer restaurants at the Venetian) if you do not plan a little ahead and make a reservation. The link is above. Take the time to enjoy the bone-in ribeye. The lobster bisque makes a great appetizer, and so does Emeril’s gumbo.
Best Old School Las Vegas Coffee Shop: Peppermill
http://www.peppermilllasvegas.com/
The Peppermill is excellent. It is where the locals go to eat on the Strip, and by locals I mean pretty much anyone who is anyone. It is open 24 hours (like many things in Vegas), and this tends to be where a lot of the performers for all of the shows on the Strip go to get a bite to eat after their performances. Great food. And if you are really daring – order the fruit plate. Take a picture. And if you finish it – ALL OF IT – you are my personal hero.
Best Secret Restaurant: Secret Pizza
AWS re:Invent is next week, and it is about time to finalize your conference schedule and decide what to do when you are not at the conference (when you are not visiting the Cryptzone booth, of course!). When you are looking to break away from the conference action for a meal or two, here are a few recommendations that are a little outside of the usual ones that you will read in all of the free “What to Do In Las Vegas” magazines that seem to be everywhere.
Best Place for a Business Meeting: Delmonico Steakhouse
http://emerilsrestaurants.com/delmonico-steakhouse
To start, I included Delmonico’s at the Venetian for a few reasons, even though it is on practically EVERY one of the recommendation lists I was mentioning above. First, you will be hard pressed to find a better steak in Vegas, especially at the price. No, they are not the cheapest (nor the most expensive), but they are quite excellent. And the service is very very good. Second, if you are going to re:Invent, Delmonico Steakhouse is located in the same building as the conference (sort of). But lastly, and the reason I mention this at all: if you are reading this, and have any plans on eating there while there is a conference going on, you had better make a reservation now. You will not be eating there (or any of the finer restaurants at the Venetian) if you do not plan a little ahead and make a reservation. The link is above. Take the time to enjoy the bone-in ribeye. The lobster bisque makes a great appetizer, and so does Emeril’s gumbo.
Best Old School Las Vegas Coffee Shop: Peppermill
http://www.peppermilllasvegas.com/
The Peppermill is excellent. It is where the locals go to eat on the Strip, and by locals I mean pretty much anyone who is anyone. It is open 24 hours (like many things in Vegas), and this tends to be where a lot of the performers for all of the shows on the Strip go to get a bite to eat after their performances. Great food. And if you are really daring – order the fruit plate. Take a picture. And if you finish it – ALL OF IT – you are my personal hero.
Best Secret Restaurant: Secret Pizza
(no url… it’s a secret)
Yeah, not so much anymore, as it is sooooo good. Secret Pizza is in the Cosmopolitan Casino and Resort, a few block south of the conference. They are known to have some of the all-time best pizza anywhere, so maybe it is worth the visit. To find it, go up to the restaurant floor (third floor). At the left of the Jaleo restaurant, there is a narrow hallway with album covers lining the wall. Go down this hallway to the pizza place.
Best Spot for Breakfast: Hash House A Go Go
http://www.hashhouseagogo.com/
I am not really certain how best to describe the Hash House. The food there is incredible, and the quantities are huge. If you are a “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” type of person, this is your place. And while their ingredients are as fresh as they come, this place is not for the “healthy” types. It is always voted as one of the best breakfast spots in pretty much every location where they have a restaurant.
Best Restaurants for Those on a Budget: White Castle and Denny's at Casino Royale
http://www.whitecastlevegas.com/
http://locations.dennys.com/NV/LAS-VEGAS/200141
Probably not what you consider gourmet dining by any means, especially when there are so many awesome options in Las Vegas. But there are times that you just want to eat and then get back to the conference (or tables), and the Casino Royale, located right next to the Venetian, actually has some pretty decent low cost options. White Castle moved there a couple of years ago, and their sliders are of special renown (I personally think their crinkle cut fries are the best). The Denny’s has just been completely remodeled, and also happens to be the most profitable Denny’s in the world. Again, maybe not where you want to take a prospective customer, but a person’s gotta eat, right?
I hope these have been interesting for you. The next part of this series will be a brief list of things to see and do while at the re:Invent conference.
See ya there, and make certain to stop by the Cryptzone booth at the conference – Booth #1918
Yeah, not so much anymore, as it is sooooo good. Secret Pizza is in the Cosmopolitan Casino and Resort, a few block south of the conference. They are known to have some of the all-time best pizza anywhere, so maybe it is worth the visit. To find it, go up to the restaurant floor (third floor). At the left of the Jaleo restaurant, there is a narrow hallway with album covers lining the wall. Go down this hallway to the pizza place.
Best Spot for Breakfast: Hash House A Go Go
http://www.hashhouseagogo.com/
I am not really certain how best to describe the Hash House. The food there is incredible, and the quantities are huge. If you are a “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” type of person, this is your place. And while their ingredients are as fresh as they come, this place is not for the “healthy” types. It is always voted as one of the best breakfast spots in pretty much every location where they have a restaurant.
Best Restaurants for Those on a Budget: White Castle and Denny's at Casino Royale
http://www.whitecastlevegas.com/
http://locations.dennys.com/NV/LAS-VEGAS/200141
Probably not what you consider gourmet dining by any means, especially when there are so many awesome options in Las Vegas. But there are times that you just want to eat and then get back to the conference (or tables), and the Casino Royale, located right next to the Venetian, actually has some pretty decent low cost options. White Castle moved there a couple of years ago, and their sliders are of special renown (I personally think their crinkle cut fries are the best). The Denny’s has just been completely remodeled, and also happens to be the most profitable Denny’s in the world. Again, maybe not where you want to take a prospective customer, but a person’s gotta eat, right?
I hope these have been interesting for you. The next part of this series will be a brief list of things to see and do while at the re:Invent conference.
See ya there, and make certain to stop by the Cryptzone booth at the conference – Booth #1918
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