OptikSurfer Speaks

Commenting on the following story: http://au.christiantoday.com/article/bishop-spong-attracts-new-criticism-from-adelaide-anglicans/3123.htm

I am awesomely impressed by Archbishop Peter Jenson’s stance against Spong (I refuse to refer to him as a Bishop) by ordering that all Anglican Churches in the Sydney Diocese to be closed to Spong.

I wasn’t too fussed when Phillip Aspinall - the Archbishop of Brisbane became Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia - he didn’t seem like such a bad bloke really - more of a non-event if anything. But his actions in inviting Spong to Australia puts him in my idiot books. How a man in such an esteemed position in the Anglican community could associate himself and the Anglican Church with Spong is beyond me.

To be clear. Spong does not believe that Jesus died for our sins, or the resurrection. Without these critical things, you can’t call yourself a Christian. If you do you are lying to yourself and anyone else you spread your crap beliefs too.

For Aspinall to have invited him here gives me grave doubt that he should be representing Anglicans at all. I would like his position on Spong clarified and if he says he supports him in any way, he should resign not only as Primate, but as Archbishop as well. If I was a part of the Brisbane Diocese I would be kicking up as much of a storm as I could - not that anyone would listen to me anyway, but as Christians, we can’t let this just go un-commented on.

So, my opinion is that Spong is NOT a Christian - a big call, but considering what he stands for, what else can you say.

…Optik

From a Slashdot post:

“Time has an interesting article about the failure of the US educational system to properly deal with gifted students. For example, up to ten times as much money is spent nationwide on educating ‘developmentally disabled’ students as gifted ones. Does No Child Left Behind mean that nobody can get ahead, either?”

I find this really interesting. I know at my high-school there was nothing official for gifted kids… It was only my english teacher who saw my potential and submitted some of my work to a special programme at RMIT for early entrance. He was great, but the school did nothing for the most part. And yes, there were lots of things being done for the developmentally challenged.

…Optik

Hey all,

Sorry I am being slack and not posting, but I am feeling motivated to have a say about things again! The posts will be more general than just computer security issues, but they will still be here.

…Optik

I’ve been thinking for a while about a career change. For the past 11 years, all I have done is work in ISP business - there was a period where I did work at a corporate, but during that I also managed some ISPs networks…. then of course there was that small ‘other’ period that we don’t talk about much.

After having been on the wrong side of the law for a period, it doesn’t mitigate that I have always found a strange attraction to the law and the sense of what is right.

So, taking my security knowledge, and my love of all things law like (forensics, corporate security policies, invesigations, etc etc), I am considering going into the area of CyberTerrorism, CyberCrime, Infrastructure Protection, and things like that.

Macquarie University has a new school called the Centre for Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism (www.pict.mq.edu.au). They offer a certificate, diploma and post graduate courses as well as short courses in things like:

* Reporting Terrorism: Is Publicity Everything? 2-3 Feb
* Responding to Chemical, Biological and Radiological Attacks: 20-21 Feb
* Asia Pacific: Threats & Opportunities: 6 Mar
* Terrorism, Public Disorder & Intelligence Analysis: 20-24 Mar
* Intelligence in Counter Terrorism: 27-28 Mar
* Terrorist Organisations: 29-31 Mar
* Cyber Crime 2010: 3 Apr
* Personal Security Awareness Training (PSAT): 27-28 Apr
* Security & Business in Government: 8-12 May (RPL)
* Policing Paradigms: What Next? 19 Jun
* Forensics: An Introduction: 7 Jul
* Emergency Services - Strategic Management: 17 Jul
* Suicide Missions: Strategic Logic, Planning, Recruitment and Impact: 11 Aug
* The Dynamics of Extremist Groups: 8 Sept
* Terrorism and Counterterrorism: 25-29 Sept (RPL)
* Illicit Drugs - Next Generation: 13 Oct

The executive programme has units like:

PICT801 Theories of Political Violence and Terrorism
PICT802 Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
PICT803 Regional Security and Intelligence
PICT804 International Security and the State
PICT805 Media and Security
PICT806 Strategic Policing and Intelligence
PICT807 Forensic Science and Security
PICT808 Cybercrime and Cyberterrorism

I’m thinking of doing a couple of the short courses and also PICT808… this stuff is seriously interesting. With my past, I’ll never be able to go into law enforcement (not that I would want to with their crap pay), but consulting… who knows… and even if not at a LEA, then the corporate world will start to need more and more of this kind of knowledge in their business endevours.

I’ve heard that the computer security field is now breaking up into specialisations, which is excellent… it means that security is being finally taken seriously.

Anyway.. this is a medium term plan… I am happy running and building ISPs for now.

…Optik

I am disappointed in - I guess, Muslims in general – for their lack of tolerance. I have held back in commenting on all the tensions in the world that involve Muslims and what has been happening – not just overseas, but increasingly locally.

With the rise of violence in Cronulla and the ensuing riots, a general national negative attitude has started to form against Muslims in general. I know many Australians who feel confused by what they perceived to be some sort of invasion – a threat – a religious force – that we are being forced to accept.

Muslims are a fact of life, just like Jews, Christians and the numerous other religions. Australia is not just multi-cultural; it is also heavily multi-religious – with many religions mixing on a daily basis – for the most part - in peace. Religious diversity in our community is a pretty normal thing these days. Sure, some particular cultural groups like to cluster in certain areas, but for the most part, there is some degree of religious diversity pretty much everywhere.

Thinking about the Cronulla situation has led me to some interesting ideas though. Primarily, most Muslims in Australia are either immigrants or children of them. Many are new to our country – and I would like to believe we make them welcome. I would like to think that for the most part we are tolerant of their religion and beliefs and in Australia we rarely have religious/cultural hostilities…. Until Cronulla… and now it seems to be expanding – with Muslim youths from various backgrounds being more obviously involved in gang related activity and the general level of hostilities is growing all the time. This is leading to “Aussies” to start to fight back – which I understand was the whole point of Cronulla.

I was at the new Blacktown shopping centre recently and was walking to my car and in front of me were a man and his wife (who was dressed in a burka) – obviously Muslims. I attempted to give them a friendly smile as if to say ‘hi, hope you’re having a nice day’. The look of death I got was just unexpected.

Now, while I am a Christian, I also have a couple of Muslim friends who I have discussed Islam with and tried to understand their culture and beliefs a little. Thankfully, these friends have been quite open, and they say that there is a growing feeling of un-easiness among Muslims due to the current terrorist activities and locally, Cronulla being a big impact, many Muslims think they are going to be beaten up since they are a huge minority. They do comment though, that this is fostered by the hysterical rhetoric from some ‘dumb’ Muslims who really don’t know their scriptures and believe some garbage that is being spouted in some circles and not necessarily based on any real or perceived threat. They also point out to me that like Christianity, many Muslims, while being a ‘Muslim’, are like holiday Christians, who don’t really believe – or do, but not enough to openly express or commit to their faith.

My Muslim friends also comment that the Muslim extremists around the world have done more harm to Islam over the last 10 years than any other extremist group has to it’s claimed parentage.

One thing that really pisses me off is - I believe that as Australians, we really are tolerant to Muslims, and any other religion for that matter. But, the Muslims demand for us to respect their beliefs – and while I think we do respect them – My question is, Do they respect Christian (or other) beliefs who are minorities in their predominately Muslim countries?

In nearly total Muslim countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, and 25+ others who are over 95% Muslim; Christians (and others) are stoned, killed, burnt alive and tortured for openly declaring their faith, and even if they are quiet, they are treated like 2nd class citizens.

In some counties, merely talking to a Christian is enough for severe punishment, and converting away from Islam to Christianity – well that’s a whole other world of pain, which Islam basically calls for the death of that person.

I would like to see religious freedom everywhere. Let the Muslims try and do their evangelism, and let the Christians do theirs.

Muslims in Australia should realise one key thing… they are in Australia – a country with less than 2% Muslims – that they should be tolerant of our society. They are not in their country with their local customs. They are sitting on Cronulla beach – and they need to share it just as fairly as we share it with them. They can’t demand we give them special areas for their women to go into a pool –this is Australia – realise where you live – leave the hostilities at home where you came from… join us, and become true Australians and demand tolerance for everyone.

…Optik

Rutger Hauer, an often under-represented actor in Hollywood, who in my opinion has had some of the best roles in movie history. He has currently been in 97 movies - many of them forgetful, but his acting was rarely forgetful. Blade Runner, Lady Hawk, Blind Fury, and most recently Sin City and Batman Begins.

Blade Runner is a movie which to me, is more than a movie…. I don’t mean that in some spiritual sense, but in that while I thought the movie was a great flick, it is its soundtrack that has most impacted my life.

I have written perhaps over half of all my writing with that soundtrack playing in the background. I guess that the very few lyrics and changes of pace in the soundtrack helped spark those creative juices.

But… one thing sticks out from the movie more than anything else was the soliloquy of Rutger Hauer’s character Roy Batty at the end of the movie, which for all observations looks like a great piece of script writing, but was actually completely adlibed. Apparently Ridley Scott just stood there, gobsmacked, ignored what was actually written in the script and said ‘That’s a wrap’. It just shows the level of characterisation that Rutger went to.

Here it is:

“I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe.
Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion.
I watched C-beams … glitter in the dark near Tanhauser Gate.
All those …
moments will be lost …
in time, like tears … in rain.

Time … to die.” — Roy Batty

At 5pm on Monday the 23rd of July I waited in the foyer of the Four Points Hotel in Sydney to meet with the Talented Mr Mitnick. I was slightly nervous I guess because while I know I am good at what I do - he is much better at what he does – and much more famous for it.

Kevin was in town doing the keynote speech for the Citrix iForum Asia Pacific 2005 - in which he spoke on Social Engineering - which is his primary bread and butter these days.

We spent a couple of hours talking about the different approaches and techniques of social engineering and identity theft (among others) between the United States and Australia. What works there, works here, doesn’t there, wouldn’t here. It was really good to talk to someone who knows their stuff.

We also talked about a few other ‘businessy’ things before he went off to dinner with someone.

He left me with a signed copy of his latest book ‘The Art of Intrusion’ - which I have already read. Like his first book (The Art of Deception) ‘Intrusion’ is an excellent read and promotes awareness of Social Engineering through real life stories.

Kevin was that day interviewed by Four Corners for a story they are doing on identity theft which will be shown in about 3 weeks time… when/if I have a date I will let you know.

…Optik

A guy named Bill Swanson, CEO of Aerospace contractor Raytheon, wrote a few notes on being a good CEO or leader. These morphed over the years to become the a 75 page book which has become an underground hit among senior execs in the US. To get a hold of the book/notes/powerpoint you had to be part in the ‘in’ crowd. Now Bill, who could have published the book and made millions, is giving it away for free. You just pop onto his website, fill out your details and he will send it to you (probably someone does it for him though ;-)

There are many books out there which teach you to become a good leader or manager, but while most of what Bill says is common sense, it is good to see someone has put it together so well. They say wisdom is the ability to discern what is right - or simply - common sense. This guy takes a very honest approach in his management philosophy and sounds like he would be excellent to work for.

Here are the basic rules…

Bill Swanson’s ‘25 Unwritten Rules of Management’
1. Learn to say, “I don’t know.” If used when appropriate, it will be often.
2. It is easier to get into something than it is to get out of it.
3. If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much.
4. Look for what is missing. Many know how to improve what’s there, but few can see what isn’t there.
5. Viewgraph rule: When something appears on a viewgraph (an overhead transparency[, or powerpoint]), assume the world knows about it, and deal with it accordingly.
6. Work for a boss with whom you are comfortable telling it like it is. Remember that you can’t pick your relatives, but you can pick your boss.
7. Constantly review developments to make sure that the actual benefits are what they are supposed to be. Avoid Newton’s Law.
8. However menial and trivial your early assignments may appear, give them your best efforts.
9. Persistence or tenacity is the disposition to persevere in spite of difficulties, discouragement, or indifference. Don’t be known as a good starter but a poor finisher.
10. In completing a project, don’t wait for others; go after them, and make sure it gets done.
11. Confirm your instructions and the commitments of others in writing. Don’t assume it will get done!
12. Don’t be timid; speak up. Express yourself, and promote your ideas.
13. Practice shows that those who speak the most knowingly and confidently often end up with the assignment to get it done.
14. Strive for brevity and clarity in oral and written reports.
15. Be extremely careful of the accuracy of your statements.
16. Don’t overlook the fact that you are working for a boss.
* Keep him or her informed. Avoid surprises!
* Whatever the boss wants takes top priority.
17. Promises, schedules, and estimates are important instruments in a well-ordered business.
* You must make promises. Don’t lean on the often-used phrase, “I can’t estimate it because it depends upon many uncertain factors.”
18. Never direct a complaint to the top. A serious offense is to “cc” a person’s boss.
19. When dealing with outsiders, remember that you represent the company. Be careful of your commitments.
20. Cultivate the habit of “boiling matters down” to the simplest terms. An elevator speech is the best way.
21. Don’t get excited in engineering emergencies. Keep your feet on the ground.
22. Cultivate the habit of making quick, clean-cut decisions.
23. When making decisions, the pros are much easier to deal with than the cons. Your boss wants to see the cons also.
24. Don’t ever lose your sense of humor.
25. Have fun at what you do. It will reflect in your work. No one likes a grump except another grump.

I can’t think of many leaders I’ve worked under in my working career that have barely used any of these. If I could only find someone with these attitudes to work for - and if I could be a person who embodies these principles in my life as a manager.

…Optik

Business 2.0 article - http://www.business2.com/b2/web/articles/0,17863,1069237,00.html
Another article - http://www.ccgmedia.com/article_william_swanson.php (source of list)

The London bombings are sad for those who were hurt and injured. But the adnausium media coverage is making me annoyed.

The almost daily bombings in Israel and Palestine are almost not even news worthy anymore… You think if the English were bombed every day it would become boring? Oh wait - that’s already happened in the past re the IRA.

Surely the english know the consequences of pissing people off - not that it’s right what these terrorist are doing - but that had to expect it. Will other allies of the global war on terrorism be next? France, Japan, Australia, Germany? Most likely these terrorists will get around to us as well… and stupidly we will be caught by suprise as well.

..Optik

I recently re-read Kevin Mitnick’s ‘Art of Intrusion’. This time I tried to look at it from the perspective where I might look at starting to train people in Social Engineering tactics and concepts. In Australia there is no one doing training like this and I find it quite surprising.

Kevin’s book has its ‘geographical’ flaws for sure, number one being that the content is very American centric. But the idea behind most of the examples in the book are based on how Americans think which in my opinion is influenced by the underlining fear of authority that Americans have in general.

In Australia, I think large companies (which are most of what Kevin focuses on) would not be as (if at all) vulnerable to many of the technique he describes. That is not to say that Australian companies aren’t vulnerable - they most certainly are…. and maybe even more so than American companies because while American have an inherent fear of authority, Australia has a inherent trust in… Well, practically anyone (huge generalisation of course).

In Australia, your con, or story barely has to be surface deep before people are willing to help. Corporate crime, industrial espionage, and such are concepts that are not familiar to our culture. I am not saying we are stupid, but I am saying we are so way more trustworthy than we should be. Especially in areas of business which are truly sensitive. We have the ‘no one would bother’ or ’she’ll be right mate’ attitude.

What Kevin’s book has done for me, is pointed out to me that Social Engineering in Australia is so in its infancy and that if people really wanted to, they could take corporate Australia for the biggest ride of its life.

Industrial Espionage is not even criminalised in Australia - says how seriously we take this kind of thing.

I am writing an article on this subject for publication - probably soon, and I will post here when it is ready.

Anyhow, the book is an excellent read – I don’t know if it is available locally as I buy nearly all my hardcover books from Amazon as they are nearly always cheaper.

…Optik