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Security for the Paranoid

Posted by timothy on from the middle-firewall-is-spying-on-you dept.

Stephenmg writes "In Security for the Paranoid, Mark Burnett talks about his computer security methods after other Security profesionals say he is too Paranoid. 'Paranoia is the key to success in the security world. Is it time to worry when other security professionals consider you too paranoid? I require my kids to use at least 14 character passwords on our home network and I'm considering issuing them smart cards.' I don't see anything wrong with his methods."

12 of 449 comments (clear)

  1. Burnett by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Mark Burnett talks about his computer security methods...

    "Outwit, outplay, and outlast those pesky script-kiddies."

  2. paranoid? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    get with it man, you're not important, nobody wants your porn

  3. Not secure enough... by stefanlasiewski · · Score: 5, Funny

    The only truely secure computer is one which is switched off and disconnected from the network.

    And smashed with a sledgehammer.

    And set on fire, to the temperature of 600F, which should be sufficient to destroy the magnetic bits in the hard drive.

    And then nuke it from orbit, it's the only way to be sure.

    --
    "Can of worms? The can is open... the worms are everywhere."
    1. Re:Not secure enough... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      " The only truely secure computer is one which is ... disconnected from the network."

      That's why I recommend Comcast for all your security needs!

  4. Convenience = 1/Security by winkydink · · Score: 5, Funny

    And this guy is set up very secure.

    Is he mentally ill? Let's just say he doesn't sound like the type of person I'd want to have a beer with.

    In fact, he sounds a lot more like the type of person who has food, water & weapons buried in the woods for the coming Apocalypse.

    --

    "I'd rather be a lightning rod than a seismometer." -Ken Kesey

    1. Re:Convenience = 1/Security by ClickNMix · · Score: 5, Funny

      In fact, he sounds a lot more like the type of person who has food, water & weapons buried in the woods for the coming Apocalypse.

      But if you did have a beer with him, come the Apocalypse, maybe he'd let you have some of his food and water.

      --
      I saw the light at the end of the tunnel... But it was just someone with a flashlight bringing more work.
  5. It's a good start by empty+drum · · Score: 5, Funny

    Paranoia's a good starting point for the IT Security beginner, but well-informed abject fear is the mark of a seasoned professional.

    --
    Creative Commons music that doesn't suck: emptydrum.com
  6. Is it just me or... by mattmentecky · · Score: 5, Funny

    Does it seem kind of stupid, especially for the 'security paranoid', to announce to the public that you use "at least 14 character passwords"? Seems to me you just set a lower bound and cut out 13^128 possibilities for a cracker :-p

  7. Re:14 character password? by MrP-(at+work) · · Score: 5, Funny

    "What's the difference between a random 14 digit password and a random 6 digit password?" 8 digits?

    --
    [an error occurred while processing this directive]
  8. Re:14 character password? by saintp · · Score: 5, Funny
    The former is on a sticky note under the keyboard.

    Did I win?

    --
    Another one bites the dust
  9. Re:smart cards? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    kids need 14 character passwords to protect it inside your home?

    Their passwords are probably things like:

    my_dad_is_an_asshole!
    hereismy14characterpasswo rdyounutjob

  10. Microsoft is not the problem by mkmoose · · Score: 5, Funny

    The problem is his kids! What about the social engineering risks. Someone could just buy his kids a six pack in exchange for their passwords. The only logical solution is to get rid of his kids. Probably get rid of his wife too. I doubt she can really be trusted to have acess to the system.