Information security profession is a growing field these days, as revealed in many surveys like the one by IDC/ ISC2. (I am tempted to quote these surveys, but here I am holding back the researcher within me and bringing to bear the teacher with a specific cause). Such surveys have pointed to the need of information security professionals in large numbers across all continents. Well, this is being tackled on various fronts like academic dimension with university programs at undergraduate or postgraduate level, corporate dimension having focused, need-based programs and professional dimension offering various security certifications, both vendor-neutral and brand-specific. Besides, there are cases of industry-academic participation at work, too.
Another facet of information security – and IMHO more pertinent one – is the necessity to gain an optimal awareness of the topic on the part of those who are not in the information security profession. Umpteen news-bits keep on pouring daily, providing the account of unfortunate victims of cybercrime. The common denominator for majority of them is a lack of minimal awareness of the security as a topic of vital importance in this era of Internet. Well, how do we – the netizens of cyberworld – address it?
Instead of harping on the formal and organized vehicles that I have been using out of my passion and profession, I would rather turn to an apparently simplistic and yet highly potent movement in this first-ever blog of mine on information security education. This is an appeal to all our fraternity of information security professionals, to offer an informal mentoring to at least one person every quarter, if not every month. This idea of ‘Each One, Teach One’ could go a long way to spread security-literacy.
Think of some colleague at your office, a fellow-player in your pastime club, a personal friend, or even a family member. Start out with a relevant security matter of common interest close to the heart and easy to digest for most of them. Consider for example, physical security issues with your household. Even the mundane matters of door bolts and window grills could be so much absorbing, that I would love to post one blog just on that. Frankly, the topic and the teaching method are secondary; what really counts is the dogged determination. It may seem far-stretched, but if we all make this chain-effect happen, information security education will spread like a wild fire. Success of many multi-link-marketing schemes has demonstrated it in the commercial arena and a few unsung stories of manifold growth of voluntary organizations in social sphere.
Will your new mentoring role bring any good to you? Certainly, yes. Firstly, my experience guides me that each coaching session gives a deep sense of satisfaction. Secondly, as you explain a point or two, many more hitherto hazy concepts in your mind get ironed out and streamlined; as they say, teaching is the best way of learning. Plus, a few new ideas will occasionally spring up, stunning you with their spark of ingenuity. And, in the end, who knows, this preaching penchant may even change the course of your own life, too. … like it did for me.
