As a global recruiter of security professionals, Las Vegas has always been on the bucket list and this week I am incredibly excited to be attending DEF CON, Black Hat and Bsides.
As a Vegas security conference “novice”, I approached the last few weeks with excitement and I am grateful for all the advice I have been given by my contacts in the Australian security community.
Since here in person, I have been advised by a number of conference veterans on “how to survive black hat” and the “Top 5 things to do (and not to do) in Vegas”. Whilst many are here to sharpen their skills or make new connections, it’s obvious that some also come for the conference and stay for … well, all things Vegas.
The consistent piece of advice that I have been given by just about everyone I have spoken to is “not to log on to wifi” ANYWHERE. Now, in my defence (even as a novice), I know the conference venues will be a hive of activity and opportunity for the hacking community to show off their wares, but I was surprised to learn that most major hotels, shopping centres and even the Las Vegas airport are “open targets” during the weeks surrounding the conference.
The topic of “free wifi” and what it actually means to both the public and the provider got me thinking; “just how many users really understand the risks of accessing “free wifi” The list of free public hotspots is endless and the majority of people, particularly young people, will access a wifi connection anywhere, anytime without a seconds thought. It begs the question, “Is anything really free?” and should prompt us to consider what are the real issues with accessing (personal or browsing) online information via a service run and accessed by people unknown.
In a recent article from The Register, I was surprised to read just how easy it is for a hacker to break into a private wireless network. I also appreciated the tips around securing my work and private laptops. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/05/20/https_wifi_trust_in_a_public_place/
What also surprises me is that this isn’t just a concern for teenagers hanging out in their local malls or unwitting students. You only have to look at the recent Republican convention in the US where over a 1200 people logged on to the free Wi-Fi network labelled “I vote Trump! free Internet.” without fully understanding or appreciating the risks of doing so. As an aside – I couldnt believe that out of the 68% of users compromised through the fake wifi; only 5% were playing Pokeman go! http://nymag.com/selectall/2016/07/if-youre-at-the-rnc-you-might-want-to-double-check-your-wifi.html
I should point out that not every Internet café, shopping centre, hotel or public space is littered with hackers wanting to steal your info, but do you really want all your sensitive information in the wrong hands?” I know I don’t!
So, to protect yourself from appearing on the “wall of sheep” please consider the following tips:
After some soul searching I have decided to ditch the burner phone, but I am still brining the tin foil hat.
Wish me luck!
Welcoming the latest member to join The Onset! Reema started her recruitment journey in 2010 and has specialised in recruiting for a range of technology based roles. Here at The Onset, Reema will join the team with a focus on .Net contract roles.
Contact Reema today to find your next opportunity by calling her on 0499 332 019 or email her at reema@theonset.com.au
#sydneyjobs #techrecruitment #theonset #softwareengineering #recruitment #jobopportunities
Welcoming Barbara to our Embedded Software team here at The Onset. She specialises in C, C++ and Assembly.
Looking for a new opportunity? Find out what's out there for you now by contacting Barbara on 0414 048 936 or barbara@theonset.com.au
#embeddedsoftware #opportunities #recruitmentnews #sydneyjobs #c++ #c
1 in 5 people each year experience a form of mental illness, which means it's very likely that someone in your business could be affected right now. Have you thought about how you are equipped to support them?
It's mental health awareness month and time to tune into others and importantly our own self care and mental well being.
Black Dog Institute is offering free online workshops and training for small to medium business in NSW to promote the implementation of wellbeing strategies and reduce the stigma of mental health in the workplace. Check it out here - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/education-services/workplaces/mental-health-at-work-nsw/
#mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness
Introducing Sasha to the Onset team! Sasha joins us recruiting for Software Engineering roles specialising in Java.
Get in touch to find out what opportunities are out there for you on 0435 026 648 or oleksandra@theonset.com.au
#softwareengineering #java #recruitmentadvice #sydneyjobs #recruitmentnews
Congratulations to Dan O'Donnell on receiving the Onset Impact award as nominated by our managers and to Priya Vase on winning the teams vote for the People's Choice! Well deserved 🏆💐
Introducing Alyse who has just joined The Onset in the marketing and operations team!
She will be a part of building the Onset brand and see the smooth running of the office including supporting our amazing consultants.
Get in touch today if you have any queries about The Onset or want to know more about your next opportunity. Call us on 0438 706 627.
Last week we celebrated The Onset's 5th Birthday! It was a fun filled evening reflecting on the achievements of the team and some of our visions for the future.
We want to say a big thank you to all of our clients and candidates who have been on the journey with us so far and we look forward to the years to come!
Cheers 🍾
Danielle recently joined our software engineering team at The Onset, where she specialises in backend technologies for contract and permanent roles.
She's your go to if you're experienced in .NET, C#, Java or PHP. If you're looking for your next role in one of Sydney's leading startups then get in touch, danielle@theonset.com.au 0435 762 005.
Welcome Danielle!
#softwareengineering #recruitment #opportunities #sydneyjobs #recruiting #backendengineering #theonset #jobopportunities #java # engineering #jobs #recruiter #php
What a truly special donation from our one and only Priya who recently decided to cut off her long locks for an amazing cause. Her pony tails will be donated to @sustainablesalonsanz who will turn the hair into wigs for children who have lost their hair due to medical reasons such as cancer or alopecia. These wigs are utterly life changing and can significantly improve someone’s life who is going through something so difficult. Amazing @priyavase!
And doesn’t it suit her!
The Onset’s first Be Your Own Hero of 2020!
We believe that we all harbour the potential to be unstoppable!
Having a ‘Be Your Own Hero’ event is an opportunity for us to unlock that potential by facing new challenges and working together to overcome them.
Our latest challenge was scaling over 2900 square metres of climbing walls, 50 degree overhangs and 25 kilometre routes, whilst putting your trust in the hands of one of your team mates.
Give a huge Onset Welcome to Mikky Hughes!
We are absolutely delighted to have Mikky join the team as our Associate Account Manager for Information Security. We can’t wait for you to meet her!
Why not get in touch to find out what opportunities are out there for you on 0419 044 837 or mikky@theonset.com.au.
#informationsecurity #recruitmentnews #opportunities #sydneyjobs #getstarted #recruitmentadvice