Ted Demopoulos - Infosec Rock Star: How to Accelerate Your Career Because Geek Will Only Get You So Far

Ted, I have known you for nearly 30 years yes, that long and I am not sure I have ever shared with you how much of a mentor you have been to me. I would probably not be where I am right not if I had not known you, and I want everyone to know what formidable knowledge, wisdom and FUN you bring around you and this book embodies all of that.

Pierre Noel, Chief Information Security and Privacy Officer, Huawei, Shanghai

Ted, to those about to rock, I salute you and always enjoy listening and learning from you. I always pickup new tips and tricks.

Dr. Eric Cole, SANS Fellow, inventor of over 20 patents, author of numerous books, etc. Washington, DC

Security is a process and people game. The technology is always shifting. This is a book which helps focus on the individuals who are on the front lines of the everyday security battles. For this, it is a timeless book.

John Strand, Owner, Black Hills Information Security, CTO, Offensive Countermeasures, Spearfish, South Dakota

The Information Security profession has finally matured to the point where there are great white papers, guides, and books for nearly every esoteric technical topic imaginable. This book, though, is the only one thats focused solely on personal development. It explores the ingredients - the methods, tools and techniques - that set top Infosec professionals apart from the crowd. In the same way a cube of ice can open up the flavors and aromas of a fine Irish whiskey, this self-help guide distills the secrets of success down into a wonderfully palatable mix of humor and good advice about how to stand out in a crowd of super-smart, talented people. If youre serious about launching your effectiveness as a practitioner and your career to the next level, RTFM.

Cindy Murphy, President at Gillware Digital Forensics, Madison, Wisconsin

Ted provides practical advice to help you become a modern security professional who goes beyond technical skills to advance to the next level. Read this book to learn how to create more value for your organization and ultimately the most value for yourself.

Frank Kim, CISO and Curriculum Lead, SANS Institute, San Francisco, California

Attending one of Teds Infosec Rockstar talks changed my professional trajectory as a digital forensics practitioner. Ted has this amazing ability to help geeks and nerds like us who love science and technology, to become better versions of ourselves by equipping us with strategies to really make a difference beyond just our technical and scientific expertise. Teds passion for improving cybersecurity in the world starts with his passion for making us the best cybersecurity professionals we can be.

Jason Jordaan, Principal Partner, DFIRLABS, South Africa (and SANS Community Instructor)

The InfoSec Rockstar book is something that you will want to reread on a regular basis as you contemplate your career in cyber security. It will inform you, inspire you, and cause you to evaluate the trajectory of your career. Every time I revisit the material, I gain new insights to apply to my personal growth as a security professional. In fact, Ive recommended it to all of my colleagues and those I mentor.

Kenneth G. Hartman, SAP, Palo Alto, California

Ted has been responsible for improving the way I approach clients, and tackle projects. His approach is more atypical, but it tends to be a more personal and tailored approach, aiming to benefit the audience, client, etc. as much as possible. By employing this in my day to day activities I noticed that I build much stronger and trusted relationships, both professionally and personally. Ted, keep on moving forward!

Larry Vandenaweele, Security Consultant, PwC, Brussels, Belgium

If you started or about to start your journey the Cyber security arena, filled with passion and you want to rock, you need to take it from the rock stars like Ted. His wisdom and knowledge are available to guide you though. Thanks Ted.

Amna Almadhoob, Information Security Analyst, Bahrain

It isnt just about what you know! Ted will take you to the next level with his sage advice on positioning yourself for the next big step in your career. This book is a MUST READ for tomorrows cyber-security rock stars!

Doc Blackburn, IT Risk and Compliance, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado

Infosec Rockstar

HOW TO ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER
BECAUSE GEEK WILL ONLY GET YOU SO FAR

TED DEMOPOULOS

NEW YORK

NASHVILLEMELBOURNEVANCOUVER

INFOSEC Rockstar

How To Accelerate Your Career Because Geek Will Only Get You So Far

2017 Ted Demopoulos

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or otherexcept for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Published in New York, New York, by Morgan James Publishing. Morgan James is a trademark of Morgan James, LLC. www.MorganJamesPublishing.com

The Morgan James Speakers Group can bring authors to your live event. For more information or to book an event visit The Morgan James Speakers Group at www.TheMorganJamesSpeakersGroup.com.

ISBN 9781683504825 paperback

ISBN 9781683504832 eBook

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017902896

Cover Design by:

Chris Treccani

www.3dogdesign.net

Interior Design by:

Chris Treccani

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In an effort to support local communities, raise awareness and funds, Morgan James Publishing donates a percentage of all book sales for the life of each book to Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg.

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M any people grow up admiring, envying, or wanting to become a Rock Star. The fame and money that come along with them are things often desired. My question to you is, why cant you be a Rock Star?

It is amazes me how people put limits upon themselves. I often hear, I could never become famous or make a big difference in the world, and my response is, You are absolutely right based on your mental state. Never trying something is guaranteed failure. If you have certainty and give it 100% you can do anything you wantand that is the mentality of a Rock Star. One of my favorite songs is Journeys Dont Stop Believin . Ask yourself every day what one thing is you can do to achieve Rock Star status. If you are not sure, then this book is for you. Ted will take you through the process. The only thing you have to decide is, do you want to sit on the sidelines and complain or kick some ass and do great things?

Rock Star status is often associated with musicians. As a product of the 80s, I think of AC/DC, Motley Cre, and Bon Jovi. While Rock Stars certainly exist in the music industry, you can be a Rock Star in any industry. In its most basic sense, a Rock Star is someone who has recognized mastery in a given field. There are really two key components: 1) being recognized, known, or sought after, and 2) mastery or expertise in your field. This book is about the first.

The fact that you have this amazing book means you want to be an Infosec Rock Star. With geeks, the missing ingredient is the recognized component. Most of us have some level of mastery, we just need to work on the non-technical skills. Being a geek implies you have the technical expertise and are regularly increasing it, but the real question is, are you getting the credit and making the money you deserve?