J. Kenneth Fanger - Relax: A Guide To True Cyber Security

Thank you for joining me on this crazy journey that I hope you will find both fun and informative. I wrote this book because I found many of the cyber security books were focused on making you feel bad, victimized, and that the world is a dark and dangerous place. I wanted a book that showed that even us cyber security folks can make mistakes (its true!), and that if we can recover from them, so can you!

This book is the work of a lifetime of trying to help people relax and enjoy life, even in the midst of cyber security troubles. Yes, bad things are inevitably going to happen to us, but that doesnt mean we have to give in to despair. Ill share some of the mistakes that Ive made, as well as examples of others, and how we can work together to address the cyber dangers of the modern world.

If Im successful with this work, youll be able to take a deep breath and RELAX, giving yourself the time to be more thoughtful and strategic in how you respond to cyber threats. Not only will this process be less stressful overall, but itll also make you happier and more successful when problems do happen.

With RELAX, my goal is to help you be more mindful of cyber security, and to take the time to stop and think before responding to a cyber threatrather than reacting (and yes, there is a difference). If theres one thing that Ive learned from the many friends and family members that have supported me on this journey, its that being in a panic leads to bad decisions and poor results.

Youll also learn more about my core philosophy that I try to live my life by (I learned it on an airplane!). That philosophy is this: Always put the oxygen mask on yourself first. If youre not taking care of yourself and addressing your needs first, you cant help others to address their needs. Cyber security is no different. You need to get your mindset right before you try to address any cyber threats or attacks that come your way. Put your oxygen mask on first and youll be in a better position to succeed and to help others.

Even though Im the author of this book, it could not have happened without the help and support of so many others. I have a wonderfully long list of friends to thank, but there are several that must get top attention.

Before I start thanking all the amazing people that have made this book possible, I wanted to share a program that I think every small business should take part in: The 10KSB. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program (10KSB) helps small businesses learn how to change and grow by providing them with greater access to education, capital, and business support services. It helped me to change into a cyber-security-focused company from an implementation company. This program deserves recognition for the way in which it changed my life and our company.

Id like to take a moment to share how things can change in your life, based on the decisions and choices you make. My Editor, Shanti, shared with me that she was surprised at how much she enjoyed reading about cyber security as she edited this book. As she told me how much she enjoyed the stories I shared and the way I relayed information in such a fun and enjoyable way (with a sprinkle of my quirky humor), I thought back to my high school days. I had an English teacher tell me I would never be able to write and that I should just give up. Looking back, I see how easy it would have been to listen to people, like my teacher, who said I could never do this or that, and to just give up. I am proof that you can do more than you think you can, and with the right helpthank you Shanti, you can reach beyond your dreams.

Id like to thank my rock, my boss and wife, Lucy. When I say that she is my boss, I mean it in every sense of the word. She has been the owner of On Technology Partners with me from the very beginning. It is her leadership and support that has made the company and my life so successful. She has been my partner and mentor, and it is only with her support that I am able to do what I do. Along with my two sons, they are the foundation of my entire life.

Id like to thank Antonio for always reminding me that family is first in all things. This is the core of our company, as well as my personal view on life. He has shown me that any hardship can be overcome with family by your side.

Id like to thank Ben for always reminding me that its possible to overcome all hardships. His resilience and resolve are an inspiration to me.

Id also like to thank Marguerite for keeping me focused on YOLO (You Only Live Once). This is how I try to live every day. Marguerite instructed me to always try the teas of the world, even though I dont really like tea. She reminded me that I never know when Ill find one that I like, so I need to keep trying.

Id like to thank my friend, Boris, who died a few years ago. He lived life to the fullest and lived his life without regrets. His voice is always in the back of my mind, reminding me to enjoy first, love always, and live for the now because you never know when it will end. Those who knew him miss him and his love of life.

Id like to thank all my friends that have been there for me, all of you that are too many to mention. Thank you for supporting my craziness and strange behavior! Each of you has been vital to my learning how to be and how to share. This book exists from your support and wonder.

Then theres my team at On Technology Partners. Each member of my team inspires me and pushes me to be better every day. Their work helps me to spread our message, which includes editing all my presentations and written worksincluding this book! If it werent for my team, we wouldnt be successful, and our success is in serving and protecting otherslike you.

Lastly, Id like to thank you, my loyal readers. It is because of you that I was inspired to write this bookfor you. You deserve a book that makes cyber security fun rather than fearful. Each of you is on a journey that will lead to wonderful and amazing things. I hope you enjoy this book in your journey to better cyber security. Now, lets go on a journey together...