party trick to shut up the non-believers

[wesleymcgrew at gmail.com (Robert McGrew)]

On Wed, May 5, 2010 at 11:39 AM, Robin Wood <robin at digininja.org> wrote:
> On 5 May 2010 14:14, Bugbear <gbugbear at gmail.com> wrote:
> > Guy pestering you sounds like a tool. Personally I would have told him
> > to get away from me or I was going to demonstrate how a nose bleeds.
> > That wouldn't fit you "legal" requirements I suppose and I have been
> > told I need to manage my anger ;)
>
> Its only happened once and I did just abandon the guy but I was
> thinking if it had happened at one of the dull parties that I
> occasionally get dragged to the chance to get out a machine and do
> some showing off might outweigh sitting around getting bored.

Being involved in the offense-side of computer security is perceived
as one of the sexiest things you can do in computers/IT (and
rightfully so, it's a blast).  Because of this, outsiders are likely
to express interest in what you do, and I can see no reason to do
anything but encourage that perception and interest.  A safe, but
interesting, demo accompanied by some narration/discussion is a good
way to get respect for yourself and others in the field (and is the
best way to defuse a troll, if their original intent was trolling).

It's good to be able to explain what we do to lay-persons too, so
there's some good practice.  I think it's better than dismissing them
as a troll.

Might even meet a woman!

-- 
Wesley McGrew
http://mcgrewsecurity.com