Why I like to talk about Cyber stuff so much.
A justification for my actions
As I have mentioned on my podcast(s) (The CyBUr Guy and The CyBUr Smart Morning News Update) I have written a book called, “Get Cyber Smart: A User-Friendly Guide to Protecting Your Family, Your Business, and Yourself Online.”
I finished the final draft earlier this week, but as a retired FBI Special Agent, I am required to provide the manuscript to a Unit at FBIHQ called the Pre-Publication Unit that has to review the book to make sure I didn’t mention any “prohibited information.” This would include case information, FBI sources or methods, national security information, and a list of other stuff. While I have anecdotes of helping people with cyber “stuff” there is no prohibited information as there are no names, methods, or other prohibited items. I figured this would be a quick review. But as with all things government-related, that is not the case. I was advised I could expect the review to be completed around October 2024. I am not going to lie, this was disheartening (add to that I played pickleball horribly later in the day so Monday was pretty depressing all around!)
But I woke up this morning and started a routine of cold immersion (dunking myself in a tank of water at 50 degrees or less.) To be honest I only got as far as my waist as matter defeated the mind this morning. But even that quick experience readjusted by headspace and made me start thinking about WHY I wrote the book in the first place.
I simply want to help people understand the cyber world and its threats and associated risks. I can still keep doing that while waiting for the FBI to do their part.
I wanted to write this post today to explain my motivations for all this. I spent 20 years in the FBI and the past 4+ years in retirement talking to people about what I refer to as “cyber stuff.” There are too many people who continue to be victimized by cyber bad guys, who don’t read dozens of cyber news sites daily, or have the experience to understand all the evolving cyber threats around us. I was blessed to spend 20+ years learning and understanding it all. So as a former educator, it is my duty to share this knowledge and experience in whatever format I can. Plus I enjoy it.
This sharing will continue in many forms; LinkedIn posts, online webinars, conferences, and Podcasts. Fortunately, I can do most of that without asking the FBI - “Mother May I!” And will continue to do so.
I have seen hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals and businesses ravaged by bad “cyber stuff.” While I know my book will reach a larger(ish) audience eventually, I actually have some time to develop an online video series that will expand on the stuff I talk about in the book. I could even release that before the book. I honestly am not a marketing or business expert so that may be a bit outside of my comfort zone, but fortunately there are plenty of online resources to help with this. This is simply one more way I hope I can help people stay cyber safe.
If you are reading this (and made it this far) let me know if there are topics you think are important for your family or business to know. Stepping into the cold water helped clear my mind for this. I hope I can continue to bring value to people to keep them safe online, be able to provide them with the basics that anyone can employ to protect their family and business and hopefully, keep talking about “CyBUr Stuff!”
As always, if you have thought/comments/suggestions/criticisms on any of my musings, be it in print, video, or audio, I’d love to hear from you.
Email me at darren@thecyburguy.com or find me at linkedin.com/in/darrenmott or follow me on X (Twitter) @thecyburguy. I appreciate everyone who follows my various efforts. Have a great week?
Darren