Tuesday, October 1, 2013

National Cyber Security Awareness Month + AppSecUSA

By: Tom Brennan

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and it is an opportunity to engage public and private sector stakeholders – to create a safe, secure, and resilient cyber environment.  For OWASP Foundation this is a perfect time to RAISE AWARENESS for AppSecUSA 2013 and our mission.

As a member of the OWASP Foundation Board, acting as the AppSecUSA 2013 General Conference Chair and local NYC Chapter leader, I am pleased to report the following updates;

AppSecUSA (www.appsecusa.org)  is on target to host the largest event every that will benefit OWASP Foundation globally.  We are currently on target to EXCEED our goal and provide a unique summit style experience for attendees

As many of you have been following the progress, the local team that is now over 100+ members started the process in January 2013. With experiences of the core group after successfully hosting AppSecUSA in NYC in 2008 that resulted in $150,000 profit for the foundation.  This fact enabled OWASP Foundation to fund the 2008 summit activities and golf cart repairs...

.... boy how OWASP have grown since then!

For AppSecUSA 2013 with the assistance of a volunteer industry selection committee we completed the call for papers selected speakers and trainers from around the world. We have locked on various invited speakers and panel members on topics that will appeal to a widest possible audience of attendees and have a allocated space for "open-mic" that will be crowd sourced on day #1

The *draft* schedule ( http://appsecusa2013.sched.org )  is now published - its easy to navigate don't you think?

As a team we have coordinated activities that range from career fair, competitive capture the flag to fighting hunger campaign with the Salvation Army. For the healthy runners in the group in the group a 3k that will benefit ScriptEd has been arranged.  ScriptEd teaches computer programming to students. This is in addition to the important core work being done with OWASP project and leader summit and many other technical puzzles and activities not to be missed

Early attendees demographics indicate show a worldwide reach, many with development roles and critical infrastructure see press releases for more information

So in summary,  YES -- it has been a lot of work on all sides -- THANK YOU to everyone who continues to give there time.  I tell my wife a labor of love for the community that I personally enjoy and we are in the "home stretch".  28-Nov is Thanksgiving Day and is traditionally a day for families and friends to get together for a special meal... 18-21 Nov is OWASP AppSecUSA and the place to meet with your peers in the community.

Call to Action?

Use October's National Cyber Security Awareness Month and the awareness of it to waive the flag for OWASP AppSec USA 2013 and the mission of making software security visible, so that individuals and organizations worldwide can make informed decisions about true software security risks. -- That is what OWASP is all about

We have the resources available for you from biz-cards that you can hand out to prospective attendees to presentations

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FAQ
Q. I notice on the schedule there is "OPEN-MIC" - what exactly is that and how do I fill that spot?

A. On day #1 of the event before noon -- ANY badge-holder interested in presenting a topic is encouraged to SIGN UP for one of the open-slots.  This will be voted on by the attendees LIVE at the event filling the open-mic slots.  This provides the platform and crowd sourced energy don't miss the kick off of the event!!

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Q. Do I have to buy a "full badge" to access the event?

A. NO - The event activities, summit, expo & career fair are OPEN (in OWASP fashion) to all parties interested in information security.  Registration is REQUIRED in advance as we will be SOLD OUT and we do not expect to be able to process on-site registrations.

Briefings (Talks), Food, Refreshments, Training etc. are limited to "full-badge"

Here is your code:  OWASPNYC!

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Q. Can I get a FREE badge for my significant other or children that are traveling with me to NYC during this event?

A. Use the above code for access; understand that it will not be for main-stage briefings meals, swag, raffles etc., however this will provide access to +50% of the event

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Q. Is there are resources page for banner ads, flyers, presentations to give on why attend and templates etc.. for the event?

A. Yes.. Yes there is Candace Flynn see:  http://appsecusa.org/2013/resources/ 

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Q. Who is the primary event coordinator to call for questions about this event?

A.   Me.   Note, there is a large team of folks that each have a role in making this event a success.  You can start will this LIST of people (see 3/4 down the page) and if all else fails I'll take your call personally @ 973-202-0122 and make a recommendation on all aspects of the event from attendee, speaker to sponsor.

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Q. Is there still a opportunity to support this event or has that closed already?

A. There are a few opportunities still available see: http://appsecusa.org/2013/sponsors/become-a-sponsor/

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Q. When is the next time the team gets together to discuss the event?

A. The entire core team meets weekly on Tuesdays at 2pm EST online we have been doing so since January 2013 and your welcomed to join in anytime details:
  https://www3.gotomeeting.com/join/34973877 you are always welcome to volunteer your time and experience that FACT is what makes OWASP different then any other professional association in the world -- most important thing we need right now is awareness.

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I look forward to meeting you personally at AppSec USA 2013 to talk about "Where we are and where we are Going"

Best Regards,

Tom Brennan