Infosec researchers, experts, and hackers in general have a…fraught relationship with media, ranging from exploitive to adversarial. Recent episodes, including the doxxing of Marcus Hutchins by UK media and sensational coverage of his arrest, don’t help, nor do broadcast media reports that are often factually incorrect or even damaging to the security of those who take the reports as gospel. And researchers looking to get out word to the general public are often (based on anecdotal data) confused or intimidated by the media machine.
This presentation seeks to demystify how news media work, the strengths and weaknesses of each channel of communications, and how to effectively interact with journalists in a way that is constructive and productive. I am an infosec and national security reporter–ask me anything.
Sean Gallagher (@thepacketrat) is the Information Technology and National Security Editor for Ars Technica. A former IT practitioner and developer with a background in information security from the US Navy, Gallagher earned an honorable mention on Google’s application security wall of fame for uncovering a plain-text data leak in search on Chrome in 2014. He runs Ars Technica’s Techology Lab. He is also a member of the organizing committee for BSides Charm City.
Steve Ragan (@SteveD3) is Senior Staff Writer at CSO, an IDG publication. Prior to joining the journalism world in 2005, Steve Ragan spent 15 years as a freelance IT contractor focused on infrastructure management and security. He’s a father of two and rounded geek with a strong technical background.
Paul Wagenseil (@snd_wagenseil) is a senior editor at Tom’s Guide focused on security and privacy. That’s all he’s going to tell you unless you meet him in person.