Chey Cobb, CISSP

I have been involved in computer security since the late 80's and have worked for private industry, the Air Force at Cape Canaveral, Florida, and at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Virginia and other parts of the world (as in "if I told you, then I'd have to kill you").

After leaving government work I have concentrated on writing, lecturing, and other forms of public speaking. I sometimes do interviews for magazines and radio programs. These days I am writing several chapters for the next edition of the Computer Security Handbook. I am also accepting a limited number of data privacy and security consulting assignments, including expert witness work in security-related cases.

For anyone unfamiliar with the initials, CISSP stands for Certified Information Systems Security Professional. To qualify, you must have worked in the industry for a number of years, pass a rigorous test, adhere to a strict code of ethics, and prove that you are continuing your education annually.

In this site you will find:

• Information on my book, Cryptography for Dummies
• Information about Network Security for Dummies
• Computer Security articles, both past and present
• General information on computer security for the Average User
• Links to free security programs that everyone should be using
• Information and pictures about my hobbies of off-road racing and sailing adventures and pictures from my travels in Scotland and Australia

Network Security for Dummies

Network Security for Dummies was released in October, 2002 and is available at all major bookstores and many online bookstores. Written for small and medium-sized businesses, it also contains computer security tips that the average home user can use as well. I'm happy to report that it has been receiving great reviews and is selling well!

I wrote this book because I found that most people are intimidated by computer security and have no idea where to start. Many small businesses don't have a computer security expert on staff and their IT Department (if they have one!) often bear the brunt of the security duties - whether they are trained for it or not! What I really want to point out is that basic computer security is NOT rocket science!

In addition, many newly-appointed Chief Privacy Officers are finding that their duties overlap with those of the Security Officer and the IT Department. This book will help them to understand the technologies so that they can have intelligent conversations with those groups and to be able to decide which security technologies may help the company comply with privacy policies.

I stayed away from as much techno-lingo as I could in the book, but where it can't be avoided, I explain the technology behind it. There are a lot of clearly explained actions you can take to secure your networks - again, these are written in plain English.

I hope you find my site informative. If you have any suggestions or comments, please address them to cheycobb at gmail dot com.