| QUESTION & ANSWER |
Expert Profile: Kevin Beaver |
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By SearchWindowsSecurity.com editors
16 Nov 2004 | SearchWindowsSecurity.com |
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 Meet Windows Security Threats expert Kevin Beaver's alter ego! This guy is a former motocross racer who likes to spend his free time souping up cars and playing the guitar. Read Kevin Beaver's expert profile, and get to know the man behind the Windows security mask.
How long have you worked in the IT industry, and how did you become interested in Windows security?
Beaver: I've been in IT for 17 years. Information security has always been on my radar, so when I saw the lack of security in Windows 9x and NT, I knew this was going to be a hot area for years to come.
If you could name one Windows security feature or tool that you find especially useful, what would it be?
Beaver: Microsoft's Baseline Security Analyzer. It doesn't cover everything, but it certainly covers a lot of the basics -- most of which are often overlooked.
What is it about your profession that you enjoy most?
Beaver: I enjoy learning new things every day and being presented with new challenges every time I test a network's security.
What is your proudest IT accomplishment?
Beaver: Writing three information security books in one year. I'm proud and scarred -- that is something I definitely don't recommend doing and won't ever try to accomplish again!
Is there something in your career that particularly frustrates you when it comes to technology? Do you have a pet peeve?
Beaver: Two things. First, vendors that focus more on cool features and other bloatware "benefits" than practical and secure solutions that business people actually need. Second, having to keep up with the latest operating system and application bugs, fixes, nuances and tweaks. There's so much you have to know to keep up and stay competitive.
If you could tell one thing about yourself that you would like our readers to know about you in your role as a site expert, what would it be?
Beaver: I'm a former motocross racer. I did it for seven years, touring all over the southeast with my dad. Now I'm into fast cars -- they're a lot less demanding on the body.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
Beaver: Hike with my dog, snow ski, soup up my cars, play guitar and listen to music.
What's your favorite pastime?
Beaver: Spending quality time (no work, no phones, no TV, etc.) with my family.
How or where do you get away from it all when it's time for a vacation?
Beaver: A cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a condo on the Gulf of Mexico or the ski slopes in Utah. I'll take any of those any time of the year just to get away.
Is there anything else that you would like our readers to know about you?
Beaver: I'm a true believer in what Og Mandino once said: "Use wisely your power of choice."
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