Michael Koerfer
@OT_MacDonald@infosec.exchange
Human, anti-fascist, craftsman, whitehat, team science...
infosec.exchange
When asked when I’ll be attending #BlackHat, #DEFCON, #BSidesLV, or a #SANS event, my answer is: probably never. It’s not for lack of desire, quite the opposite; I would love to attend.
The simple reason is that I am the sole breadwinner supporting my family, and I finance these trips and conferences, as well as my lab and research, entirely out of my own pocket, all while having to take vacation time to attend. Consequently, I have to choose very carefully which events to attend and plan them well in advance. Spontaneous trips are rarely an option for me.
Of course, I’m aware of the argument that my company benefits from this, too. That is true, just as they benefit from many of my other activities. However, there is no willingness on their part to contribute financially or organizationally. Instead, there are usually "good reasons" why it isn't possible.
That is the reality.
Nevertheless, I continue to invest in my #professionaldevelopment because it matters to me.
