[Security] Security Metrics (securitymetrics.com) seem to be the bane of all that is PCI compliance.

Let me start this off by explaining that my opinions expressed in my blog are in no way, shape or form affiliated with my employer. I know it should go without saying, but in this ridiculous day and age of "PC" and "be-nice-dom" I feel that it's just more safe to say up front that a) this has nothing to do with how I approach my clients, customers or my employer and b) I could care less if you like what I have to say. If I say something that makes someone a bit eerie over it well I can only say "Tough. This is my opinion."

That said, let's get into my rant!

Security Metrics has been the worst PCI compliance experience I have EVER had. Having had to deal with these guys for just over a year I have had to jump through hoop after hoop. It's amazing that "red flags" pop up on EVERY scan even if the previous scan was either successful or manually passed due to false positives. Now they are claiming that I'm blocking their scanner, when NOTHING has changed on the firewall config that would affect their ability to scan our system.

So for 2009, May 1... Security Metrics, you are the first company to qualify for my personal "Shitty Customer Service and Exploitation Award" for 2009. Let's hope someone doesn't overtake this nominee... They're horrible.

I've experienced much less pain in my life (like tearing all of the tendons in my shoulder playing football on the concrete... Or ruining my PCL in a bicycle accident at age 6-7... Or being shot in the chest at 15). At least when I experienced THOSE incidences of pain I knew I was being screwed over and by who. These Security Metrics guys are ridiculous.

I'm going to be gone for a couple of days to go for a trip with my girl. I'll be sure to take some pictures and post them and a little message (pffft... little. Riiiight, right? :) ) when I get back.

Take care,
B

[Life] Wow... It's been five weeks?

All I have to do is say WOW. It's been five weeks since my last post on either of my two blogs and I have to say that I'm both ashamed and pleased that I could keep away! :P (It's actually been close to 7 or 8 for this one).

Anyways, life has been really good lately and I have approached my girl about participating in my "Meeting of the Minds" podcast idea for here on the blog. Perhaps I'll even create an actual website! Who knows. My time is so taken up with most things that I just go crazy and say "Ok, this time is MINE. I'm doing NOTHING."

On a side note, my girl and I are doing VERY well. She is such a blessing to have in my life and she always thinks of me. I've always thought it was a lame "line" to say that someone makes you want to improve yourself... To "be a better person" so to speak, but I have to say that I now understand this. She makes me want to be more than what I already am and she encourages it (Yes, Dinamo, it's the same gal... Looks like we were both right :P).

Since I don't like to use others words to explain my own thoughts, I'll leave you with my own words of wisdom (if you can call them that...):

Do not live life for those around you. Live life for yourself and that in turn should make those around you happy. If living your life for yourself does not make them happy, then they are not your friends. This doesn't mean that you should be selfish... This means that you should realize that YOU are the one who dies at the end of your life and as such YOU should live YOUR own life, love those around you as THEY live THEIR own lives, and you will be rewarded with the greatest thing you can achieve: happiness.

Take care,
B