Okay, I've wanted to do this for a while but haven't had the dedicated urge, time or attention span to do it. I've considered writing a book about internet security and safety for the family.
As most of you know I've been in Information Technology for a number of years, especially focused in security. With my experience and a master's degree in information Security, I'm considered an expert in my field. One of my biggest passions in this field isn't about the Enterprise Security that I deal with on a daily basis but the threats and concerns of children on the internet. Being a father of 3, especially now that they are coming of an age that the internet will be a big part of their lives; this hits really close to home.
We now live in an age where any information is easily accessible and instant communication has made the world a tiny place. Terms like Google, chat rooms, texting and instant messaging are as common as school, text books and using the phone. Sadly, in the security world, terms like scamming, cyber predators and identity theft are just as common. Even though we know these things happen in the real world, they are just as prevalent on the web.
The problem is generation-wise not all of us adults grew up with the technology and may shy away from it or think that these things would never happen to them. The thing is, our children will be even more plugged in and get to the point that they will understand the technology far beyond the adults. I remember my mother thinking I was a technical genius just because I could get the VCR from blinking 12:00.
I'm not trying to say shield our children from the web. It will be an integral part of their lives. But for those parents who only have a vague concept if how it all works and how they can be more proactive in what their children are doing on the web, I want to write a book that will give these concepts in layman's terms. Honestly, the technology isn't as difficult to understand as the figurative Nerd-Squad in your local electronics/appliance store would have you believe. It's what keeps them in a job (and feeling intellectually superior to the non-IT people that come in).
So to sum it up: A book on Internet Safety and Security; tips on protecting yourself and your children plus some general understanding on how it all works. (The net isn't made of little tubes… really.)
Would you buy this?