Embracing Zero-Trust: A Journey from PSTN Networks to Modern Cybersecurity

Here’s the thing—I’ve been around the block a few times in the cybersecurity world. It started back in 1993, when I first jumped into the deep end as a network admin. I’ve seen quite a transformation in the industry. From the days of handling voice and data over PSTN networks to my most recent project—upgrading the zero-trust architecture for several banks—it’s been one heck of a ride.

Quick Take

• Zero-trust is crucial in today’s cyber landscape.
• The journey from PSTN to modern networks highlights massive evolution.
• Lessons from the Slammer worm still relevant today.
• DefCon is a source of invaluable, hands-on experience.

The Early Days: PSTN and Beyond

Back in ’93, the idea of cybersecurity was… well, different. We were more focused on keeping networks up and running than defending them from virtual attacks. Networking over PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) was all about mux technology for voice and data. If you know, you know: that stuff was pure magic.

Fast forward a bit, and everything began to shift. The Slammer worm came crashing down like a bad hangover in 2003. An experience I won’t forget—watching servers tumble like dominos and realizing more layers of security were imperative. That was a wake-up call for many of us in the industry.

Zero-Trust: A Buzzword or a Necessity?

Now, there’s so much chatter about the zero-trust model. If you’ve been snoozing through the buzz, let me break it down quickly:

• Assume breach: Never trust, always verify.
• Verify identities and devices before granting access.
• Use least-privilege access policies consistently.

I’ve seen it work wonders for businesses—recently finished implementing zero-trust architectures for a trio of banks. Not gonna lie, the complexities are daunting at times, but the end result? A fortified network that’s tough to penetrate.

But, and here’s a big ‘but’, I still see firms slapping “AI-powered” labels on tools, claiming magic fixes. Skepticism served me well here. The human element (with its old-school knowledge and intuition) cannot be entirely replaced by algorithms. Trust me.

Lessons from DefCon: Unplug, Hack Away

Just got back from DefCon—let me tell you, the hardware hacking village was eye-opening. It’s one thing reading about vulnerabilities and another seeing them exploited right before your eyes. Real-world experience is unbeatable. And sometimes, we need to take a step back from software and remember: All this data is vulnerable at the hardware level too.

That said, those who skip DefCon really miss out. I walked away with a new appreciation for physical security. Lockpicking workshops shed new light on how seemingly innocuous actions expose us to threats.

Old Habits Die Hard… and That’s Okay

As I work with clients, I notice patterns. Resistance to change—especially among those who’ve been around as long as I have—is common. We love our familiar tools and practices. But change is the cornerstone of cybersecurity.

Nostalgia? Sure, bring it on. I sometimes long for simpler times of the early internet and love referencing past eras. I’m that person raving about old DSL connections and the glorious dial-up days. (Remember those sounds?) But here’s the lesson: don’t let nostalgia hinder new best practices or technological advancements. Adaptation is critical.

Passwords, Passwords, Passwords

Excuse the mini-rant on password policies. They’re constantly evolving, but I still encounter resistance. Many of us are tethered to frustratingly complex policies that end up in predictable and reused passwords. Try using passphrases instead—your car or your favorite dish could inspire. They’re easier to remember for end-users and offer more security depth.

• Keep it memorable yet complex.
• Periodic updates—an absolute must.
• When in doubt, 2FA everything.

Closing Thoughts: Beyond the Buzzwords

Running my own security company taught me this: It’s easy to get swept up in buzzwords and trends. But never underestimate foundational knowledge. When tasked with security issues, I often lean back on those early networking days. From managing mux systems to tackling today’s complex cyber threats, knowing your roots never fails you.

And sometimes, admitting past mistakes—like underestimating the complexity of a threat—is a path toward better solutions. Stay humble, stay curious, and never rest on your laurels. Cybersecurity demands it.

That’s a wrap for now. Time to dive back into my fourth coffee and tackle the never-ending inbox (who knew digital transformation would make our to-do lists so monumental?). Until next time, prioritize security and keep learning—because in this field, that’s the true zero-trust approach.