Robert Newhall

I developed The Security Guide for Home Computing because I felt there was a need to provide a simple security guide that home users could understand. I think it is important to inform people about security and free security software. This can provide protection for those who cannot afford commercial software. 

I have decided to add more information for security professionals on my web site. I will be adding more documentation and tools for security professionals in the near future.

My Background

I started working as an engineering designer in the 70's in various industries including aviation, medical, computer and aerospace. I began my computer career working on mainframe CAD/CAM systems in 1980 and migrated to personal computer systems in the mid 80's. I started my own consulting company setting up early computer systems and did this for over two and a half years. I became a system administrator for an aerospace firm in the late 80's and worked with early networking software.

I worked as system administrator and network engineer with different operating systems over the next 10 years. I was in charge of networks of over 500 servers in the medical, insurance, software development, banking, and telecommunications industries. I have worked operating systems that include Microsoft server platforms (Windows NT 3.5 to Windows XP), NetWare (3.x-4.x), Red Hat Linux (6-9), and UNIX (Sun Solaris).

I had the opportunity to cross over into the security field as a security engineer in 1998 after doing security work with operating systems and servers. I have managed firewalls, vendor network connectivity, and conducted operating system vulnerability assessments during my position in the banking industry. I have also worked on a global security team responsible for vulnerability assessment, security projects, forensic investigations, and application security for one of the largest telecommunication companies in the world. Web sites for this company include some of the largest in the world with over 25 million users. My current position is Security Manager for a large company in the Dallas area.

Security Experience

• Intrusion Detection Systems
• Firewall management
• Web access/monitoring
• Application Security
• Security analyzers
• Security Policies and Security Configuration Guidelines
• Security Audits and Vulnerability Assessments
• Collaborator Audits
• Forensic Procedures
• Forensics and Virus investigations

Certifications: (past and present)

• CISSP - Certified Information Security Systems Professional
• NSA-IAM - National Security Agency, Infosec Auditing Methodology
• CCFS - BIA Certified Computer Forensic Specialist
• CCSA - Checkpoint Certified System Administrator
• CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Associate
• CCDA - Cisco Certified Design Associate
• MCSE - Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (both NT4 and 2000)
• MCP+I - Microsoft Certified Professional + Internet
• CNE - Certified Novell Engineer (both CNE3 and CNE4)