Many times security people are labeled as “no fun” and “mean”. So I have complied the top 10 reasons NASCAR is like security to break the mold. There is still a lesson inside and I hope you enjoy the lighter side of security.
Being both a security pro and an NASCAR fan I find talking to NON-security people and NON-NASCAR fans always seems to take the same tone. My NASCAR buddies have no appreciation for security and vice versa. The common thread is that when talking to the opposing camp I tend to make the same analogies when trying to convince one side that the other side has more depth than seen on the first look. Neither side has an appreciation for complexity, team work, or the executive buy in that is required.
1. Executive Sponsorship Required
When implementing a security plan, it is only effective when executive management supports the plan. Without executive support the employees down the line will not adhere to the plan. Both in NASCAR and security, the budget is a serious number ($$), and without budgetary support the proper polices, procedures, equipment and staff cannot be deployed.2. Diehard Fans
NASCAR and security professionals are both avid fans of their respective areas of interest. Talk to a NASCAR fan on how it is a bunch of guys banging cars around a track they will give you a lecture on the complexity of the sport.The most effective security professional is one that lives it. Either they are IT pros that have climbed the ranks to security positions or on the physical security side, a retired member of the armed forces or police.
Bottom line is that both live their passion, it is not just being a fan or a job.
3. Driver/Operating System Loyalty
NASCAR fans are loyal to their drivers and their sponsors. Security pros are loyal to their preferred operating system. Every NASCAR fan has a race car driver they love and a race car driver they hate (go to a track and hear the cheers and the boos). My experiences in the security field, I find many security professionals have an operating system they love and another they hate (Windows vs. Linux vs. OSX). Security professionals fight worst about the security of operating systems than NASCAR fans do about Chevy vs. Ford!4. Popular Personalities
Both NASCAR and the security field have personalities known only by the devoted fans and no one else. In NASCAR, many people may know Dale Jr. or Jeff Gordon, but outside of NASCAR not to many people know the 2003 Champion Matt Kenseth or 2004 Champion Kurt Bush. In the security field people like Bruce Schneier and Whitfield Diffie are mega stars but are virtually unknown to average computer user.5. Only the Fans Appreciate the Complexity
Non security people often state, “Is it secure?” For Non-NASCAR fans, “Hey, don’t they just drive around in circles?” Both suffer from lack of appreciation of the complexity. Just ask a security pro what it takes to secure a building or how to secure the network just so you can surf the Internet.6. When Performed Properly - Looks Easy
When the complexity of security is all configured properly then building access and reading secure email can become a simple routine but still secure.When you see a NASCAR driver speeding around the race track at 190+ MPH, when all the right motor adjustments, tire pressure, track bar, etc is set right, makes it look like driving a NASCAR is easy.
7. One Small Issue Can Cause a Huge Wipeout
When a driver is racing around the track, a blown tire can cause the car to hit the wall and the driver’s day is done. With security, a mis-configured firewall which allows in a network worm can bring a whole network to its knees.8. Teamwork is Essential
A security pro or a NASCAR driver is only one part of the equation. If either do not have team behind them their ability of performing is minimized. In NASCAR if the driver does not have a good crew chief, they end up with a sub-standard race car which will hardly turn in the corner. For a security pro, if the processes defined are not executed by the IT department they will have a hard time maintaining a secure environment.9. Growing in Popularity
NASCAR is one of the fastest growing sports in North America. Security is growing as well. Security is growing because many consumers and businesses are now connected to the Internet. Every cyberthug and cybercriminal are also connected to the Internet. With the Internet, as soon as you connect, you are only milliseconds away from every cyberthug in cyberspace. This is why the complexity of security must be made to look simple so everybody can use it.10. Top Gun of Their Field
NASCAR drivers are at the top of their game. An effective security pro was promoted from being an expert IT professional, an effective physical security professional is a person with military or police experience.I hoped you enjoyed the lighter side of security. Be safe and enjoy a NASCAR race.
