| QUESTION & ANSWER |
Expert Profile: Jason Chan |
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By SearchWindowsSecurity.com editors
13 Apr 2005 | SearchWindowsSecurity.com |
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 Meet Windows Patch Management expert Jason Chan. When he's not answering patch management questions, Jason spends his free time playing the ukulele or cruising down the mountain on a snowboard! Find out more about Jason in this expert profile.
How long have you been an IT professional/worked in the IT industry?
Chan: I've been working in IT for 8 years. I started out doing support and worked in network engineering and systems administration before settling into security full time about five years ago.
How did you become interested in Windows security?
Chan: I've always been interested in security one way or another (all the way back to playing cops and robbers). When I started working in Windows system administration, I began to realize that the ease of use and tight integration that Windows and Microsoft products have pose all sorts of interesting security issues. I enjoy developing secure solutions that allow the end user to still reap the benefits of Windows' inherent usability and integration.
If you could name one Windows security feature or tool that you find especially useful, what would it be?
Chan: Group Policy Objects (GPOs). GPOs offer the administrator almost unlimited capabilities when it comes to centrally configuring and securing a Windows environment.
What is it about your profession that you enjoy most?
Chan: I love working with bright people on complex and interesting problems. These two aspects of the job keep it interesting and enjoyable.
Is there something in your career that particularly frustrates you when it comes to technology? Do you have a pet peeve?
Chan: Probably the idea that security problems (or IT problems in general) can be solved simply with technology. There is an increased awareness of the importance of awareness, policy, procedure, etc., but we still have a ways to go.
If you could tell one thing about yourself that you would like our readers to know about you in your role as a site expert, what would it be?
Chan: To borrow a phrase from the Perl community, "There's More Than One Way To Do It" (TMTOWTDI). As such, my guidance will be based on my own experiences and understanding of best practices, but there's usually other means of accomplishing any given task.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
Chan: Ah, all sorts of things. I enjoy playing music (guitar, banjo, ukulele), drawing, reading, running, snowboarding, hiking, kayaking....
What's your favorite pastime?
Chan: Probably snowboarding. I don't get to do it often enough, but I love the feeling of cruising down the mountain. It's very liberating and inspiring.
How or where do you get away from it all when it's time for a vacation?
Chan: I usually head back east to visit with family and old friends. If I get lucky, I can hit the beach or slopes somewhere.
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