A recovering PC addict turned Apple junkie, Patrick Putman began his career 20 years ago with a degree in E-Commerce Web Programming and Design. He was introduced to Information Security while briefly working for a civilian contractor with the FAA. After a 15-year career in graphic design, his passion for cybersecurity was reignited after exposure from the T-Mobile and Equifax data breaches. When it comes to computers, Patrick is a “jack of all trades” with experience in PC, Mac and Linux. Patrick has experience in OSINT, Pretexting, Social Engineering, and cyber-attacks.
Twitter: @IamThePatRatt
Email: pwputman@gmail.com
What is a Botnet? There are countless threats to computer security. Many of these threats are nothing more than good technologies used for bad reasons. One example of this is a botnet. Short for “Robot Network,” it is a group of connected computers controlled by software. This software is then used to perform a specific … Read more
As an internet user, you have likely experienced an interruption in service at some point. Maybe your favorite website was unavailable. Or perhaps your internet service was completely down. Sometimes this happens due to scheduled maintenance. Other times it happens due to hardware or software issues. However, interruptions are occasionally the result of what is … Read more
Wireless connectivity has existed now for more than twenty years. And as technology advances, wireless access to the internet increases. Public WiFi access points are everywhere. They exist in restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping malls. Even entire cities offer public access to the internet. Additionally, if you carry a phone, you likely have wireless access … Read more
Digital content can be quite expensive. Especially when you get into the high-end software packages. Sometimes this content costs several thousand dollars. But not everyone can afford these prices. If you have spent any amount of time on the internet, you have heard of digital piracy. Digital piracy is a form of copyright infringement. However, piracy … Read more
Hacking is no longer just about breaking into a computer to steal money or data. Hackers have developed new methods of influencing policy and bringing about change. Especially with society’s heightened sense of political awareness. Subsequently, they are turning internet activism as a way of spreading their idealism. Simply put, a hacktivist is someone who … Read more
Exploiting a target is much easier when you know their vulnerabilities. However, learning their vulnerabilities can only come from research. Doxing is a form of Open Source Intelligence. The word originated from an abbreviation of the term “dropping documents.” Doxing is the dark side of OSINT. It is the act of compiling a dossier against … Read more
There are two methods of data collection and information gathering used in military observation. Covert gathering refers to the use of clandestine, or secret data sources. As a result, covert methods are often illegal due to being performed secretively. Overt data collection refers to methods used openly or in plain sight. Overt does not involve … Read more
What is Pretexting Pretexting is a social engineering tactic that uses deception and false motives. Simply put, pretexting crafts fictional situations to obtain personal, sensitive, or privileged information. Pretexting often involves researching the target prior to the attack. The data collected is then used to manipulate and deceive the victim. The main goal of the … Read more
Everyone knows what a stalker is. And unfortunately, many have experienced one first-hand. But now that we are living in the digital age, it has been taken to a new level. These days, cyberstalkers reside on the internet. Offenders are able to track their victims through the use of computers and mobile devices without even … Read more
Internet trolls seem impossible to avoid. They occupy everything from social media to online gaming. But sometimes harmless trolling quickly turns into something more. Cyberbullying is a form of harassment that takes place over phones, text messages, and the internet. Cyberbullying is a serious problem that cannot be ignored. It even has direct links to … Read more
