Category: General

I enrolled in Neil Daswani’s foundational Information Security course at Stanford, and it was there that I first encountered the intriguing concept of “tortoise design.” This analogy likens a system to a tortoise with a robust outer shell but a comparatively weaker inner core. It’s a metaphor that resonates, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity.

Often, our security infrastructure mirrors this tortoise design. We invest heavily in formidable walls and perimeter defense mechanisms, creating an illusion of impregnability. However, within the internal network, vulnerabilities can persist—an open window through which a determined attacker can effortlessly infiltrate. I’ve witnessed instances where organizations boast robust external security measures but leave their internal networks seemingly exposed, relying heavily on employee trust to the point where terms like “insider threat” appear fictional.

The turtle design, as I perceive it, establishes a formidable outer shell that proves challenging to breach. It diligently fulfills its duty of safeguarding the inner core. It serves as an initial step in our ongoing security journey. Throughout my exploration, I plan to delve into the best practices within the information technology landscape. Every system design I undertake now incorporates this turtle concept, a constant reminder of the importance of fortifying our digital perimeters.

In the future, I envision giving a name to my turtle—a symbolic embodiment of the diligence and resilience essential in securing our digital ecosystems.

I have had few blogs in the past. Last blog that I had written would be at least 12 years before. There was this great blogging platform called Geekswithblogs and that’s where I have documented the initial problems and solutions of my career. The whole platform has been vanished! Like many, then work and other priorities kicked in, there were no easy popular blogging platforms like the blogspot. The decade from 200 to 2010 was an era of blogging, at least in India. There were quite a few popular blogs out there, especially on blogspot. Many of those blog writers have grown on to become popular authors. I too had a blog on the blog spot, it also helped to connect with some famous writers, all connections lost in time! Why did I start blogging? Well, I always liked to write, but my English was not good. So for me, the objective was both, improve the language at the same time leave some mark in the internet timeline. Then facebook became hugely popular (Ah..miss those Orkut days), good writers started writing directly in facebook abandoning the blogsphere. Few years passed by, and I realized, no ..I was wrong. There are still people who write great blogs. There are platforms like the medium, where many people write really cool contents. It took me couple of years again to finally start this one. Would anyone read my blog? I don’t know. Do I care? I don’t. For me, this is a journal that I would like to maintain. A personal space which provides some compulsion to think. Let’s see where it goes!

Over a decade has elapsed since I last ventured into the realm of blogging. Back then, Geekswithblogs was my canvas, a platform where I meticulously chronicled the challenges and triumphs of my burgeoning career. Regrettably, this once-vibrant platform has faded into obscurity.

Life’s demands and professional pursuits took precedence, and the blogosphere underwent a transformation. The golden era of blogging in India, from 2000 to 2010, witnessed a surge in popularity, with platforms like Blogspot fostering a community of prolific writers. I, too, contributed to this landscape, forging connections with fellow writers who have since become acclaimed authors. Alas, those connections have dissolved with the passage of time.

Why did I plunge into blogging? My penchant for writing was undeniable, although my command of the English language left much to be desired. Thus, my objective was dual-fold: to refine my language skills and etch a mark on the internet’s timeline. The rise of Facebook, overshadowing the erstwhile Orkut days, marked a shift. Many adept writers migrated to the social media giant, leaving the blogosphere somewhat dormant.

Years rolled by, and I came to a realization—I was mistaken. The blogging community persisted, flourishing on platforms like Medium, where insightful content abounded. It took me a couple more years to gather the courage to embark on this journey anew. Would anyone read my blog? Uncertain. Do I concern myself with readership metrics? Not in the least.

For me, this blog is a personal journal, a sacred space that compels introspection. It’s an avenue for thought and reflection, and I’m eager to witness its evolution. Let’s see where this journey takes us!