Discussion: "Cybersecurity and Privacy" board + Poll (request v1)

[BenCodie]

Would be good if it was setup like the Bitcoin Discussion > Press section.
This way it could be looked at quickly so people could see if things are going to matter to them.

[2023-01-12] Cisco Warns of Critical Vulnerability in EoL Small Business Routers
[2023-01-11] Dell PowerEdge Server Security Update for AMD Server Vulnerabilities 

And the 1st few lines should have a brief description and links to the appropriate information.

This MIGHT get people to at least scan it to see if there is something about a product that they use.
Otherwise it really does stand a good chance of getting buried on page 7 never to be seen.

-Dave

The entire board or just cybersecurity/privacy news kind of threads? I think a sub-board within the Cybersecurity and Privacy board for news, just like the press board within Bitcoin Discussion would be great!

Interestingly, if you skim through the hacker forums, there are always sections on cybersecurity and privacy. It turns out that this is useful for hackers; they have entire sections on how to protect themselves, and a forum that assumes knowledge of how to store your important data so that nothing is stolen from you is not interested in this.
I support your initiative, OP. You have almost begun to cover some useful aspects. It would be helpful to have proper guides from knowledgeable people who can help in a timely manner, rather than scouring the internet and trusting those who might be amateurs in the field of online security.

Thank you for the feedback! You are right about your comments about having to scour the internet for knowledge about cybersecurity. I hope that Bitcointalk becomes a resource for this kind of topic.

Interestingly, if you skim through the hacker forums, there are always sections on cybersecurity and privacy. It turns out that this is useful for hackers; they have entire sections on how to protect themselves, and a forum that assumes knowledge of how to store your important data so that nothing is stolen from you is not interested in this.
I support your initiative, OP. You have almost begun to cover some useful aspects. It would be helpful to have proper guides from knowledgeable people who can help in a timely manner, rather than scouring the internet and trusting those who might be amateurs in the field of online security.

Even though, the vast majority of hackers aren't hackers in the traditional sense, but use programs coded by others, and their security sections are usually quite basic. Whereas, I think given enough effort by certain users here, we might get some real useful information related to security since Bitcoin sort of attracts those sorts of people.

If there was anywhere I'd like to read about security issues it would be stack exchange dedicated to security or Bitcointalk, because of the types of users that are here. I know for one I'd be typing up a few things about security, but I imagine there's some other highly respected users here willing to teach us a thing or two. Potentially, even discussing the specifics of security involving Bitcoin. Technically, we have sections for that now, and there's been a reasonable amount of discussion on it over the years, but I feel having a new section dedicated to it could actually motivate users further to talk about it. Hence, why I'm not against this when you look at the demand.

I look forward to seeing some of your posts Welsh, and I would be right there with you on writing a few things up. You are right in that there are not enough places that really go in depth the allow the average user to become secure, in more ways than just "running an av" or "using a vpn", which commonly people think is enough to be secure. You're right as well on the type of people here on Bitcointalk who probably have much more extensive knowledge than those in other places. StackExchange is great, but I think the Bitcointalk community will create a great board for this topic.

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[DaveF]

Would be good if it was setup like the Bitcoin Discussion > Press section.
This way it could be looked at quickly so people could see if things are going to matter to them.

[2023-01-12] Cisco Warns of Critical Vulnerability in EoL Small Business Routers
[2023-01-11] Dell PowerEdge Server Security Update for AMD Server Vulnerabilities 

And the 1st few lines should have a brief description and links to the appropriate information.

This MIGHT get people to at least scan it to see if there is something about a product that they use.
Otherwise it really does stand a good chance of getting buried on page 7 never to be seen.

-Dave

The entire board or just cybersecurity/privacy news kind of threads? I think a sub-board within the Cybersecurity and Privacy board for news, just like the press board within Bitcoin Discussion would be great!

I would actually go the other way that the main board was with things that people could quickly glance at to see if it matters to them and below that a more open discussion. There would probably be some topic that would stay more or less at the top, and I would worry that others that are important / relevant to some people would gut buried unless they were forced into the date / subject order.

Using what I posted above, a discussion about firewall security could go on for pages and pages with people discussing brands and settings and whatever. A big obvious your old Cisco router is now vulnerable may get a few more eyeballs on it.

Just my view. I also think that if people can give a quick glance for 'Cisco' or 'Asus' or whatever it might help.

But also lets be serious, as a group we still can't get not your keys not your coins pounded thought some peoples heads.

-Dave

[NotATether]

Would be good if it was setup like the Bitcoin Discussion > Press section.
This way it could be looked at quickly so people could see if things are going to matter to them.

[2023-01-12] Cisco Warns of Critical Vulnerability in EoL Small Business Routers
[2023-01-11] Dell PowerEdge Server Security Update for AMD Server Vulnerabilities 

And the 1st few lines should have a brief description and links to the appropriate information.

This MIGHT get people to at least scan it to see if there is something about a product that they use.
Otherwise it really does stand a good chance of getting buried on page 7 never to be seen.

-Dave

...no.

Certainly those posts would be welcome in the new board, but introducing this kind of rule will inhibit any organic topics about cybersecurity.

This isn't bleepingcomputer after all, and there's no reason to make it like one.

[PowerGlove]

It's a yes from me. It would be nice to have a place to post about security/privacy topics (e.g. Tor, Tails, Qubes, Whonix, etc.) and help other members to improve their opsec and keep their BTC safe.

Right between B&H and Off-topic seems like a good spot:

[BenCodie]

Would be good if it was setup like the Bitcoin Discussion > Press section.
This way it could be looked at quickly so people could see if things are going to matter to them.

[2023-01-12] Cisco Warns of Critical Vulnerability in EoL Small Business Routers
[2023-01-11] Dell PowerEdge Server Security Update for AMD Server Vulnerabilities 

And the 1st few lines should have a brief description and links to the appropriate information.

This MIGHT get people to at least scan it to see if there is something about a product that they use.
Otherwise it really does stand a good chance of getting buried on page 7 never to be seen.

-Dave

The entire board or just cybersecurity/privacy news kind of threads? I think a sub-board within the Cybersecurity and Privacy board for news, just like the press board within Bitcoin Discussion would be great!

I would actually go the other way that the main board was with things that people could quickly glance at to see if it matters to them and below that a more open discussion. There would probably be some topic that would stay more or less at the top, and I would worry that others that are important / relevant to some people would gut buried unless they were forced into the date / subject order.

Using what I posted above, a discussion about firewall security could go on for pages and pages with people discussing brands and settings and whatever. A big obvious your old Cisco router is now vulnerable may get a few more eyeballs on it.

Just my view. I also think that if people can give a quick glance for 'Cisco' or 'Asus' or whatever it might help.

But also lets be serious, as a group we still can't get not your keys not your coins pounded thought some peoples heads.

-Dave

Ah. I don't know about the main board being restricted to a specific format like this. I think a sub-board would serve the same purpose well, while not restricting the main board to a certain format.

It's a yes from me. It would be nice to have a place to post about security/privacy topics (e.g. Tor, Tails, Qubes, Whonix, etc.) and help other members to improve their opsec and keep their BTC safe.

Right between B&H and Off-topic seems like a good spot:

Fits well! It's nice to be able to visualize it.

22 votes for to 1 vote against. I think it's a matter of when than if at this point.

[NotATether]

22 votes for to 1 vote against. I think it's a matter of when than if at this point.

Send a PM to theymos with a link to this thread, so that he can create it sooner.

[BenCodie]

22 votes for to 1 vote against. I think it's a matter of when than if at this point.

Send a PM to theymos with a link to this thread, so that he can create it sooner.

Maybe when we hit 100 votes and he still has not appeared and/or made a comment by then, also once I have improved the OP some more, then I will do this!

[Saisher]

22 votes for to 1 vote against. I think it's a matter of when than if at this point.

Send a PM to theymos with a link to this thread, so that he can create it sooner.

Maybe when we hit 100 votes and he still has not appeared and/or made a comment by then, also once I have improved the OP some more, then I will do this!

So far the result :
"Cybersecurity and Privacy" board in "Other" cattegory
Yes   - 24 (96%)
No   - 1 (4%)
Total Voters: 25

I'm sure if many people will stumble or lead to this thread they will vote yes to have that category, we need this category with so much hacking and so many breaches going on, there are many articles and videos about Cybersecurity and Privacy but we want an in-depth discussion to get the best possible solution and results, I don't want only one guy teaching about security without being questioned on what he is discussing.

[n0nce]

It's a yes from me. It would be nice to have a place to post about security/privacy topics (e.g. Tor, Tails, Qubes, Whonix, etc.) and help other members to improve their opsec and keep their BTC safe.

Right between B&H and Off-topic seems like a good spot:

I love how this looks. Also agree that a part of it reserved for cybersecurity news, breaches etc. with a certain title format would be helpful. Whether that's the main page and there's a sub-board for more 'organic' topics like advice, guides, and discussion, or the other way round, that's both fine for me.

'Hardware wallets' is pretty deeply buried, too, and I still visit it almost every day.

Bitcoin Forum > Bitcoin > Development & Technical Discussion > Wallet software > Hardware wallets

I'd lean towards having the 'general, organic' cybersecurity part up front and the 'news / press' in a sub-board, though.

Only thing I disagree with is the caption, that seems too specific for me. It's not just about protecting your own machines, but also about general concepts, research discussion and whatever people feel like discussing.

[joker_josue]

I find the idea of a section dedicated to this topic interesting.

Although we all have different concepts of security and privacy, and use different methods to apply them, it would be good to analyze different perspectives, so that as a whole we can all improve our security and privacy.

[digaran]

If they could add a child board "Education" where people could demonstrate how to run commands/build open source applications themselves, the things they should avoid doing when dealing with certain softwares etc, then  I'd vote yes, asking administration to consider please.

[BenCodie]

I find the idea of a section dedicated to this topic interesting.

Although we all have different concepts of security and privacy, and use different methods to apply them, it would be good to analyze different perspectives, so that as a whole we can all improve our security and privacy.

Exactly!

If they could add a child board "Education" where people could demonstrate how to run commands/build open source applications themselves, the things they should avoid doing when dealing with certain softwares etc, then  I'd vote yes, asking administration to consider please.

I am working on updating the original post at the moment that compiles suggestions from posters here, adds more precedent/justification for the board and also past threads that would move into the board/one of its sub-boards. This gives me the additional idea to create a few proposed board setups too. I will add that to the list. I am working on it in the little spare time I have at the moment but it will be done! Thank you for the suggestion.

I'd lean towards having the 'general, organic' cybersecurity part up front and the 'news / press' in a sub-board, though.

Only thing I disagree with is the caption, that seems too specific for me. It's not just about protecting your own machines, but also about general concepts, research discussion and whatever people feel like discussing.

With the above in mind, I will also work on a few board captions that can be discussed.


I would love for any of the 3 negative voters to post their reasoning as to why not The only thing that I can deduce is that it may be those who are somehow benefiting from peoples lack of cybersecurity. I would love to be enlightened if this is not the case though.

[n0nce]

If they could add a child board "Education" where people could demonstrate how to run commands/build open source applications themselves, the things they should avoid doing when dealing with certain softwares etc, then  I'd vote yes, asking administration to consider please.

That sounds great. Maybe 'Education' and 'News' as 2 sub-boards with all the other threads belonging to the main board.

[BenCodie]

I just added this to the OP.  It seems that these suggestions have been most supported by other posters in the thread.  Below it I also added quotes of the posts that contributed to the idea and seemed to be most supported by others.

Thank you to DaveF and digaran for some great ideas for the child boards. I think that the board structure as suggested would fit perfectly. The main board for general discussion, news section with a log of all of the news and press related to cybersecurity/privacy, and a knowledge base for education relating to the subject. I can't think of a better setup!

Update on January 24:

Board placement suggestion
Other > Cybersecurity & Privacy
- Between Beginners & Help and Off-Topic
- Above or below Politics & Society

Board structure suggestion
[Main Board] Cybersecurity & Privacy: Discussions about cybersecurity and privacy
[Child board] Education: Tutorials, guides and informative topics that help teach improving cybersecurity and/or privacy
[Child board] News: A board structure like the Bitcoin Discussion > Press section that contains dated threads about news/press relating to cybersecurity/privacy

[NotATether]

It's a yes from me. It would be nice to have a place to post about security/privacy topics (e.g. Tor, Tails, Qubes, Whonix, etc.) and help other members to improve their opsec and keep their BTC safe.

Right between B&H and Off-topic seems like a good spot:

WTF... I actually thought that board existed when  saw that screenshot and I had no idea, even after browsing for 4 days!  

Update on January 24:

Board placement suggestion
Other > Cybersecurity & Privacy
- Between Beginners & Help and Off-Topic
- Above or below Politics & Society

Board structure suggestion
[Main Board] Cybersecurity & Privacy: Discussions about cybersecurity and privacy
[Child board] Education: Tutorials, guides and informative topics that help teach improving cybersecurity and/or privacy
[Child board] News: A board structure like the Bitcoin Discussion > Press section that contains dated threads about news/press relating to cybersecurity/privacy

I feel that the "Education" subboard is made redundant by the parent board so I don't really see the benefit for it. People will just treat it is "Cybersecurity board #2".

Stickied threads exist for a reason. But we will need a moderator for that board so that we don't have to continually pester global mods to sticky stuff.

[n0nce]

Stickied threads exist for a reason. But we will need a moderator for that board so that we don't have to continually pester global mods to sticky stuff.

I'm not sure what a moderator role entails, but already considered volunteering as 1 of 2 moderators for this new board, in case there are no other volunteers.

[JayJuanGee]

Stickied threads exist for a reason. But we will need a moderator for that board so that we don't have to continually pester global mods to sticky stuff.

I'm not sure what a moderator role entails, but already considered volunteering as 1 of 2 moderators for this new board, in case there are no other volunteers.

I don't recall ever seeing "requirements for being a Mod.," but it just could be coincidental.... of course, having some level of technical expertise in the area being moderated or activism on the forum.. or maybe even thinking about number of posts or how many merits or trust you have received would be likely considerations.. and you never know if theymos might already have a list of already existing members in mind..  I know that I have seen posts that praise/criticize mods, so surely the topic of what are mod requirements and/or concerns about whether a mod is sufficiently fulfilling requirements comes up from time to time.. I might be rusty on the topic.. which sometimes might include how much any of us, including yours truly, follows Meta threads?

[n0nce]

~

I don't know about any official requirements or lists (internal or public) either, and you're correct that I don't follow Meta a lot. When I have the time to browse or post here, I'm mostly roaming around in the technical sections. Just wanted to throw it out there in case moderation should be a concern for theymos.

I'd be glad if another member, more experienced and with more free time, takes on the burden.

[BlackHatCoiner]

I'm not sure what a moderator role entails, but already considered volunteering as 1 of 2 moderators for this new board, in case there are no other volunteers.

@theymos: if lack of moderation is an issue, I volunteer as well.

[joker_josue]

I'm not sure what a moderator role entails, but already considered volunteering as 1 of 2 moderators for this new board, in case there are no other volunteers.

@theymos: if lack of moderation is an issue, I volunteer as well.

There are two of us... I don't know the criteria either. But, if you say what they are, I will be able to assess whether I fit in. It wasn't the first time he was a forum moderator.