How to Harness the Power of pfSense for Network Security

Summary:

In this episode of Exploring Information Security, Security Engineer Kyle Goode takes a deep dive into the versatile world of pfSense, a robust open-source firewall and router that has been a mainstay in the network security arena for over two decades. Kyle shares insights from his own experiences with pfSense, exploring both the practical and technical aspects of setting up and managing a pfSense system.

Episode Highlights:

  • Setting Up pfSense: Practical tips on how to set up pfSense on different types of hardware, and troubleshooting common setup issues.

  • Security Customizations: Detailed discussion on customizing pfSense for enhanced security, including the use of threat feeds and SSL inspection.

  • Maintenance and Updates: Tips on maintaining a pfSense installation, including regular updates and leveraging community resources for troubleshooting.

  • Benefits of Using pfSense: A look at the benefits of using pfSense over commercial routers, especially for those interested in a deeper understanding of network security.

Resources:

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What is Converge and BSides Detroit?

In this Motor City edition of the Exploring Information Security podcast, Ryan Harp, Kyle Andrus, and Kate Vajda join me to discuss the conferences Converge and BSides Detroit.

Ryan (@th3b00st), Kyle (@chaoticflaws), and Kate (@vajkat) help put on one of the best conferences. Last year was my first year at the conference. I was not disappointed. They had a workshop on application security; a room set aside to get resume feedback; Ham radio exams; and much more. They also had three days of wonderful talks with some really great speakers. At lunch there are multiple treks to go grab a coney dog.

The call for papers is currently open. They're looking for speakers and to add more workshops this year. Tickets are also available now. Make sure to grab yours and I'll see you at Converge and BSides Detroit May 10-12.

In this episode we discuss:

  • How the conference got started.

  • Where the conference is at and what's new this year for the layout.

  • What's unique about the conference.

  • Coney dogs.

What's happening at BSides Augusta?

In this masters edition of the Exploring Information Security podcast, Adam Twitty, Robert Preston, Jeff Lang, and myself discuss security things.

This is another EIS podcast special at BSides Augusta. I have some close friends joining me for this one. Adam, Jeff, and Robert all part of a local user group in Columbia, South Carolina, aptly named ColaSec. I also worked with Adam and Robert at my first security gig.

BSides Augusta is one of my favorite BSides events. It's really well run. It has a great facility and there's so much to do. In fact, I took part in my first conference capture the flag (CTF) with some of the guys from ColaSec. It was quite the experience and a lot of fun. I highly recommend the conference for those free in mid-September.

In this episode we discuss:

  • What it's like to be on a good team
  • What you need to know to get into the field?
  • What paths are available to get into infosec
  • What is ColaSec?

What is BSides Bordeaux

In this exquisite episode of the Exploring Information Security podcast, Allan Liska and Tim Gallo join me to discuss a brand new BSides in Bordeaux.

Both Allan (@uuallan) and Tim (@TimJGallo) are in the Unite States. This makes starting a BSides in France challenging and intriguing. Both organizers love wine and saw an opportunity to put France on the BSides map. BSides Bordeaux (@BsidesBDX) is October 21, 2017, in Bordeaux France. The venue is Mama Shelter (which has a wicked video). Tickets are limited so be sure to grab one soon.

In this episode we discuss:

  • What inspired them to start BSides Bordeaux
  • The challenges of organizing a BSides on another continent
  • What makes the conference unique
  • What are some of the things to do in Bordeaux

What is BSides Nashville?

In this musical edition of the Exploring Information Podcast, organizers Jennifer Samardak and Finn Breland join me to discuss BSides Nashville.

BSides Nashville (@bsidesnash) is the second BSides I attended and the only one I've attend each year since it's inception. It's a really well put together conference. They have three tracks. They have the usual side areas with lock picking, hardware hacking, and a kids area. The best part though is the lunch. They cater lunch from Martin's BBQ. One of Nashville's best BBQ places. I would put the food up against any conference. I join Jen (@jsmardak) and Finn (@FinnBreland) to talk about all that and much more.

BSides Nashville is April 22, 2017, at Lipscomb University. Tickets are sold out. A waiting list is available for those hoping to attend.

In this episode we discuss:

  • What is BSides Nashville
  • Who should attend the conference
  • What makes it's unique
  • Where are the places to visit in Nashville?

What is BSides Indy?

In this circular edition of the Exploring Information Security podcast, Frank the Tank joins me to discuss BSides Indy.

Frank (@TheDevilsVoice) is the lead organizer of BSides Indy (@indybsides). I am excited to be traveling to the conference this year. I will be taking pictures and speaking at the event. I decided to have Frank on to talk about BSides Indy to gauge what type of BSides event I can expect. The theme I got from my chat with Frank is that it's a very laid back type of BSides with a lot of the usual events. They have some wonderful speakers. A lock pick village and a place for hacking Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Hack4Kidz for the little ones and a devious capture the flag (CTF) event. I am excited to go. Tickets are still available. General Admission is $15 for Saturday. Hack Harder (Friday workshops) and the Saturday talks are $30. If you're a student or broke tickets are free. See you there!

In this episode we discuss:

  • What is BSides Indy?
  • How the con got started
  • What makes this conference unique?
  • What is the one thing to do in Indy (Pork tenderloin sandwiches)

What is BSides Hunstville?

In this launched edition of the Exploring Information Security podcast, Paul Coggin joins me to discuss BSides Hunstville.

Paul (@PaulCoggin) is the founder and organizer of BSides Hunstville (@BSidesHSV). I will be attending the conference for the first time this year. The conference is in it's fifth year of existence. In our discussion I found something unique about the conference. Paul doesn't deal with sponsors like some other BSides conferences. Which isn't a bad thing and I'm interested to see how that plays out in talks and networking opportunities. The lineup of speakers looks fantastic. Tickets are still available and I encourage people to check it out.

In this episode we discuss:

  • What is BSides?
  • How BSides Hunstville got started?
  • What is unique about the conference?
  • Why Huntsville is a prime place for a BSides?

What is BSides Augusta?

In this episode of the Exploring Information Security (EIS) podcast, I talk with one of the organizers of BSides Augusta, Doug Burks.

2015 will be the third year for the security conference and it looks to be even bigger and better than last year. This year the conference features a two blue team tracks, a red team track, CTF challenge, a lock pick village, and much more.  Doug also talked about his own conference that leads into BSides Augusta, the Security Onion conference. BSides Augusta is sold out, but the Security Onion conference still has tickets available.

Security Onion Conference - September 11, 2015 - Tickets available

BSides Augusta - September 12, 2015 - SOLD OUT with waiting list

In this interview Doug discusses:

  • What is BSides Augusta
  • How the security conference got started
  • The blue team atmosphere
  • The Security Onion conference