The other day I was at work when I ran into an old friend. We caught up on life, family, travels and he started discussing his new car. The car isn’t relevant, but the process he underwent to acquire it is. Someone had stolen his identity a few years ago and the repercussions are still felt every time he applies for a loan or even a library card. It took him countless months to set the record straight and fix the original quagmire, but by this time he’s used to dealing with it and going the extra mile to prove his identity and credit are legitimate. It’s been almost four years since his identity was hacked and the result of that incident made him switch career fields and dive head first into internet security. He didn’t want the feeling he had to happen to others and told me, “Most people don’t realize the extent the internet permeates all parts of their life. Now after what happened to me, I feel like I get to help people every day.”   

After a little more small talk we parted ways, but our conversation made me feel proud to be standing where I was that day at RSA Conference 2012. While mine may only be a small contribution, whether it is writing up an event plan, designing a space or standing behind the Information Desk to furnish directions and dole out recommendations, as I was that day, we each play an integral part. And I too now felt like I was helping contribute to keeping the internet more secure as I helped facilitate the conference.

With that I want to say thank you to my friend, all of the attendees, my colleagues and our client, RSA, The Security Division of EMC, for making RSA Conference 2012 such a success and for your continuing efforts at keeping our internet and world safer.