About Robert Vamosi
For the last nine years I’ve been a senior editor and an award-winning computer virus and security columnist for CNET, a division of CBS. Over the years I have discussed computer security issues on ABC, NBC, the BBC, CNN, CNBC, NPR, and various other local and national radio and tv networks. I have also been quoted in the New York Times on wireless computer security concerns, and have moderated security panels, including one on privacy and security at the Harvard Business School.
Experience
Author | a forthcoming non-fiction book from Basic Books
February 2009 – Present
I am writing a book about the security of every day gadgets such as mobile phones and black boxes in cars.
Analyst | Security, Risk and Fraud | Javelin Strategy & Research
February 2009 – Present
I write ten reports annually focusing on security, risk and fraud for the financial services industry. I also present at conferences such as NACHA on topics such as PCI DSS.
Columnist | Windows Secrets
August 2009 – Present
I write a monthly column on recent, unpatched security vulnerabilities affecting the Windows platform.
Independent Writer/Editor
December 2008 – Present
Currently working Security Alerts and feature articles for PC World magazine.
And contributed video interviews to ThreatPost
Senior Editor | CBS Interactive / CNET / ZDNet
November 1999 – December 2008 (9 years 2 months)
As Senior Editor, I performed the following duties:
• Blogger: posted three security-related CNET News stories day (on average), syndicated on CBS News.com
• Podcaster: hosted Security Bites, a weekly security-themed podcast available on iTunes, Mediafly, and elsewhere
• Columnist: wrote Defense in Depth and Security Watch, both columns have been syndicated on MSN, CNN, and CBS affiliate sites worldwide
• Reporter: covered major computer security conferences such as RSA, Black Hat, Shmoocon, and others
• Newsletter editor: created a weekly security newsletter
• Reviewer: managed a team of freelance writers for software reviews, and reviewed security software
Highlights
• April 2008, co-presented a talk on teenage social network hackers Chris Boyd of Facetime at RSA San Francisco, the largest security conference in North America.
• November 2006, moderated a privacy and security panel at the Harvard Business School as part of Cyberposium 12.
• August 2006, cited as expert on laptop thefts by the New York Times
• July 2006, cited as an expert by the BBC on Apple computer security.
• July 2004, served as the technical editor for Ken Feinstein’s book, How to Do Everything to Fight Spam, Viruses, Pop-Ups, and Spyware (2004), published by Osborne McGraw-Hill.
• Interviewed live on CNN, MSNBC, and NPR, various times.
Education
• Northwestern University
• Various Black Hat training sessions
Interests
• Digital forensics, psychology of computer hacking, vulnerability disclosure, criminal hackers, threat models
Groups and Associations
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc. (SFWA)
Honors and Awards
2005 MAGGIE Award for best regular online consumer column.
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