Is it safe to blog about security in government? That may sound like a pretty dumb question coming from a security blog that’s been around for over 18 months. And yet, I often get asked that question by Michigan technology staff and colleagues around the country. Now, Federal Computer Week (FCW) may have settled the question by announcing that “Government enters the blogsosphere.”The FCW article describes the benefits of blogging and gives examples from the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA’s) support of customers via their blog. The article also gives tips on how to get started blogging and some items to think about in our Web 2.0 world. Related articles list five excellent government blogs worth reading. (No, Lohrmann on GovSpace didn’t make the list.) About two years ago I had an idea – start a blog about cybersecurity in government. Initially, I was told “not now.” Later in 2006, CSO asked me to join their new blogging endeavors, and I received permission from my boss, and Michigan CIO at the time, Teri Takai. I don’t regret getting into blogging – although I do feel pressure to post more often than my time permits. This became somewhat of a problem last fall and winter when I was knee-deep into deadlines regarding my upcoming book (Virtual Integrity: Faithfully Navigating the Brave New Web) which comes out in October. More on that topic in a later blog, but my point is that work, home and other priorities often conflict with frequent posting. Contrary to popular opinion, I’d start slower (blog less often) if I did it all over again. You can see how often I used to blog by going back into the archives. I try to blog once a week now. Yes, starting this blog was a bit of a risk, but CSO Magazine has been great to work with, and it opened up other opportunities. If you are so inclined, I say go for it. If you want to start blogging about your security situation, here are a few things I’ve learned a long the way: 1) Make sure you have management approval.2) Be professional – tell true stories with integrity, but don’t give out confidential information or details that could harm your company or your career. 3) When you want to say something controversial, give your opinion, but respect the other side and be fair (exact quotes and links can help).4) Blog on your own time. I’m not being paid to blog (by anyone).5) Have fun. If you don’t enjoy it, find something else to do. Time is precious. It looks like government blogging is now “in.” So hesitant managers may now be open to new requests to blog. If they said no before, try again – and use this article or the FCW artcles, if you’d like help making the case. Related content opinion 3 security career lessons from 'Back to the Future' You don't need to be able to predict the future to have a successful security career, but you had darned well better be able to learn from the past. By Dan Lohrmann Jan 12, 2021 6 mins Careers Security interview Secrets of industry-hopping CSOs Who says you can't change industries? Veteran security leaders Mark Weatherford and Cheri McGuire teach you how it’s done. By Dan Lohrmann Mar 02, 2020 12 mins Careers Security opinion Why security pros are addicted to FUD and what you can do about it Despite professing anti-FUD rhetoric, cyber experts fan the flames, breathlessly sharing the details of the latest data breaches. It's a risky addiction that can lead to security apathy in enterprises. Here's how to harness it. By Dan Lohrmann Sep 06, 2018 7 mins Security opinion Bridging the smart cities security divide There are plenty of organizations that seem to be working on answers to secure smart cities, but in many ways it's like the early days of cloud computing with everyone building their own solutions. By Dan Lohrmann Feb 01, 2018 6 mins Internet of Things Security Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe