Infosec researchers, experts, and hackers in general have a…fraught relationship with media, ranging from exploitive to adversarial. Recent episodes, including the doxxing of Marcus Hutchins by UK media and sensational coverage of his arrest, don't help, nor do broadcast media reports that are often factually incorrect or even damaging to the security of those who take the reports as gospel. And researchers looking to get out word to the general public are often (based on anecdotal data) confused or intimidated by the media machine. This presentation seeks to demystify how news media work, the strengths and weaknesses of each channel of communications, and how to effectively interact with journalists in a way that is constructive and productive. We are infosec journalists"ask us anything.

Sean Gallagher is the IT Editor and National Security Editor for Ars Technica. A former Navy officer and government IT contractor (and for a time the Director of IT Strategy for Ziff Davis Enterprise), Sean has been an IT journalist for over 20 years. He covers information security and privacy as part of his vast beat at Ars. Prior to joining the journalism world in 2005, Steve Ragan spent 15 years as a freelance IT contractor focused on infrastructure management and security. He's a father of two and rounded geek with a strong technical background. Paul Wagenseil heads security and privacy coverage for Tom's Guide. He has also been a warehouse manager, a car deliveryman, a bartender, a fry cook and a dishwasher. That's all he's going to tell you unless you meet him in person.

Sean - @thepacketrat, Steve - @SteveD3, Paul - @snd_wagenseil

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