Exposing a security hate mail coward

This is too long for a general post, so it's an article.

So - the Monday poll about exposing the hate mail coward. They tried to hide by changing their surname on their profile to an initial. Umbrellas don't stop asteroids, fella.

I knew exactly what I would do before creating the poll. I don't need the mob on social media to tell me how to live. You know me better than that. The post had a purpose. Remember that I am here to teach security people to be better. Everything I do has a purpose.

52% wanted me to make a public example of this person. I have the email addresses for their board of directors; the email is ready to send. Then, there are their professional bodies...and other avenues. I have a busy mind, a deep curiosity and very specific empathy.

That said, there is something extremely distasteful about baying for the blood of a stranger, at least from my perspective. It's what is wrong with the world. This is ego, fear and hate talking. It's even more dangerous when it comes in on a moral high horse. If this is how you roll, sooner or later, it'll be your turn. I attack ideas and behaviours, not individuals. I will not contribute to social decay.

20% thought I should let it slide if they sent me a genuine apology. Not going to happen. They wouldn't ever send it, and I wouldn't ever accept it. It's not like they had a moral awakening. They aren't 'sorry'. They're 'sorry' they got caught out. Bullies are like that. However 'sorry' they might claim to be...that word would take on a whole new meaning if I wanted it to.

8% said not to expose them and instead 'go legal' on them. I am not interested in enriching solicitors, and they are the only people who win. Never confuse legal justice with ethical justice.

19% called for me to set an example. I will be honest, this is a much higher number than I ever imagined. Decency and moderation on social media? Who would have thought? It honestly shook my cynicism. I paid close attention to the people who voted, and these people are worth knowing for this fact alone. Likewise, some of those who commented in this direction. Honoured to have you in my audience, if not my network.

However you voted, do some deep work on why.

I'm not exposing this person.

This choice has nothing to do with them.

1. It does not serve my purposes. I'm here to help people get better at security, not punish incompetent weaklings who lash out. I'd get nothing else done. It's not necessary for my goals. Yes, this is a blend of psychopathy and Stoicism. Psychocism? Trademarking it. Perhaps a Psycho-CISM + course?

2. I'm not sparing them. I am sparing myself. I choose not be that person. I was for a long time, and I hated it. I spent decades angry, weak and afraid. Not going back to that, thanks. It's where this person currently is. The Stoics embrace justice. Would it be 'just' to expose them? I don't think so in the current situation.

Don't make the mistake of assuming this is kindness or weakness. It's neither. I have no compassion for them. I make this choice with the same level of emotion as if I were nailing them to a table. If it's necessary to act, I do so. 'Feelings' don't factor.

This person recently posted some of their 'insight', and they're in desperate need of training from a highly qualified baggage handler because they're fucking clueless, according to what they wrote. Yes, I'd still accept them as a client, since they desperately need my help and example. If not, their best bet is to quietly disappear and pray to Xenu that I forget they exist.

If action on my part ever becomes necessary, it will be emphatic and without further warning. As much as I try to be a better person, there is a 'sucker line' I will not be pushed over.

Be better. 19% are. Join them. And sometimes me.