Noshing With Deviant Ollam – October 7, 2021

Deviant Ollam, Physical Penetration Specialist

This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast, host Ira Sternberg sits down with Deviant Ollam, a renowned physical penetration specialist known for breaking into buildings, gated communities, and “impenetrable” server rooms to test their security. In this unlocked episode, Deviant Ollam shares his journey into the world of security, the intricacies of his profession, and valuable insights into the importance of both physical and psychological security.

From Curiosity to Career: Deviant Ollam’s JourneyBecoming a Physical Penetration Specialist

Deviant Ollam’s fascination with security began at a young age. Over the years, this curiosity evolved into a career as a physical penetration specialist. His primary role involves testing the security of companies and organizations by attempting to breach their defenses. Ollam explains that his goal is often to get caught, providing valuable feedback on the effectiveness of existing security measures. His work highlights how vulnerable many systems are, despite appearing secure.

The Importance of Locks in Society

Symbolic and Functional Roles of Locks

In this episode, Deviant Ollam discusses the dual roles that locks play in society. On one hand, locks serve a symbolic purpose, sending a message that certain areas are off-limits. On the other hand, they provide a tangible layer of security, protecting valuable assets and ensuring privacy. Ollam emphasizes that while locks are essential, they are not infallible and should be part of a comprehensive security strategy.

Low-Tech Security Solutions

When Simplicity Wins

Deviant Ollam advocates for low-tech security solutions, noting that sometimes simplicity is the most effective approach. High-tech systems can be vulnerable to sophisticated attacks, whereas basic, low-tech measures can often provide robust protection. Ollam shares practical advice on inexpensive and effective security tools, such as the best item to use for securing a hotel room.

The Difference Between Being Secure and Feeling Secure

Psychological Aspects of Security

A key topic in this episode is the distinction between being secure and feeling secure. Deviant Ollam explores how psychological factors influence perceptions of safety. He argues that true security involves both physical measures and a sense of well-being, emphasizing that individuals and organizations must address both aspects to achieve comprehensive protection.

Books and Resources by Deviant Ollam

Practical Lock Picking and Keys to the Kingdom

Deviant Ollam is the author of several influential books on security, including Practical Lock Picking and Keys to the Kingdom. These titles are among Syngress Publishing’s best-selling pen testing books and are essential resources for anyone interested in physical security and lockpicking. For more information on his books and other resources, visit his official website.

Lockpick Village and Security Training

Workshops and Conferences

Deviant Ollam has made significant contributions to the security community by founding Lockpick Village workshop areas at multiple annual security conferences. He has conducted physical security training sessions for prestigious events and institutions such as Black Hat, the SANS Institute, DEF CON, the FBI, NSA, DARPA, and military academies like West Point. These workshops provide hands-on experience and education in lockpicking and physical security, helping to raise awareness and improve practices in the field.

Professional Roles and Affiliations

The CORE Group and TOOOL

While paying the bills as a physical penetration specialist with The CORE Group, Deviant Ollam also serves as the Director of Education for Red Team Alliance. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Directors of the US division of TOOOL, The Open Organisation Of Lockpickers. These roles allow him to contribute to the advancement of security practices and educate the next generation of security professionals.

Connecting with Deviant Ollam

Stay Updated and Engaged

For fans and followers who wish to stay updated on Deviant Ollam’s latest projects and insights, you can connect with him through various platforms. Follow Deviant Ollam on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Additionally, you can...