Topic: 360 Degrees of Security ā Setting Standards for Your Websites and Yourself
Adam W. Warner first discovered WordPress in 2005 and has since founded several WordPress-focused businesses that provide education, plugins and consulting services for online business owners. In 2016 he brought his passion for WordPress to SiteLock as a Product Evangelist. Adam has since delivered his zeal for WordPress by speaking at several WordCamps and other events. In addition to WordPress, Adam is passionate about his family, robots and of course, life, the universe, and everything.
How did you get involved in WordPress?
I had been creating HTML websites since 1996 and in 2005, was running a photo memorial DVD business. I was interested in blogging and in a faster way to update my business website. I tried a few platforms and WordPress was the one that I became most comfortable with right away.
What do you do with WordPress?
A lot through the years. As I became more familiar with the software and what it could do, I started writing WordPress and blogging tutorials. I eventually learned to create my own themes and plugins (which were ugly and sometimes unusable by others), but this led to a greater understanding of the WordPress eco-system and what was possible aside from a simple blog.
I was also working full time for an audiobook publisher and convinced the IT Director that blogging and podcasting are what we should be doing for marketing the business, and was put in charge of that project, utilizing WordPress. That experience led me to a Web Development and Internet Marketing Manager position for a ventilation systems company in Florida, where I managed eight web properties with WordPress Multisite.
In turn, that experience led me to find a business partner and launch FooPlugins, a free and premium plugin business. After several years of working from home, I needed to get back out into the community I loved so much and learned of the Community Evangelist position at SiteLock.com, where I now work full time spreading the word about website security and other topics related to WordPress. It’s who I am and I plan to continue listening to the needs and wants of the community indefinitely.
What has your experience with the WordPress community been like?
The WordPress community is what allowed me to follow my passion with WordPress and democratizing the web. I’ve learned so much from others through the years and it’s my mission to give back and help others succeed with their WordPress-powered businesses however and wherever I can.
Why did you want to speak at WordCamp DFW?
Of all the WordCamps and other events I’ve attended, I’ve never been to WordCamp DFW.
Why did you decide to speak on security?
Security is often a topic that people see as “too technical”. But in order to mitigate the most risk, you only need to know and employ a few concepts and tools. This topic not only covers website security best practices but also personal security as well. I feel it’s important for all of us to understand the various types of threats in order to create a holistic view and approach to keeping ourselves, and our businesses, as secure as possible.
What do you hope the audience gets from your talk?
My hope is that I’ll prove the benefits of being “security minded” in your daily life without being overly paranoid. Additionally, I hope to show that putting a solid security framework together is not as difficult as it may seem and that security is not a “set it and forget it” process, but should rather be an ongoing and organic part of your daily focus.
Tickets are now on saleĀ for this yearās WordCamp DFW held on Nov. 11-12. There are also plenty of opportunities toĀ sponsor the eventĀ orĀ help run it. We hope to see you there!