I’m a bit agitated.
The agitator in my washing machine has been having issues agitating. I, sensing a rare opportunity to perhaps use a bit of learning from my undergraduate degree decades ago (BS Mechanical Engineering, University at Buffalo, 1993) jumped at the chance to diagnose and possibly fix. I correctly deduced the root cause (worn splines) and a “temporary” fix: thorough cleaning, new bolt to hold agitator down on splines, with locking fluid on bolt.
This worked for a while, but we knew it was only a temporary solution; at some point in time the gearbox would need to be replaced. I decided that while I could do it myself, I wouldn’t want to (one of Schaffer’s Rules: Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should). Thus, I called in a pro with a catchy name and smart uniform that had great reviews and just oozed “professional.”
What does this have to do with cyber security and information security, you may ask? I’m getting to that.
The technician provided the expected diagnosis but could not provide an estimate without internet access. I know this because he asked me for my WiFi password to connect.
That agitated me.
My answer was, of course, no, and also that I did not have a Guest network. Honestly, even if I did, I would be reluctant to share. You come to my place for service, you bring all your own tools. You’d never think to ask for a wrench, correct? Why ask for WiFi?
His reaction conveyed entitlement; how could I refuse such a simple request?
I sensed a teachable moment. “Why not use your phone’s hot spot?”
“How do I do that?”
Minutes later I had estimate in hand after providing my free consulting, to which he thanked me (yet refused my suggestion of barter for free washing machine service). He had another tool in his arsenal, no longer having to ask service callers for confidential infrastructure information. How many home networks did I help secure today?
Not that any of that mattered in the moment. The cost to fix the washer would be about what a new washer would cost, and thus us the path we will follow. I’m sure someone will get that old washer and remove usable parts and recycle the rest or perhaps fix it and sell or use.