About

This site is used by me (Justin Ellison) to provide a place for me to document things related to Information Security as my understanding of the field grows. I’ve been computering for some time now – I’ve been in systems administration/devops for much of that, but I’ve held other positions like network engineer and lead developer. I also maintained a top-100 Drupal module for about 18 months. My focus has been Linux but lately I’ve been shifting back to Windows. I’ve written code in Perl, Ruby, Shell, Powershell, Python and PHP. Python is next up on deck :) InfoSec has always been something that has interested me starting with my days as a network engineer. Now, it’s my full-time job.

As for the domain name: that’s way more interesting. I wanted a domain name that concisely conveyed my ideology that the best way to be the best blue teamer you can be is to know what the red teamers do, how they do it, and why they do it. I’m certainly not the only or the first person to think this, but it’s a core belief of mine.

I remembered seeing a band named “Red Wanting Blue” live once (I recommend them - awesome show), and thinking that it was funny that they used those terms in their band name. I googled around for the meaning of that, and came upon an interview with their lead singer, Scott Terry where he explains the meaning behind the name:


... they are primary colors, and one can never be the other. Yet, they are in the condition to try and become one another anyway. As human beings, we believe in alchemy. We believe we can turn lead into gold, and a lot of times, despite our limitations, we are determined. I mean, we don’t have the ability to fly, yet we made it to the moon. I feel like that resonates for struggling musicians who want to follow their dream, and everyone says that you can’t do it or you’ll never make it. We may know it might not work out, but we’re going to try anyway, and that’s the meaning of “Red Wanting Blue.” It’s going after what you’re not supposed to be chasing, but doing it anyway.


I feel like this very accurately explains how a blue teamer should try to be a red teamer, although they might actually never become one.

Justin Ellison Written by:

Justin works as an InfoSec professional in the retail sector.

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