Every Wednesday, we’re asking 5 quick questions to a different blogger covering the technology space. This week we’re talking to Dan Raywood, the writer behind SC Magazine’s Security Cats blog.

1. What is the Security Cats blog all about?

I like to think of it as an irreverent take on security, we cover the mainstream stories with more of a personal take on the issues raised that we would perhaps not give in our main news stories. I also use it to publish opinion articles and things we have noticed.

2. Who is your audience? Why do you think they come to your blog for news?

Our audience is IT and security professionals along with those in the vendor, analyst and PR communities. We also hope to draw a wider audience to the issues of data privacy and information security. I hope that they come to us for our clear messages and language and for interest in what we write about.

3. What do you see as the hottest upcoming technology trend?

There are so many trends and talking points, but drawing from interviews I have done in the last 24 hours I will go for advanced authentication, specifically with how biometrics are being used in healthcare and how they could move into other sectors.

4. In your opinion, who are the biggest trend setters in technology? How do you keep up with them online?

There is a healthy mix of opinion from vendor-based researchers to independent analysts, I like following the security advisors at vendors such as Trend Micro, ESET and F-Secure (and obviously Symantec!) as they have a clear eye on threats without commercial influence. There is also some key analysts and bloggers such as Jeremiah Grossman, Avi Raff, Gary Warner, Brian Krebs and Robert Siciliano who provide interesting takes on current subjects.

5. Do you receive a lot of press releases and pitches from PRs? How do you think PRs should best approach bloggers?

For our daily news we do get a lot of input, sorting through what is and is not apparent is the biggest challenge as you want to keep a selection of new products with comment on issues and breaking news. For the blog site, there is no rule as I pick up on what I think may be interesting to write an opinion on, but generally I would not focus on new products and look at an opinion and give my perspective on it. For advice on approaching bloggers, I would advise PRs to offer an opinion that the blogger would want to respond to or comment on – they may be very critical but is there such a thing as bad press?