So, my question is where I can get "involved" and stay up to date with the industry? Are there forums that are common knowledge to security professionals? Listservs? Are there restricted forums to proven white hats? If I were to go it on my own, I guess I'd start with watching DEFCON and SchmooCon presentations and reading articles in Phrack -- just because that's what I know of.
I'd like to entertain my curiosity and see if this industry is where I'd like to spend my career. Any and all comments or suggestions are welcome! :)