ISSA Colorado Springs Chapter

ISSA International

The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)® is a not-for-profit, international organization of information security professionals and practitioners. It provides educational forums, publications, and peer interaction opportunities that enhance the knowledge, skill and professional growth of its members. ISSA is the community of choice for international cybersecurity professionals dedicated to advancing individual growth, managing technology risk, and protecting critical information and infrastructure.

Goals

• Lead the global security community collaboration to protect society from security threats.
• Provide the profession with highly qualified practitioners and high-quality education and training.
• Serve as a respected and trusted source and advisor on information security-related technology, education, standards, and public policy.

Colorado Springs Chapter

The Colorado Springs Chapter (ISSA-COS) averages 300–400 active members with additional support and collaboration from over two dozen area organizations; what we refer to as Community Partners. ISSA-COS also enjoys the benefits provided from formally recognized Strategic Partners and various Chapter Sponsors.

Our chapter meets monthly with presentations and information of interest to security professionals. We host two nationally attended symposiums: the Cyber Focus Forum held in the Spring and the Peak Cyber Symposium held in the Fall. Other events hosted by ISSA-COS include CompTIA Security+ Reviews, an (ISC)² CISSP® Review, Mini-seminars, and Mentoring Mixers. We offer these events (and many others) throughout the year to help our members network with other cybersecurity professionals and obtain and maintain industry certifications.

Professional Growth

The Colorado Springs Chapter is committed to helping its members grow professionally. Members can earn up to 60 hours of continuing education attendance certificates annually for chapter meetings, mini-seminars, conferences, and other events throughout the year. Both virtual and in-person opportunities exist. These can be used to verify continuing education units (CEUs) for certifications.

Awards & Recognition

Our chapter was honored to be named the ISSA Chapter of the Year for 2005, 2008, 2017, 2021, and again in 2023! Our members consistently win ISSA International-level awards such as: Hall of Fame, Honor Roll, Security Professional of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year. Additionally, the Colorado Springs Chapter boasts over 70 ISSA Senior Members, 13 ISSA Fellows, and 9 ISSA Distinguished Fellows. These titles represent major milestones as a member of ISSA and as an industry professional.

Leadership

The Colorado Springs Chapter offers numerous opportunities to gain valuable leadership experience by leading a committee or serving on the Board of Directors. Many of our chapter leaders have excelled in their careers as well as with ISSA International. Dr. George Proeller, Past-President of the Colorado Springs Chapter, served as the chapter’s first ISSA International Director. In 2017, and re-elected in 2019, Dr. Shawn Murray became the second ISSA International Director from our chapter. And in 2023, Dr. Murray became the first ISSA International President from our chapter.

Sponsors

The ISSA Colorado Springs Chapter functions as an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization. Becoming an Annual Chapter Sponsor for ISSA-COS grants businesses an opportunity to invest in our chapter, our community, and the cybersecurity industry at large. In exchange for their financial support, sponsors receive a host of benefits which may be redeemed throughout the year. These benefits include name and logo recognition in chapter announcements, priority scheduling for guest speaking opportunities, and corporate invitations for non-member employees to attend chapter events.