News
Message from the Chapter President
Introducing the ISC2 Central Gulf Coast (ISC2 CGC) Chapter’s Newsletter – September 2023 issue. The purpose of the newsletter is to provide highlights of upcoming events and activities as well as share relevant articles from our dedicated member volunteers.
We have been working on several initiatives to help connect the community! Our upcoming events include a tour of Stephenson Technologies Corporation Cyber Range in Baton Rouge on Sep 7th and an in-person event in Metairie with Sarah Anderson of LegallyCyber.com on Oct 4th. We are also working to add more in-person luncheon or dinner events this year. For education, we are hosting CC study sessions for Calcasieu Parish Schools graduating students interested in earning the 'Certified in Cybersecurity' from ISC2. We are also organizing volunteer efforts for the ISC2gether Day.
Our name is now abbreviated ISC2 and we have a new logo! Of course, we will continue to be an Official Chapter of the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, Inc. We are expressing our abbreviated name differently, from (ISC)² to ISC2, to be more easily understood. The Chapter logo was also refreshed to appear more uniform with ISC2. The website and social media pages have been updated. We will continue to phase-in the new ISC2 branding in our forms and documents as well as merchandise. We also hope to offer Chapter branded items in a storefront very soon.
If you are not an ISC2 CGC Chapter member then you can Join on the website https://www.isc2-cgcchapter.org/.
- You do NOT need to be ISC2 certified to join the chapter - part of our chapter Mission is to support those interested in gaining certification.
- The ISC2 CGC Chapter supports All of Louisiana and Mississippi. We also welcome professionals from other areas to join and participate in virtual events.
- Contact president@isc2-cgcchapter.org to get involved with Chapter leadership meetings or to help support events/activities.
Events

September Chapter Event
Cyber Range Tour at Stephenson Technologies Corporation (STC)
Where: 1200 Brickyard Ln Suite 200, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
When: Sep 7th, 2:00 pm
Cost: Free to ISC2 CGC Chapter Members
Click here to Register
The Cyber Range at STC provides a secure, modular, and configurable environment capable of facilitating product development testing, security posture assessments, next generation cyber warfare exercises, and hands-on specialized education/training.

October Chapter Event
Sarah Anderson, Permission to Think Differently
A joint event with NOLAsec - sponsored by TEKsystems
When: Oct 4th, 5:30 pm
Where: Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Metairie, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006
Click here to Register
Sarah W. Anderson is the owner and founder of SWA Law LLC and LegallyCyber.com. She is the chief legal counsel for the State of Louisiana's Emergency Support Function-17, responding to cyber incidents and conducting cyber law training across the Pelican State.
Prior to founding SWA Law, Sarah was Of Counsel with Alexander Sides Law Firm, in-house counsel with the Cyber Innovation Center (a technology innovation non-profit), and a former partner with a multi-state law firm, representing several fortune 500 companies in toxic tort litigation and property disputes.
Sarah is currently serving as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army Reserves. She served as a Brigade Judge Advocate for an Infantry Brigade Combat Team in theater, as well as a Cyber Law Judge Advocate for the State of Louisiana and legal liaison for the Louisiana Cybersecurity Commission while with the Louisiana Army National Guard.

Regional Groups
The following are associated groups that meet in major cities across the Central Gulf Coast and have support from ISC2 CGC Chapter Members.
New Orleans Area:
NOLASec Meetup Sept 6th
DEFCON/BlackHat Vegas Debreif led by Najo Ifield and Sonny Smith, CISSP along with other discussions led by Joshua Copeland - presented Cylance Inc.
Link
Lafayette Area:
DEFCON Acadiana Sept 13th
The Ruins 1919 Kaliste Saloom Rd
Baton Rouge Area:
BRSec Sept 20th
Link
Lake Charles Area:
SWLA Cyber Club Sept 27th
Walk-On's Bistro 6pm-7:30pm

Webinar for Students
Have you ever thought about a career in cybersecurity or are you currently undertaking a cybersecurity degree course and want to know how to fast-forward your career?
If the answer to these questions is a resounding ‘yes’ then join us on our webinar: ‘Your guide to ISC2 certifications and your cybersecurity career pathway.’
The Speaker and Cyber Security expert: Ed Parsons CISSP Director, ISC2
Ed is responsible for growing our membership and achieving organizational goals in the UK and Europe. He has significant experience in the cybersecurity industry, starting in investigations, before moving into risk management, and going on lead an international cyber security consultancy, renowned for research and technical expertise.
ISC2 launched One Million Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) to provide free of charge training in cybersecurity to all. Ed will discuss this certification and the benefits. He will also give his top tips for career growth and opportunities in cybersecurity, why certification is important, where and how to start and much more! Don’t miss out.
Click here to Register
Spotlight

Member Spotlight – Allen Ardoin Jr.
Allen Ardoin Jr. is a dedicated professional who thrives on making a positive impact through his work and service. With a background rooted in cybersecurity and a passion for helping others, Allen's motto is "I enjoy helping people help themselves."
Allen holds a prominent position as the ISC2 Central Gulf Coast Outreach Chair, showcasing his commitment to the field of cybersecurity and his desire to contribute to the professional growth of his peers. His ISC2 Cybersecurity Certification underlines his expertise in the domain and his dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
A proud Navy veteran, Allen's service-oriented mindset has transcended into his civilian life. Currently residing in Lake Charles, Louisiana, he brings approximately 25 years of invaluable experience in Federal Government employment to the table. His journey has led him to his current role as a FEMA IT Specialist (RSV) within the Department of Homeland Security. In this crucial position, Allen goes above and beyond to ensure that technical support services are seamlessly delivered, and problems and malfunctions are efficiently resolved during disaster response and recovery operations across the United States and its territories.
Allen Ardoin Jr.'s remarkable journey from his military service to his distinguished career in the realm of cybersecurity and disaster response truly exemplifies his dedication to service, his commitment to excellence, and his drive to empower and uplift others through his work.
Volunteer

ISC2gether Day
We have an incredible opportunity for our community to come together and make a meaningful impact. ISC2 is excited to introduce its inaugural global community service event, ISC2gether, in collaboration with the ISC2 Chapters program and the Center for Cyber Safety and Education.
ISC2gether is set to take place from September 22nd to 24th, 2023, and it aims to bring people from all walks of life – including ISC2 chapters, members, associates, candidates, staff, friends, and families – to unite for a common cause: giving back to our local communities and helping those in need.
We have a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in this global movement. The ISC2gether event presents a multitude of volunteer opportunities that align perfectly with the values of our chapter. From organizing educational workshops on cybersecurity awareness to participating in local outreach initiatives, there is something for everyone to get involved in.
More information will be shared soon. For volunteer opportunities Contact outreach@isc2-cgcchapter.org
For more information visit the ISC2gether day website

Call for Volunteers
ISC2’s Center for Cyber Safety and Education sponsors the Safe and Secure Online program as part of the organization’s Reach and Inspire effort to spread cyber awareness and techniques to at risk audiences. Volunteers sign up to present a 45-60 minute presentation on to local high-risk groups (school children, parents, senior citizens, etc.). The first two presentations earn the speaker 10 CPEs each. Interested individuals can sign up at iamcybersafe.org or email events@isc2-cgcchapter.org

ISC2 CGC Chapter
The ISC2 Central Gulf Coast Chapter, a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of the Greater New Orleans area. It was chartered by ISC2 in January 2021 to serve the Central Gulf Coast region - all Louisiana and the Mississippi coast.