ISC2 Central Gulf Coast Chapter Newsletter

Announcements

Message from the Chapter President

April was a great month for the Chapter! The Annual Members Meeting was a success. Our sponsor, TEKsystems, was kind enough to host and provide some really good food. As always, it was nice to shake hands and see everyone face-to-face. Several members reminded us that they enjoy the in-person meetings with opportunities to socialize and network. The Members voted to adopt the new Bylaws – this will help the Chapter continue to grow and extend cybersecurity learning engagements to the community. The Chapter helped sponsor two big events in April. On April 30th, the InfraGard Louisiana “Spring AI and Cyber Panel” took place in Baton Rouge. Our own Joseph Jaubert was among the featured panelists on stage. The very next day, BSides NOLA conference was at the Le Meridien Hotel in New Orleans, and ISC2-CGC Chapter was recognized among the headline sponsors for the event. There was a lot of interest in the Chapter among the attendees, and we gained many new members as a result. We look forward to welcoming the new professionals eager to work with us in this exciting industry.

The momentum continues as we move into May. We are looking forward to NolaCon on May 17-19. Also on May 23rd, we have an exciting speaker. Robert Villanueva, Former Head of the U.S. Secret Service Cyber Intelligence Section will talk to the Chapter about Dark Web Monitoring, and how it helps companies understand their threat landscape. The talk is virtual, so sign up on the Chapter website and spend a lunch hour with us to earn CPEs. Chapter Leaders are also working on several new initiatives to make the Chapter work better for you. If there is something specific you’d like to see, drop us a line and let us know. If there are Cybersecurity topics that you’d like to learn more about, let us know and we’ll work to line up speakers for the monthly meeting. Hope y’all have another great month and continue learning cybersecurity.

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Events

May Chapter Event - Dark Web Monitoring

Who: Robert Villanueva, Executive Vice President Q6 Cyber, Cyber Threat Intelligence Division Founder and Former Head of the U.S. Secret Service Cyber Intelligence Section
What: Discussion on Dark Web Monitoring
When: May 23, 12:00pm Where: Virtual
Registration Link (Register by May 22, 5:00pm)

Mr. Villanueva joined Q6 Cyber after 25 years of dedicated service in the United States Secret Service, where he specialized in transnational cybercrimes, access device fraud, network intrusions, and identity theft data breaches affecting the private sector. During his tenure, Mr. Villanueva was assigned to various offices, including Miami, Europe, Latin America, and Washington D.C., and served in both investigative and undercover capacities around the world. Mr. Villanueva founded the U.S. Secret Service’s Cyber Intelligence Section, which coordinates global cyber operations. Mr. Villanueva also headed the U.S. Secret Service’s Miami Electronic Crimes Task Force, which counts 800+ members from the private sector, academia and local/federal law enforcement.

Mr. Villanueva has conducted extensive research on computer botnets and malware development attributed to foreign actors. He has led numerous projects for the U.S. Secret Service in partnership with Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, and various private sector companies.

June Chapter Event - AI Innovations with GRC considerations for Cyber Professionals

Who: Jennifer McBride
What: AI Innovations with GRC considerations for Cyber Professionals
When: June 20, 5:30pm
Where: Virtual
Registration Link (Register by Jun 19, 5:00pm)

Jennifer McBride has overseen IT Audit programs and projects within Global Enterprises for more than 20 years, focusing on strengthening IT internal controls to bolster governance, risk management, and compliance efforts. Currently, She is delving into the study and implementation of how organizations can utilize advanced AI innovations to boost efficiency and effectiveness, reducing resource wastage while ensuring safety and security for both organizations and individuals. Outside of work, I'm a committed wife and mother passionate about lifelong learning and using technology to enrich all facets of life.

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.

Greater New Orleans Area:
NOLASec LinkedIn Group site
2nd Wednesday of each month Subject to Change
Networking 5:00pm-6:00pm, presentation 6:00pm-7:00pm
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux (1009 Poydras Street New Orleans, LA 70112)
Baton Rouge Area:
BRSec LinkedIn Group site
3rd Wednesday of each month 6:00pm-7:30pm
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux (3838 Burbank Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70808)
Lafayette Area:
DEFCON Acadiana LinkedIn Group site
2nd Wednesday of each month 5:30pm-7:30pm
The Ruins in River Ranch (1919 Kaliste Saloom Rd. Suite 303, Lafayette, LA 70508)
Lake Charles Area:
SWLA Cyber Club LinkedIn Group site
Last Wed every month 6:00pm-7:30pm
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux (5313 Common St., Lake Charles, LA 70607)
Monroe Area:
NELATEK Website
Every 3rd Wednesday 6:00pm
Tower Place, 1500 N 19th St.

Digital Forensics Research Conference - USA

LSU is hosting the DFRWS this year, July 9-12.

The 2023 DFRWS Challenge is accepting submissions until June 24th. Show of your ICS investigation skills by cracking “The Troubled Elevator” investigation! https://dfrws.org/conferences/dfrws-usa-2024/

Community

Virtual Communities

Virtual Study Groups

Send requests to have your community posted.

Vicious Vineyards - A small and helpful Cybersecurity and Advanced Tech focused Community geared towards growing the next generation of Tech Talent. Study with an Embedded AI companion trained specifically for Cybersecurity and ISC2 material. Group Server for ISC2 CGC, WCHI, CTS, Q2 Discord site
Simply Cyber - A large community founded by Dr. Gerald Auger, host of the youtube channel Simply Cyber. Cybersecurity focused with topics commonly found in ISC2 exam material. Discord site
Professor Roger's Cyber Lounge - A mid sized and very active community, boasting a wide range of content and ISC2 Specific Study groups that meet weekly. Discord site

Send requests to have your community posted.

Podcasts

SecureNation with Mark Ligget

The Coffee Table Talks are hosted by Rachel Arnold, The Human API with SecureNation, and Will McCullen, Program Manager for the IT Center of Excellence at PIMA Community College.

The latest episode features Mark Liggett, a cybersecurity expert with over two decades of experience! From Technical Project Manager to Senior Sales Engineer at Trend Micro, Mark's journey is packed with valuable insights and expertise.

Connect with SecureNation on LinkedIn
https://securenation.net/events

The Sensuous Sounds Of INFOSEC with May Brooks Kempler

The Sensuous Sounds Of INFOSEC podcast is hosted by a great friend to the ISC2 GCG Chapter, Ben Malisow.

Ben is the creator and lead instructor for the WannaBeA brand of certification preparation material (wannabeacissp.com), and has worked in the fields of education/training, communication, information technology, and security, and/or some combination of these industries, for over twenty-five years. He has provided information security consulting services and training to a diverse host of clients, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Department of Homeland Security (at TSA), and the FBI. He has also served as an Air Force officer, after graduating from the Air Force Academy.

The latest podcase episode features May Brooks Kempler. May currently serves on the ISC2 Board of Directors and is the ISC2 Chapters Advisory Committee Board Liasson. May is a seasoned Information Security consultant with over 20 years of experience in Information & Cyber Security. After years of consulting and managing security groups she shifted her focus to the Human factor, founded Helena - a consulting firm specializing in enhancing security awareness.

The podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Pandora, and more. https://www.securityzed.com

Q2 Opinion Topic

Phishing in the dark

While there are many ways to compromise an organization, phishing is the leading method. With the abundance of information available and aid from Generative AI (Yes you can make Generative AI write basic phishing emails, spear phishing emails, and much more) and underground communities, phishing campaigns have become very robust.

Should you know more than just the red flags? Is it important to understand the reason behind each bit of spam or malicious email?

The answer really depends on each situation. It is important to note that malicious actors have their own agenda and it isn't always money motivated. Your role in your organization could also be attractive to target based on the tactics of those who are attempting to do so. YOU may not be the true target.

It is important to note that every defensive mechanism put in place will cause those who are trying to disrupt to adapt. Your security team has to be correct 100% of the time, while someone with ill intent only has to be right once. Phishing is no exception.

Q2 Cybersecurity Adventures

Before the Breach - a Q2 Adventure

This episode of the year long incident response adventure, we see a step back in time, going back to before the breach occurred. This reflection will show some of the causes for incidents that have lots of dead ends. Pay attention to clues as the mystery is well underway!!

Guest Authors: Rachel and Rebecca Chattic

Continuing Professional Education

ISC2 Professional Development Resources

ISC2 understands the importance of staying ahead in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. They are committed to delivering best-in class professional programs and are excited to introduce our comprehensive suite of resources tailored to empower your growth and success. This includes:

Skill Builders - Short-format, hands-on learning experiences to bolster your proficiency.
Certificates - A validation of your knowledge and expertise to demonstrate your competency in specific areas of cybersecurity.
Webinars - Weekly sessions delving into emerging trends, tactical strategies and career tips, led by industry experts.
Online Certification Training - In-depth knowledge and skills coaching to prepare you for further certification exams.
AI Workshops - Two-day, in-person workshops focused on identifying opportunities and managing the risks associated with artificial intelligence.
Executive Leadership Courses - Deeper-level learning programs designed to equip you with the skills you need to effectively communicate with your Board of Directors.

Explore the range of offerings available to you as part of the ISC2 membership, designed to enhance your skill set and keep you well-equipped to tackle the latest challenges in cybersecurity. www.isc2.org/members#proDev

Free Cybersecurity Career Fair Hosted by ISC2

Advance Your Cybersecurity Career! ISC2 will host its first virtual career fair on June 20 for cyberjob seekers at all levels. Register at www.isc2.org/careerfairs

Volunteer

ISC2 Security Congress Volunteer Recruitment is Open!

We’re pleased to announce that we have several volunteer opportunities available at the Security Congress 2024 which will be a hybrid event again this year. Attendees will have the option to attend virtually or in person at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV USA, October 14-16, 2024 (pre-conference workshops are October 12-13). Volunteer opportunities are available for both formats.

Opportunities include introducing speakers, monitoring rooms, and facilitating Q&A or online session chats. More information about these opportunities is available here: SC2024 Volunteer Overview.

There are many benefits to volunteering, including a complimentary conference registration pass to either the in-person or virtual event.

Please complete this quick survey to let us know whether you’re interested in volunteering virtually or in-person and your level of comfort with the tasks. The survey will remain open until Monday, May 20th at 11:59 pm EST and we will let you know if you have been selected by early June.

We hope you stay safe and look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas this October! 

About

Special Thanks to our 2024 Annual Chapter Members Meeting Sponsor

TEKsystems transforms business for their customers. TEK brings real-world expertise to solve complex technology, business and talent challenges—In Louisiana, Mississippi, and across the globe. TEK is a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia. TEK is the perfect partner for scalability, full-stack capabilities and speed. TEK has strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change. TEK is building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and driving positive impacts in our communities.

Explore the world of TEKsystems careers and put your talent to work in exciting job opportunities. Join their dynamic team and unleash your potential.

https://www.teksystems.com/en/contact

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 - Louisiana and Mississippi.

Connect with us on LinkedIn
- LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/company/isc2-cgcchapter

You do NOT need to be ISC2 certified to join the chapter - part of our Chapter's Mission is to support those interested in earning certification.
Contact president@isc2-cgcchapter.org to get involved with Chapter leadership meetings or to help support events/activities.