Why You Should Attend a Cybersecurity First Friday
The space industry is on track to reach $1 trillion in revenue by 2040, and Colorado Springs, emerging as one of the national leaders in cybersecurity commerce, employment, and innovation, is positioned to be at the forefront of strengthening cybersecurity systems and responding to vulnerabilities of space-based assets.
In 2022, the cybersecurity and technology sector in Colorado Springs generated $4.6 billion in the economy, and it is projected to grow by 15% between 2022 and 2027. The industry has had an upward growth of 5.5% in the last 10 years — a growth that has also been reflected in the city’s Cybersecurity First Friday events.
Read on to learn more about the First Friday events and how you can be a part of the rich cybersecurity ecosystem blossoming in Colorado Springs.
About Cybersecurity First Fridays
Taking place the first Friday of each month, and hosted by the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC and Murray Security Services, Cybersecurity First Fridays provide an opportunity for socializing and networking with the local cybersecurity community while learning about the region’s growing sector.
Free to attend, the event takes place at the National Cybersecurity Center from 4 – 6 p.m. At its launch, the event drew about 30 attendees. Flash forward to the present, and about 200 Colorado Springs cybersecurity movers and shakers can be found at any given First Friday. It’s a collaborative setting with rewarding opportunities, whether you’re already engrained in the cybersecurity field, a student looking to enter the industry, a transitioning military personnel exploring a next career phase, a recruiter from a local defense contractor, or simply curious about the concentration of cybersecurity innovation in Colorado Springs. With the abundance of talent represented at the events, it’s not uncommon for connections at First Fridays to lead to job opportunities!
Through the connections forged at First Fridays, by way of networking and listening to key speakers, companies have partnered to fill gaps when competing for contracts, pioneered ways for local businesses to incorporate cybersecurity support into their systems, and helped others obtain industry certifications and clearances.
The Colorado Springs Cybersecurity Ecosystem
Colorado Springs’ cybersecurity companies are equipped to protect businesses and defend space-based assets against adversaries, backed by over 28,000 employees and a network fueled by a rich base of technology companies, higher education and national defense.
Space ISAC (Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center), in particular, is among the city’s 360-plus companies that help businesses protect their intellectual property and operate in a secure environment. Other notable companies include Boecore, Cisco, and Altia. And in 2022, a cybersecurity education and research center opened at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs.
Not to mention, the city has some impressive accolades when it comes to technological innovation. Colorado Springs was ranked the No. 3 emerging tech talent market on CBRE’s 2022 scoring tech talent report, and in 2021 LinkedIn rated Colorado Springs as the No. 2 most resilient tech hub.
August Speakers
Two to three speakers discuss how they contribute to the fabric of the local cybersecurity ecosystem at each event. This month’s speakers are:
- Peter Sopczak, owner & founder of Static Solutions Security Consulting, LTD
- Jonathan Garcia, Colorado Market Manager for Unite Private Networks
- Bart Bonar, Director of Engagement – DoD/IC, Clearview AI
- Rick Mischka, Sales Engineer, Masergy
Registration for this month’s Cybersecurity First Friday can be completed here. For more information on the event, visit the Murray Security Services website at https://www.murraysecurityservices.com/first-friday.