Colorado Springs Chapter of the ISSA

Board Member Monday

This week we’re spotlighting Vance Abbott of the ISSA Colorado Springs Chapter.

Vance is a cybersecurity professional supporting Department of Defense risk and compliance programs, bringing a practical and mission-focused perspective to security operations and governance.

Before transitioning into cybersecurity, Vance served as a U.S. Army leader for more than 10 years, where he developed the leadership, discipline, and operational mindset that continue to shape his approach to cybersecurity today.

Beyond his professional role, Vance is passionate about mentorship and helping others break into the cybersecurity field, while actively working to strengthen the Colorado Springs cyber community.

His dedication to service, leadership, and community growth continues to make a meaningful impact within ISSA Colorado Springs and the broader cybersecurity ecosystem.

Final Call: Secure your spot for the Agentic AI briefing! 🚨

You don't often get the chance to hear from someone who helped stand up U.S. Cyber Command and currently sits on the board for the Space ISAC.

Dr. Tomás A. Peña has spent 32 years at the intersection of military cyber ops and high-stakes systems engineering. On Tuesday, May 12th, he is bringing that expertise to the ISSA Colorado Springs Chapter to help us navigate the security implications of Agentic AI.

What to expect:
✅ Deep dive into AI Agent threat modeling.
✅ Practical mitigation strategies you can use now.
✅ Networking with the top cyber pros in the Springs.

When: Tuesday, May 12th | 5:30 PM
Where: 3650 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs

Don’t miss out—register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/may-chapter-meeting-tickets-1988513412145?aff=oddtdtcreator

It’s not a chatbot anymore. It’s an Agent. 🤖

In 2025, we worried about "Shadow AI"—employees pasting data into unapproved tools. In 2026, we are facing "Shadow Agents."

Unlike traditional Generative AI, Agentic AI has "agency"—the ability to make decisions and execute actions across your network without human intervention. While this saves time, it also creates an entirely new attack surface.

Recent industry polls show that 48% of cybersecurity professionals now consider Agentic AI the #1 threat vector of the year.

Are your current guardrails enough to stop an autonomous system?

Join Dr. Tomás A. Peña, D.Sc. at our next ISSA Colorado Springs meeting to learn how to threat model this new frontier.

🎟️ Save your seat: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/may-chapter-meeting-tickets-1988513412145?aff=oddtdtcreator

Time is running out!! Class starts this Saturday May 2nd and will continue through the rest of May.

Make sure you register today for our SEC+ Review with Srikant Mantradavi!

https://pci.jotform.com/form/260875012644052

From U.S. Cyber Command to the Space ISAC: Dr. Tomás A. Peña on Agentic AI.

When a retired USAF Lt Col and current Space ISAC Board Member speaks about the future of autonomous threats, the industry listens.

Join the ISSA Colorado Springs Chapter on May 12th for a critical briefing from Dr. Tomás A. Peña, D.Sc. We are moving past simple chatbots into the era of Agentic AI—systems with the autonomy to execute tasks and make decisions. For security practitioners, this represents a massive shift in the threat landscape.

Dr. Peña will be breaking down:
✅ The shift from "Generative" to "Agentic" AI.
✅ How autonomous agents are being used in modern cyber attacks.
✅ Threat modeling and mitigation for autonomous architectures.

Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the region's top experts on the intersection of AI and national security.

📅 Date: May 12th, 2026
🕔 Time: 5:30 PM (Doors) | 6:00 PM (Presentation)
📍 Location: 3650 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs
🎟️ Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/may-chapter-meeting-tickets-1988513412145?aff=oddtdtcreator

Board Member Monday

This week, we’re spotlighting Isaac Rodarte, Secretary of the ISSA Colorado Springs Chapter.

Isaac is an Information Technology professional specializing in IT infrastructure and cybersecurity, with a strong focus on advancing cybersecurity education, mentorship, and certification readiness within the community.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Arizona State University and currently serves as a Subject Matter Expert with the CompTIA Instructor Network, helping guide and prepare candidates pursuing cybersecurity certifications.

Isaac is also a military veteran, having served in field artillery operations during Operation Inherent Resolve, and continues to support the next generation of cyber professionals through mentorship and community engagement.

Certifications
Security+ | ISC² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)

Through his work with ISSA Colorado Springs and the broader cyber community, Isaac remains committed to helping others grow their technical skills, pursue certifications, and build meaningful careers in cybersecurity.

Securing the final frontier isn’t just a tagline—it’s a mission-critical priority. 🚀

Three of our ISSA COS Board Members (Srikant, Ken & Colleen) were on the ground at the SSC Cyber Expo 2026, diving deep into the future of space-based asset protection, Zero Trust architecture, and AI-driven defense.

When the mission is this high-stakes, staying at the forefront of innovation isn’t optional. We’re bringing these insights back to our community to ensure Colorado Springs remains the gold standard for cyber excellence.

The big question for our network: As space becomes the new "front line," what do you see as the biggest hurdle for securing orbital assets in 2026? 🛰️💻

Security Plus is not just a certification. It is a gateway.

If you are looking to break into cybersecurity, level up your skills, or solidify your foundation, this is where you start.

Join the ISSA Colorado Springs Chapter for our upcoming SEC+ Review Series led by Srikant Mantravadi.

This is a structured, guided review designed to help you:
• Break down key Security Plus topics
• Reinforce your understanding
• Build the confidence you need for exam day

📅 May 2, 9, 16, 30
⏰ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💻 Online via Zoom

Whether you are a student, career switcher, or IT professional preparing for certification, this series is built to support you.

If Security Plus is on your roadmap, this is your opportunity to prepare the right way.

Secure your spot and start building momentum toward certification.

Tag someone who should take this journey with you.

Cybersecurity needs more voices. More perspectives. More leaders.

Join us for the Women in Security Meetup hosted by the ISSA Colorado Springs Chapter in collaboration with WiCyS.

📅 April 25
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Kairos Coffee House, Colorado Springs
☕ Coffee & pastries provided
🎟 Free to attend

Featuring guest speaker Gina Yacone

Gina is a Regional and Advisory CISO at Trace3, advising executive leaders on cybersecurity strategy, risk, and resilience. With over 125 speaking engagements and recognition as Cybersecurity Woman of the Year, she brings real-world insight into what it takes to grow and lead in this industry.

In this session, she’ll share:
• Her journey through cybersecurity leadership
• Lessons learned navigating the industry
• Practical advice for women building careers in cyber

Whether you’re just starting out, transitioning into cybersecurity, or already established in the field, this is a space to connect, learn, and grow with others in the community.

Seats are limited. Registration is open now:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-in-security-meetup-tickets-1986552128894?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tag someone who should be in the room for this.

Cyber Focus Day is already in motion, and the energy in the room says everything.

Full sessions. Strong conversations. A community showing up ready to learn and connect.

If you haven’t made it yet, there is still time to join us for the rest of the day.

Here’s what’s still ahead:

🎤 Terry Bradley
Practical AI for Offensive Security: Scaling real-world risk testing with humans in the loop

🚀 Kinzy Pearson
The Intelligent Space Domain: Cyber Risks in the Age of AI

🧠 Dr. James Van Scooter II
Cyber Leadership Development: Workforce skill gaps in the business of cyber

⚙️ Gary Whitsett
Compliant AND Vulnerable: Why Your Human Firewall Has a Firmware Problem

🤖 Dr. Sandeep Suntwal
When AI Systems Lie

🔥 Dr. Shawn Murray
Keynote: Modern Day Skynet — How real is the AI threat to humanity?

Thank you also to Joeseph Cheung, and Jared Lobato for presenting already this morning!

And after the sessions…

🍻 Join us for networking at 105 West Brewing

If you’re nearby, come be part of it.
If you’re already here, come say hello.

Hosted by the ISSA Colorado Springs Chapter.