NAISG - Birth of the Atlanta Chapter

It seems that technology is filled with it's share of things to do. From local chapters of national organizations to small meet-ups between friends who all work in technology. Everywhere you look there are conferences on all things technology. The bad thing about these events is that often they are not what you are looking for. If you are a pen tester then an ISACA meeting may not be your cup of tea. If you are a firewall jockey then InfraGard may not be what you are looking for. Then there is the question of value. Is the organization giving you value? Does it help you learn, connect with others, grow your career? Then when it comes to the conferences most of them are out of reach for you unless you either live close enough to not have travel expenses, you get a free pass or your company is willing to pay. A conference can easily run $4k before you know it. Even if you get a a press pass for some events the hotel, travel and per Diem cost alone can break the bank.

In Atlanta there are a few different opportunities to get involved with different organizations. There is ISSA, ISACA, InfraGard, and several other local groups that meet weekly, monthly, quarterly or whenever they get around to it. I've not been involved in any of these for a few different reasons. Value, Time, lack of content, etc... Well, for me at least that is about to change. Starting next month Atlanta will be the home of a new chapter of the NAISG (National Information Security Group). I'm supporting it for a few different reasons. (Now comes the full disclosure part) I am on the Advisory Council for the chapter so that does sway my opinion a bit, but not only that but I'm supporting it because I like the mission of the NAISG. It focuses on Information Security. It's not a platform for vendors to hock their wares, it's a good mix of "in the trenches" technology and soft skills that are needed to succeed in some areas of business. I also like it because there is no fees associated with it. I don't want to pay a national chapter, a local chapter, and a registration fee just to join a group that is asking me to give of my time and resources.

Anyway, the first meeting will be Wednesday Nov 12, 2008 at 7:00 PM. We will be meeting at 3030 Royal Blvd. South, Suite 220, Alpheretta, GA 30022. We are being hosted by Upgrade IT Consulting Services. There will be pizza and drinks provided. The program will be given by the Founder and President of NAISG, Brad Dinerman. He will be speaking on "Employee Monitoring and Surveillance" You can read more about the meeting at the Atlanta chapter page of the NAISG web site.

If you are in the Atlanta area we'd love to have you join us and become an inaugural member of the Atlanta chapter of NAISG. Tell your friends and co-workers to come also. Hope to see you there!