Charlotte Security Community

Each week, we’ll highlight a major city in the US and cover the places and events you can go to in that area to get your security information fix. This post is part of the information security communities.

This time around we will be looking at the Atlantic state of North Carolina, specifically the area of Charlotte. Aside from being known as the birthplace of Krispy Kreme and being the barbeque capital, there are also a few local professional groups for the security inclined.

• OWASP Charlotte Local Chapter – This OWASP chapter is quite young and will have its first official meeting in January. Catch up with the group’s Twitter account and mailing list.
• Charlotte Metro ISSA – The ISSA chapter is revving up for a summit for next year. Know more through Twitter and through their onsite forums.
• Charlotte ISACA – Formed in 1980, the group is 30 years strong. Here is a few way to reach them if your interested in hooking up.
• North Carolina InfraGard – Meetings for this group of over 1,500 members are every third Wednesday. To join, you need to be vouched for though so contact them for more info
• AITP Charlotte Chapter – Monthly meetings for this group are held every last Wednesday. Get more intel on their planned events or become a member.

Some folks like a less formal venue when discussing infosec. Here is a local meeting you can go to if you are so inclined.

• North Carolina 2600 – If your first Friday is free, head over to the Royal Bean across Meredith College in Raleigh or at Panera near UNC Charlotte to meet with NC 2600. You can also find them in IRC and at the site forum.

And if you like electronics, there are even a few hackerspaces you can visit in and around Charlotte.

• Hackerspace Charlotte – Founded last September, this space meets every Tuesday with some great ideas. It’s right here if you want to visit.
• Carrboro Creative Coworking – Started by Brian Russell, CCC is a coworking space in Carrboro.
• TechShop RDU – Started in 2009, his space is one of the biggest in NC and right next to the airport at that. If you are in the area, drop by and say hi.

Now, for those from out of state, there’s also something for you in North Carolina. Watch out for a few security events around town.

• 8th Annual Charlotte ISSA Security Summit – No details for this yet but it will be held on the 5th of May next year. What’s more early bird ISSA members get in for free plus members of other prominent infosec groups get discounts too. Watch out for talks from Ed Skoudis, Paul Asadoorian, and Chris Hadnagy.
• CarolinaCon – North Carolina 2600’s own conference. Follow the banter on Twitter or check out the schedule (to be updated soon).

There might be a few groups and events we missed. If so, feel free to chime in at the comments.