UpstateSC ISSA

We are the Upstate South Carolina chapter of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) — a local community of cybersecurity professionals, students, and enthusiasts committed to knowledge-sharing, professional growth, and fostering an inclusive environment for all who are passionate about information security. 

Our mission is to help cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts grow by sharing knowledge, developing skills, and staying informed. We bring people together to learn from each other, exchange ideas, and tackle real-world challenges in information security.

We keep our community up to date on the latest trends, tools, and threats—and we advocate for smart, effective security practices within organizations to protect valuable information and systems. 

Monthly Meetings

Our chapter meetings are free and open to the public.

Event details and registration information are shared via our mailing list and select social media platforms. 

We meet on the second Friday of each month from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM.
Meetings always include professional networking opportunities and often a presentation on an information security topic. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, you'll find something valuable at every event and someone interesting to get to know. A raffle prize will be awarded to one lucky attendee!

Location

University Center of Greenville, 2nd Floor room 410

225 S Pleasantburg Dr Ste A​-7, Greenville, SC 29607

Free parking is located around the building. The announcement email has the door code to access the Anderson University area. Follow the ISSA signs to the room.

Thank you to Anderson University for hosting our meeting space.

Looking Ahead

Here's our presentation calendar for 2026.  Titles, topics, and speakers may change last minute due to unforeseen circumstances but this is our plan.

• January 9 Social Engineering by Jeremy Czarny

• February 13 The $0 MFA Bypass: How Open Source Tools Break Your Security by Miguel Martinez & Ali Alwan, Tek-Refresh

• March 13 Global Cyber Siege: Ransomware Collapse, Cl0p’s Comeback, and 2025’s Power Shift by Steve Thomas, Hack Notice

• April 10 Ransomware Negotiation by Chris Furtick

• May 8 Summer social series at Gather GVL

• June 12 Summer social series at Lewis BBQ downtown Greenville

• July 10 Summer social series at a White Duck Taco Shop on Airport Rd

• August 14 The IT Job Market by TekSystems

• September 11 How to grow a cybersecurity program in your organization by Curt Kappenman

• October 9 Same Threats, Higher Stakes: Getting Started in OT/ICS Cybersecurity by Mike Holcomb 

• November 13 The Right Tool by Scott Goodwin 

• December 11 Hacker Jeopardy

Code of Conduct

We are committed to providing a welcoming and harassment-free experience for everyone. All attendees, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers are expected to abide by our Code of Conduct. We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. Violations will result in appropriate actions, including possible expulsion from the group, meeting, or events.

We have NO TOLERANCE for physical, verbal, or sexual harassment of any person at Upstate SC ISSA! Anyone needing to report any instance of harassment should contact a board member immediately! While we want and encourage everyone to have a great time, we also want everyone to feel included and welcome in a safe environment.

Our events are dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any of our venues, including talks, workshops, parties, social and other online media. Participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled without a refund at the discretion of the Board of Directors.