In April 2018, Dr. Murray had the idea of connecting IT and cybersecurity professionals together with businesses and other organizations to promote the industry and network in the local community. He talked to others to see if there might be interest in this initiative and to gain additional support, he approached Vinnie Persichetti at the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC who had been contracted to represent cybersecurity for their organization. The collaboration introduced the first Cybersecurity First Friday event in June 2018 with 35 people attending on the third floor of the Phantom Canyon Brewing Co.

After a few months, the event quickly outgrew the space and we moved to Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub where it would be held for the next few years until the pandemic forced us to move the program online. We soon became an international event which allowed people from all over an opportunity to collaborate! In 2020 we eventually began easing back to in-person events in a hybrid format allowing people to continue to attend remotely. In 2023 our attendance grew to over 150 each month consistently and by April, we had to transition to our new location with one of our strategic partners at the National Cybersecurity Center!

The Cybersecurity First Friday event has evolved over the last few years to add additional value to the people who attend and participate in our events. Originally the goal was to bring businesses and organizations together to network and explore potential opportunities.

During the pandemic, Dr. Murray was invited to join the Pikes Peak Workforce Center board representing the IT and cybersecurity industries to help solve employment and training problems specific to these industries while contributing to the community. With this experience, Dr. Murray incorporated the idea of promoting community events to enhance professional development and make people aware of job opportunities.

Abbey had an idea to identify job seekers and employers so they could meet each other and discuss opportunities. The team cultivated the idea and this is where green stickers identifying a “job seeker” and blue stickers identifying “hiring” managers attending the events came about! We now have the red sticker “cleared” to allow individuals to identify themselves as having a security clearance!

We have event sponsors that allow us to pay for the food and beverages that out attendees enjoy at no cost. We encourage people to invite their friends and colleagues to network with others and explore opportunities! We hope to see you at an upcoming event!