September 2026 Chapter Meeting

Artificial Intelligence Under the Hood

Our next Chapter Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 23 from 5:30–7:00 PM. Please RSVP if you plan on attending! RSVP’s are greatly appreciated so we can ensure an accurate headcount for planning purposes.

Schedule: Presentations begin promptly at 5:30 PM; light dinner and refreshments served before the meeting.

Date

Wednesday, September 23 from 5:30–7:00 PM

Location Information

Northpointe Bank
5303 28th St Ct SE,
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Artificial Intelligence Under the Hood

Artificial intelligence is often described in language that makes it sound like magic, models that understand, reason, and learn.  Strip away the vocabulary however, and a neural network is nothing more than mathematics: multiply, add, compare, adjust, rinse & repeat.

This presentation peers under the AI hood. Using a problem small enough to hold in your head, we’ll train a simple neural network in a live demo.  We start with a network that knows nothing and guesses randomly, then watch it learn.  You will see how error is measured, how that error is pushed back through the network, and how heaps of tiny adjustments turn particles into patterns.

No calculus prerequisite, no framework foreknowledge, no black boxes. Just the machinery laid bare, doing something you can follow and verify with your own eyes.  Come join us to comprehend the AI fundamentals of loss functions, gradient descent, and backpropagation.

Speaker Bio

Paul Speulstra, with 3 decades of enterprise IT experience, is an accomplished cybersecurity specialist, software developer, manager, and speaker.  From the early days of the very first boot sector, file, and macro viruses to today’s threats combating APTs, BECs, AI phishing, and ransomware attacks, Paul has an extensive and diversified background in the security sphere.  Prior front-line experience as a cybersecurity specialist and incident responder inside a Fortune 500 global cybersecurity operations center, Paul has firsthand knowledge in the research, prevention, detection, and remediation of cyber threats and malware.  Paul, currently working for Bayside Solutions, Inc., a cybersecurity VAR based in Saint Petersburg Florida, is the inventor and programmer of Cyrebrium™, the cyber brain that powers BSI’s suspicious email analysis and inspection service known as Orqet™ (formerly PhishQueue™).

Help with Email Deliverability

We have been seeing deliverability issues. Please pass this invite along to others and ask them to check their Spam/Junk folders.

If found in spam: mark the message as “Not spam,” move it to Inbox, and add meetings@isc2chapter-westmi.org to your contacts to improve future delivery.

Special note: Please: Text Patti if you are running late @ (616) 340-6119.

The building access has good strong security protocols and all access between lobby and conference room is escorted. Therefore, please be prompt at or before 5:30pm in the lobby. Someone will be waiting in the lobby for everyone to arrive.

As we begin preparations for the 2026 fall season, the West Michigan ISC2 Chapter is seeking volunteers for the following chapter leadership positions.

Website Administrator / Communications Chair

Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining the chapter website.
• Updating the website with chapter meeting details.
• Sending chapter meeting details to email distribution lists.
• Attending leadership meetings.

Treasurer

Responsibilities include:

• Receiving money from membership dues through PayPal or other sources.
• Making distributions for chapter expenses.
• Balancing the chapter checkbook.
• Attending leadership meetings and providing a financial report.

Time Commitment and Eligibility

In addition to normal chapter meetings, chapter leadership roles require approximately two to three hours per month. These hours may be submitted for CPE credits.

We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years.

Chapter officers must be members in good standing of both the corporation and ISC2.

Interested in Volunteering?

If you are interested in helping lead and grow the West Michigan ISC2 Chapter, please email board@isc2chapter-westmi.org.

Formal elections will take place during a chapter meeting this fall.

Join us for: “Hey… I Think Jimmy Is Vibe Coding”

April 22, 2026 Chapter Meeting

Time:
Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 5:30–7:00 PM

Where:
Northpointe Bank
5303 28th St Ct SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

RSVP’s are greatly appreciated so we can ensure everyone receives the meeting link.

“Hey… I Think Jimmy Is Vibe Coding”

—true conversation in a security department

Come see a live demo of “OpenClaw” on your system.

What even is vibe coding?

Is it Copilot? Cursor? Codex? Claude Code? Lovable? Framer? OpenClaw?
Or is something different happening?

OpenClaw is putting this in everyone’s hands—to do anything.
Not just code. Real tools. Real data. Real work.

That is what I am calling “vibe living”. And we as security should be thrilled, not just terrified.

What is something on your wishlist you don’t have the time, resources, or expertise to do.

Big takeaway: OpenClaw is already happening on your system. And we need to enable it.

Speaker Bio

John Burke is VP of Information Security and Engineering at Collective[i], with 25+ years across software, AppSec, AI security, and leadership. His latest messy problem: how to enable end-to-end AI coding without blowing up security, trust, or the business.

Help with Email Deliverability

We have been seeing deliverability issues. Please pass this invite along to others and ask them to check their Spam/Junk folders.

If found in spam: mark the message as “Not spam,” move it to Inbox, and add meetings@isc2chapter-westmi.org to your contacts to improve future delivery.

Join Us for GAME NIGHT – Backdoors & Breaches

When: March 18, 2026, 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Location Information

Northpointe Bank
5303 28th St Ct SE,
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

RSVP’s are greatly appreciated so we can ensure everyone receives the meeting link.

What is Backdoors & Breaches?

Backdoors & Breaches is a card game consisting of 52 unique cards that simulate various attack scenarios, helping players learn about incident response tactics, tools, and methods.

The game is ideal for tabletop exercises, team collaboration, and students who are learning how to respond to an incident.

Whether you’re a seasoned security professional or you’re new to incident response, Backdoors & Breaches offers a hands-on, collaborative way to practice your response playbooks in a safe, low-stakes environment.

Help with Email Deliverability

We have been seeing deliverability issues. Please pass this invite along to others and ask them to check their Spam/Junk folders.

If found in spam: mark the message as “Not spam,” move it to Inbox, and add meetings@isc2chapter-westmi.org to your contacts to improve future delivery.

Our next Chapter Meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 5:30–7:00 PM. We will be meeting virtually to make things easier during West Michigan winter travel. RSVP’s are greatly appreciated so we can ensure everyone receives the meeting link.

Talk: Back to the Basics: What Everyone Knows, Few People Do, and an Approach to Fixing it

Speaker: Seth Compton, Northpoint Bank

When: Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 5:30–7:00 PM

Where: Anywhere – a meeting link will be provided to those who RSVP.

Cybersecurity is inundated with solutions to specific issues. Everyone loves talking about the latest cyber trends, that cool new hack, AI and its impact, or why you should buy this brand new security tool. However, what if many of the problems facing the industry come from a lack of basic Cybersecurity? What if those specific problems are not because an organization lacks a new tool or solution but because core elements of a cyber program are disregarded or taken for granted?

The aim of this talk is to take a step back from the noise that is constantly thrown at cybersecurity professionals and focus on core fundamentals that the industry is either forgetting or are poorly implementing. Additionally, provide you an approach that you can use to combat different scenarios throughout your career.

Help with Email Deliverability

We have been seeing deliverability issues. Please pass this invite along to others and ask them to check their Spam/Junk folders.

If found in spam: mark the message as “Not spam,” move it to Inbox, and add meetings@isc2chapter-westmi.org to your contacts to improve future delivery.

Our next Chapter Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 5:30–6:30 PM. We will be meeting virtually to make things easier during West Michigan winter weather. RSVP’s are greatly appreciated so we can ensure everyone receives the meeting link.

Talk: Security Stack Superstars and Subpars

Come to the meeting prepared to share which products your organization deploys in its security stack, whether you love them or hate them, and why. This will be an interactive, community-driven discussion.

Consider categories such as: Email Security (SEG, ICES), Network Security (Firewalls, IDS/IPS), Endpoint Security (Antivirus, EDR/XDR), Identity & Access Management (IAM, MFA), Cloud Security (CSPM), Data Security (DLP, Encryption), Application Security and DevSecOps (Secure SDLC), Threat Intelligence, SIEM, AI Control Software (employee usage, application usage, custom app development), and Security Awareness Training (simulated phishing platform, phish reporter buttons, CBT platforms).

When: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 5:30–6:30 PM

Where: Anywhere – a meeting link will be provided to those who RSVP.

Why: Discuss security products you like and dislike, learn from others’ experiences, and share lessons learned about building and maintaining your security stack.

Help with Email Deliverability

We have been seeing deliverability issues. Please pass this invite along to others and ask them to check their Spam/Junk folders.

If found in spam: mark the message as “Not spam,” move it to Inbox, and add meetings@isc2chapter-westmi.org to your contacts to improve future delivery.

December 2025 Chapter Notice – No Chapter Meeting This Month

There will be no (ISC)² West Michigan Chapter meeting in December 2025. We are taking this month off to allow members to enjoy the holiday season and year-end commitments.

We expect to resume our regular meetings in January 2026. Please watch your email and the chapter website for our next event announcement and RSVP details.

Help with Email Deliverability

We have been seeing deliverability issues. Please pass this notice along to others and ask them to check their Spam/Junk folders.

If found in spam: mark the message as “Not spam,” move it to Inbox, and add
meetings@isc2chapter-westmi.org
to your contacts to improve future delivery.

Our next Chapter Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from 5:30–7:00 PM. Please RSVP if you plan on attending! RSVP’s are greatly appreciated so we can ensure an accurate headcount for planning purposes.

Talk: Breach Detection and Incident Response Challenges

Speaker: Mike Lipinski, from Plante Moran

Schedule: Presentations begin promptly at 5:30 PM; light dinner and refreshments served before the meeting.

Location Information

Northpointe Bank
5303 28th St Ct SE,
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Special note: Please: Text Patti if you are running late @ (616) 340-6119.

The building access has good strong security protocols and all access between lobby and conference room is escorted. Therefore, please be prompt at or before 5:30pm in the lobby. Someone will be waiting in the lobby for everyone to arrive. 

Help with Email Deliverability

We have been seeing deliverability issues. Please pass this invite along to others and ask them to check their Spam/Junk folders.

If found in spam: mark the message as “Not spam,” move it to Inbox, and add meetings@isc2chapter-westmi.org to your contacts to improve future delivery.

Our next chapter meeting is on Wednesday October 22, 2025 at 5:30PM. Please RSVP if you plan on attending!

Join us for GAME NIGHT – Backdoors & Breaches 

What is Backdoors & Breaches?

Backdoors & Breaches is a card game consisting of 52 unique cards that simulate various attack scenarios, helping players learn about incident response tactics, tools, and methods. The game is ideal for tabletop exercises, team collaboration, and students who are learning how to respond to an incident. Whether you’re a seasoned security professional or you’re new to incident response, Backdoors & Breaches offers a hands-on, collaborative way to practice your response playbooks in a safe, low-stakes environment.

Schedule: Presentations begin promptly at 5:30 PM; light dinner and refreshments served before the meeting.

Location Information

Northpointe Bank
5303 28th St Ct SE,
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Special note: Please: Text Patti if you are running late @ (616) 340-6119.

The building access has good strong security protocols and all access between lobby and conference room is escorted. Therefore, please be prompt at or before 5:30pm in the lobby. Someone will be waiting in the lobby for everyone to arrive. 

Our next chapter meeting is on Wednesday April 16, 2025 at 5:30PM. Please RSVP if you plan on attending!

Incident Response Program Discussion

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, a robust incident response (IR) program is a critical defense mechanism for organizations. This meeting will include a discussion on comprehensive overview of effective incident response strategies, addressing the key phases: Preparation, Detection and Analysis, Containment, Eradication, and Recovery. We’ll discuss the importance of proactive measures, such as regular training, up-to-date threat intelligence, and clear communication channels.

The session will also highlight best practices for minimizing response time, ensuring compliance with regulations, and securing sensitive data. By investing in a well-structured IR program, organizations can not only mitigate potential damage but also foster a culture of resilience and trust.

        1. How do you decide what key stakeholders are involved?
        2. How do you decide the chain of command?
        3. How do you ensure the incident is actually an incident and not an event? (relevant to insurance)
        4. How do you write out a chain-of-custody?
        5. If you need to, when do you move to out-of-band communications?
        6. How do you handle unexpected hurdles (i.e. tool not working, downed events)
        7. What is your customer communication strategy?
        8. Cyber Insurance? Choosing, deciding on Cyber Insurance?
        9. How do you train (tabletop) on Incident Response?

Schedule: Presentations begin promptly at 5:30 PM; light dinner and refreshments served before the meeting.

Location Information

Northpointe Bank
5303 28th St Ct SE,
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Special note: The building access has good strong security protocols and all access between lobby and conference room is escorted. Therefore, please be prompt at or before 5:30pm in the lobby. Someone will be waiting in the lobby for everyone to arrive.  Text Patti if you are running late @ (616) 340-6119.