A Day of Learning, Networking, and Community in Cybersecurity
On Friday, October 3, 2025, Laramie County Community College, hosted by Wyoming ISSA and Northern Colorado ISSA (Information Systems Security Association) Chapters, became the hub for technology professionals, business owners, policy makers, students, and community members at Cyber Cheyenne 2025. This one-day summit brought together an impressive array of cybersecurity experts and local innovators to explore strategies for resilience in our hyper-connected world, covering everything from IoT and 5G integration to AI, quantum computing, and emerging cyber threats.
ENAGING SESSIONS, PRACTICAL INSIGHTS
The day kicked off with Dr. Kelley Misata, Founder of Sightline Security, delivering the morning keynote, Mission Possible: Securing Nonprofits in an AI-Driven World. Dr. Misata’s blend of technical expertise, business insight, and personal advocacy set an inspiring tone, emphasizing how organizations of all sizes can integrate cybersecurity into their mission while championing privacy and digital safety.
The conference featured a series of compelling sessions including The Countdown to “Q-Day”: Are You Ready for the Quantum Threat? with Timothy Abbott of Palo Alto Networks, examining emerging threats from quantum computing. Panels addressed bridging cybersecurity talent gaps through partnerships between academia, industry, and workforce development. Hands-on workshops with Kate Swistowicz and Morgan Pagett on DLP, compliance, and email security gave attendees actionable tools to strengthen their organizations. Practical AI applications for Wyoming businesses were presented by Shane Brown, Founder and CEO of DigeTekS LLC. Galen Gough from Jonah Bank shared insights on how social engineering and fraud continue to challenge even the best-prepared teams.
Afternoon highlights included Robert Jenkins, CEO of Dark Forge Solutions, exploring Cybersecurity – the Human Factor, and Anne Mason’s keynote on improvisational skills for client communication, showing that cybersecurity isn’t just about technology, but about people and collaboration.
Celebrating Local Talent
Cyber Cheyenne 2025 also celebrated Wyoming’s small business innovators through the Cybersecurity Competition, organized by CyberWyoming. Winners Kimberly Brandon-Wintermote (Northwest Wyoming Board of REALTORS®) and Nicole Novotny Smith (Wyoming REALTORS®) were recognized for implementing robust cybersecurity practices with and without dedicated IT support, demonstrating that proactive security is achievable at any scale. Honorable mention went to Moriah Harkins of Go Goshen, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity in community-focused organizations.
Networking and Community
Beyond the sessions, attendees had the chance to connect with peers over a delicious taco bar, engage with emerging technologies, and participate in a hands-on Cyber Strike Exercise proctored by Idaho National Lab alongside the LCCC TEK Club. These networking opportunities fostered collaboration across sectors, reinforcing Cheyenne’s growing reputation as a regional hub for cybersecurity expertise.
Building a Resilient Cyber Community
The conference was more than just a learning opportunity, it was a celebration of community. By bringing together technology professionals, business leaders, students, policymakers, and residents, Cyber Cheyenne 2025 strengthened regional connections, sparked dialogue, and equipped participants with both practical skills and the confidence to face evolving cyber threats.
With the continued support of sponsors like Laramie County Community College, TAG Technologies, Scale Computing, Palo Alto Networks, DigeTekS, Casper College, RMCS, IECA, CyberWyoming, DIRSEC, Jonah Bank or Wyoming, and Visit Cheyenne, Cyber Cheyenne has established itself as an annual catalyst for education, collaboration, and innovation in cybersecurity.
