I smell a movement
No, not that kind, silly.
I just read over at Bejtlich’s blog, that he has decided to start NoVA Sec, having been inspired by Chisec [http://www.sockpuppet.org/chisec/], which was begun by Matasano [http://www.matasano.com/log/mtso/] honcho Thomas Ptacek [link to http://www.matasano.com/log/thomas-ptacek no longer works].
ChiSec is fun, and has been rapidly imitated by other Matasano folks, yielding Seasec and NYsec (I’m hoping it will go next to Paris, just so there can be a Parsec).
My sense is that many in the security biz are disappointed with some of the “establishment” groups, such as ISSA. I let my ISSA membership lapse because it had no payoff for me. I can network with people on-line and at conferences more tailored to my interests, anyway. The “local connection” was missing, however. Chisec has eliminated that problem handily. I wonder if the success of these other regional {foo}secs is due to a similar disatisfaction or sense that something is missing? If I had to guess, I’d say yes.
I’m glad to see Rich taking this step, which I am certain will be popular.
Back in 2001 a bunch of folks out in Silicon Valley formed BARF (Bay Area Regional FIRST). They get together once a month for dinner and BSing. Thre are no dues and you don’t have to be a member of FIRST, the idea of it was just spawned at a FIRST conference.
I assume you’ve heard of Agora? That’s pretty much the local ‘sec group here in the NW.
Monsec?
While I think the CitySec idea is excellent, I just wanted to point out that my ISSA chapter has no local dues, forbids sales pitches in chapter-sponsored communications, has no vendor sponsorships, and uses member-provided content for a large majority of our presentations. If folks are dissatisfied with their local ISSA, I recommend they get involved and kick the vendors out — or otherwise solve the problem, instead of abandoning it.