Aspire Cyber

Derrich was thrilled to have facilitated a Cyber Attack Simulation for the fantastic staff at D'Youville University, in partnership with NYSERNet! It was incredible to see everyone fully engaged and actively participating in the simulation. President Lorrie Clemo, PhD participation was truly commendable, demonstrating exceptional leadership. Huge gratitude to Joseph Gunnells, Sr., the CIO at D'Youville University, whose forward-thinking vision made this event truly exceptional. If your organization is looking to transform cyber incident response training from a snooze-fest to an engaging and realistic experience, Aspire Cyber is here to help! Let's work together to turn your team into cyber superheroes! P.S. What elements would you like to incorporate into your cyber incident response training?

In this video, Tammie McClellan shares how NightShield is creating a secure and seamless research environment, especially for projects involving export control. By taking the operational burden off researchers, NightShield allows them to focus on their work while ensuring compliance and security. Tammie discusses: ?? How NightShield supports research while maintaining security. ?? The university’s role in funding core operations and licensing. ?? Expanding into the cloud for flexibility and scalability. ?? The benefits of a hybrid, standalone environment for research projects. If you're interested in how universities are balancing research security and innovation, this is a must-watch! Check out the full video link in the comments. #Cybersecurity #CloudComputing #ResearchSecurity #CybersecurityCompliance #Innovation #TechInfrastructure

In this video, Will Drake shares a simple yet powerful approach to security — making the secure way the easiest and fastest way. When security is seamlessly built into workflows, users don’t even realize they’re following best practices — it just works. Will discusses: ?? How integrating security into workflows removes friction ?? Why the fastest way should also be the most secure way ?? The importance of making security effortless for users It’s like giving kids medicine by mixing it into their favorite drink — they don’t even notice, but it works! Check out the full video link in the comments! #Cybersecurity #TechSolutions #ITLeadership #SecureWorkflows #EfficiencyAndSecurity #ResearchWorkflow #TechInResearch #WorkflowOptimization #CybersecurityInTech #SecureSolutions?

In this video, Jeff Brown breaks down the impact of federal contracts on Defense Industrial Base (DIB) companies – and the tough financial decisions they face when it comes to cybersecurity compliance. With many DIBs relying on federal contracts for 70% or more of their annual revenue, the costs of compliance can be a major challenge. For businesses in the defense space, these decisions aren’t optional – they’re necessary for staying competitive. Jeff’s insights shed light on how organizations can approach compliance strategically. Watch the full episode link in the comments! #Cybersecurity #FederalContracts #CMMCCompliance #DefenseIndustry #CMMC #DefenseBusiness #CMMCStrategy

In this video, Emilyann dives into what makes a successful CISO. It's not just about technical skills — it’s about building relationships, understanding business priorities, and acting as a true partner. Emilyann shares how the best CISOs spend their time connecting with stakeholders and aligning cybersecurity initiatives with broader organizational goals. If you're looking to elevate your role in cybersecurity or build better partnerships within your organization, Emilyann’s insights are a must-watch. Check out the full video in the comments! #Cybersecurity #CISO #Leadership #CybersecurityLeadership #CISOInsights #ITSecurity

In this video, Zach shares his journey of diving into the world of CMMC when he realized how real it was becoming. Starting from scratch, he breaks down his initial shock at the complexity of the requirements and the challenges small businesses face in tackling them. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the CMMC process, Zach’s insights will help you understand the challenges and the steps needed to move forward. Check out the full video, Link is in the comments! #CMMC #Cybersecurity #SmallBusiness #Compliance #TechSolutions #Veterans #CybersecurityChallenges

?? On the Brink of 1,000 Members—CPN Is Just Getting Started What started in October 2024 as a bold idea is quickly becoming an unstoppable movement. The CMMC Professionals Network (CPN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is now on the verge of welcoming our 1,000th member—a milestone that reflects the growing momentum in our mission to educate, mentor, and develop the next generation of CMMC professionals. ?? On April 2, 2025, we officially launch our: ? Mentorship Program ? CMMC Pathways (Microsoft, Google Workspace, PreVeil, AWS, Salesforce) These programs are exclusive to CPN Professional and Founding Members, designed to give you real-world experience implementing and evaluating CMMC requirements. If you’ve been thinking about joining, now is the time. The link to become a Professional or Founding Member is in the comments. ?? Let’s keep building something that makes a real difference—for our careers, our community, and our national security. ?? Share to spread the word that CPN offers mentorship, hand-on CMMC training, and career opportunities.

From Marine to Cybersecurity Director In this episode of the CMMC Proof Podcast, Cody Stokes takes us through his incredible journey from the Marine Corps to becoming a cybersecurity director. From the challenges of military-to-civilian transition to the power of transferable skills, Cody shares valuable lessons that anyone can apply to their career growth. In this conversation, Cody dives into: ? How his military experience shaped his cybersecurity career ? The transition from a history degree to the tech world ? The importance of embracing failure for professional development ? Why purpose and mission are crucial for veterans ? Balancing career success with family life ? Why cybersecurity is an ideal career path for veterans If you're a veteran exploring cybersecurity or anyone navigating a career change, Cody’s story is filled with powerful insights and actionable advice. (Watch the full episode, Link is in the comments) #Cybersecurity #CMMC #Veterans #CareerTransition #Leadership #TechCareers #VeteranSuccess #CybersecurityCareers

Google Provides Hands-On Training Opportunity for CPN Members We are excited to announce that Google US Public Sector has committed 40 pilot/evaluation Workspace licenses exclusively for the CMMC Professionals Network (CPN) Professional members enrolled in the Google Workspace Pathway! First Cohort Launches April 2, 2025 Link to become a CPN professional member is in the comments ?? This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between theory and hands-on implementation, equipping members with real-world experience securing Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) using Google Workspace. Special thanks to Jeff Brown and the Google US Public Sector team for this remarkable opportunity. Limited Spots Available – Become a Professional Member to Secure Yours Today! With only 40 licenses available, now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity. Take your CMMC training beyond theory—this is your chance to gain hands-on experience in a real-world environment! ?? Spread the word that inclusive CMMC hands-on training is now available. There are no certifications or prior experience requirements to join CPN's Google Workspace pathway.

Aspire Cyber's President and Founder, Derrich Phillips, Lead CMMC Certified Assessor (CCA) will be speaking at the 2025 Cybersecurity and Privacy Professionals Conference in Baltimore! This premier event brings together higher education information security and privacy leaders from across the country. It’s the perfect opportunity to network, learn, and share insights on the latest trends and challenges in cybersecurity and privacy. Register now and let’s connect in Baltimore, MD! https://lnkd.in/g-KV2xV6 hashtag #CybersecPrivacy25