Westfield residents Matt Pitchford and Jeremy Miller are doing their part to boost the cybersecurity industry.
“The need in the industry and space for cybersecurity professionals is so large right now,” Pitchford said. “It was one of our founder’s dreams to try to open this up and help out the cybersecurity industry.”
OpSec University founder and Chief Technical Officer David Spivey, a Greenwood resident, has been a trainer for larger corporations.
“On the side, he was doing training as well for small academies,” Pitchford said. “They would pay him to do a week’s course. He decided he could do this on his own, so it was his idea.”
OpSec University, which stands for Operational Security, will offer a variety of affordable tracks covering cybersecurity, leadership and well-being and the exclusive human intelligence track. Some examples of hands-on courses inside the tracks include network security, authentication, incident response, shooting skills, psychological operations, self-defense and compliance. Pitchford said courses are taught by certified experts and specialists in intelligence, counterterrorism, counter surveillance and cybersecurity.
Spivey was familiar with Miller, an entrepreneur, who serves as the CEO.
“Jeremy’s background is not only business but military,” said Pitchford, a 1991 Carmel High School graduate. “He’s a retired Green Beret. In this (cybersecurity) space, we get a lot of retired military or people coming out of the military because they do get a background in technology. They get out and the question is, ‘How do I apply this now?’ They still need some certifications and training to get acclimated to the private sector.”
Pitchford, who serves as chief marketing officer, knew Miller because their daughters played on the same sports teams together.
“He knew I was in cybersecurity already. I had done marketing for two other companies in the cybersecurity space,” Pitchford said.
Pitchford said the program will prepare attendees for more than just certification exams.
“We do that, but there is more than just being certified that employers are looking for,” he said. “Employers are looking for well-rounded, experienced individuals.”
Pitchford said Spivey wanted to make sure the classes are less expensive than competitors.
The first class, Security+, will run from Feb. 25 to March 1 at the Skyline Club in Indianapolis. There is a code (FIRSTCLASS1) for 50 percent off. For more, visit opsecuniversity.com.
