About SDSUG
Who We Are
Founded in 2001 as Arizona’s first cybersecurity community, the Sonoran Desert Security User Group (SDSUG) has grown into one of the world’s largest security user groups, with more than 1,500 members at its peak. Today, it remains the state’s longest‑running practitioner community.
The Sonoran Desert Security Users Group (SDSUG) brings together cybersecurity professionals from across the Valley, including Avondale, Buckeye, Carefree, Cave Creek, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Peoria, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Surprise, Tempe, and communities throughout the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.
For decades, SDSUG has brought together cybersecurity professionals, researchers, engineers, and curious learners for open, vendor‑neutral knowledge sharing.
Our purpose has always been simple: create a space where real practitioners can learn from one another, stay current, and build meaningful connections in the Southwest cybersecurity community.
SDSUG’s mission is grounded in the belief that practitioner communities are force multipliers. Learn why practitioner communities matter on our Local Room, Global Impact page.
For a quick overview of SDSUG, including who we are and how we operate, see SDSUG at a Glance.
Who We Serve
Our membership reflects the full spectrum of Arizona’s security ecosystem. SDSUG supports a broad community of cybersecurity and technology professionals, including:
- Auditors and compliance professionals
- CISOs and information security leaders
- Government and public‑sector practitioners
- IT administrators and architects
- Researchers, educators, and industry partners
- Security engineers and analysts
- Students and early‑career professionals
Our membership reflects the full spectrum of Arizona’s security ecosystem.
What We Do
SDSUG hosts quarterly meetings featuring:
- emerging security topics
- community discussions
- hands‑on demonstrations
- opportunities to connect with peers
- technical presentations
- Our meetings are informal, approachable, and grounded in real‑world experience. No sales pitches. No pressure. Just a community of people who care about cybersecurity and want to learn together
SDSUG also contributes to the broader Arizona community through values‑aligned charitable support, reflected in our ongoing community impact efforts.
Our Approach
SDSUG is built on the understanding that adults learn best in environments where they don’t have to brace themselves. Many people disengage from communities not because of lack of interest, but because they’ve spent years tolerating behavior that makes participation uncomfortable. Our Membership Guidelines exist to restore clarity, comfort, and respect so everyone can contribute fully.
Our History
SDSUG was founded by Leo J. Hauguel, who stewarded the group for more than two decades. Under his leadership, SDSUG became a trusted, consistent presence in the Phoenix cybersecurity landscape — a place where practitioners could show up, learn something useful, and feel part of a community.
SDSUG has long been a trusted gathering place for practitioners — so much so that many members informally referred to it as ‘Leo’s group’ for years.
The group’s long‑running website and meeting structure reflect that history. As SDSUG enters its next chapter, we continue to honor the culture Leo built: accessible, grounded, and community‑driven.
Leadership
SDSUG is currently led by SDSUG President Hunter Storm, who continues the group’s legacy of practitioner‑first stewardship while modernizing the infrastructure that supports it. Her goal is simple: keep what works, improve what helps, and ensure SDSUG remains a stable, welcoming home for the Phoenix security community. Learn more about the SDSUG Leadership team.
Learn more about SDSUG’s leadership and the vision guiding the organization in the President’s Introduction.
Modernization and Continuity
In 2026, SDSUG began refreshing its digital infrastructure to improve clarity, accessibility, and long‑term sustainability. These updates include:
- a streamlined website
- clearer information architecture
- improved navigation and mobile accessibility
- refreshed content standards
These changes are simply a way to make it easier for members to stay connected and informed. SDSUG’s culture, values, and community spirit remain exactly the same. We’re presenting the group with a bit more clarity and structure, while keeping the familiar, practitioner‑first environment that has defined SDSUG since the beginning. You can learn more about on the 2026 SDSUG Website Architecture and Modernization Project page.
Our Sponsors
We appreciate the partnership of our esteemed sponsors in helping SDSUG remain an active part of the Phoenix cybersecurity landscape
ISARA
SDSUG is proudly supported by ISARA, whose integrity, professionalism, and practitioner‑aligned values make them an ideal partner. Their support strengthens the group without influencing its content, culture, or independence.
University of Advancing Technology (UAT)
SDSUG is grateful to the University of Advancing Technology (UAT) for providing the space that hosts our events. Their support gives the group a consistent, accessible location to gather, learn, and connect as a community.
Historical Website Archive
For those who want to explore SDSUG’s visual history, we’ve preserved screenshots of the previous long‑running website as a historical reference. View the SDSUG Website Archive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Sonoran Desert Security Users Group (SDSUG)
The Sonoran Desert Security User Group (SDSUG) is a long‑standing community of information security, technology, and risk professionals in the Greater Phoenix area. Founded in 2001, the group provides a trusted, practitioner‑focused environment for sharing real‑world experience and strengthening the region’s security ecosystem.
SDSUG exists to support security practitioners through practical knowledge exchange, peer collaboration, and a stable, low‑noise environment grounded in professionalism. The group focuses on real‑world operational challenges, emerging threats, and vendor‑neutral discussions that help members strengthen their organizations’ security posture.
SDSUG serves security, technology, and risk professionals across industry, government, education, and nonprofit sectors. Members include CISOs, architects, engineers, analysts, researchers, auditors, and leaders responsible for protecting critical systems and data.
Anyone working in or adjacent to security, technology, risk, governance, or leadership roles is welcome. There are no prerequisites, and you don’t need to be a member to attend.
The group meets quarterly for practitioner‑led discussions, case studies, and knowledge sharing. SDSUG maintains a governance‑forward structure with clear standards, a Code of Conduct, and a commitment to a respectful, professional environment. The group is vendor‑neutral and does not sell products or services.
Since 2001, SDSUG has provided continuity, stability, and a trusted forum for hundreds of practitioners. The group has helped shape the culture of local security meetups, supported the professional development of members who now lead major Arizona institutions, and contributed to a more mature, interconnected security community across the region.
SDSUG emphasizes practitioner experience over marketing, noise, or hype. The group maintains a structured, governance‑aligned environment with clear expectations, consistent standards, and a focus on real operational challenges. This approach has made SDSUG one of Arizona’s most stable and respected security communities.
SDSUG is vendor‑neutral. Sponsorships, when accepted, follow a structured framework that preserves the group’s independence, integrity, and practitioner‑first mission.
Members gain access to candid, practitioner‑level insights that are rarely shared publicly; a trusted environment for discussing operational challenges; a network of peers across Arizona’s security community; exposure to emerging threats and defensive strategies; and a stable, respectful space for professional growth. Many members credit SDSUG with helping them advance into leadership roles and strengthen their organizations’ security posture. Members also earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits for participation, supporting ongoing certification requirements for security and risk professionals.
Meetings focus on real‑world security operations, including incident response, threat trends, architecture challenges, governance issues, risk management, cloud and infrastructure security, identity and access management, and lessons learned from member organizations. Topics are practitioner‑driven, vendor‑neutral, and grounded in lived experience rather than marketing or hype.
SDSUG does not rely only upon external keynote speakers. Presentations and discussions are led by practitioners from within the community—security leaders, engineers, architects, analysts, and researchers who share real‑world experience from their own environments. This model preserves authenticity, neutrality, and relevance.
Professionals may request membership through the SDSUG website. Attendance is limited to individuals who meet the group’s membership guidelines and agree to the Code of Conduct. Meetings are held quarterly and are designed to be safe, respectful, and professionally enriching.
Yes. SDSUG’s members contribute to Arizona’s broader security posture through leadership roles, mentorship, cross‑organizational collaboration, and the propagation of professional norms that strengthen the region’s security ecosystem. The group’s long history has created a durable network of practitioners who support one another across industries.
SDSUG is stewarded by experienced security professionals who maintain the group’s governance, standards, and institutional continuity. Leadership responsibilities include meeting coordination, community stewardship, and ensuring the environment remains safe, professional, and aligned with the group’s mission.
No. SDSUG is strictly vendor‑neutral and platform agnostic. Meetings are educational and community‑focused, not sales‑driven.
Meetings include structured presentations, open discussion, and time for connection. The environment is professional, calm, and predictable.
SDSUG is based in Phoenix, Arizona with global‑level reach, partnerships, and participation across industries.
Explore SDSUG
About SDSUG
Our history, mission, values, and organizational leadership.
Speak at SDSUG
Guidelines and proposal instructions for practitioner‑level presentations.
Membership
Join the SDSUG community for trusted peer collaboration and networking.
SDSUG at a Glance
Overview of our history, mission, community, and events FAQ.
Volunteer at SDSUG
Roles that support SDSUG’s events, operations, and community environment.
Safety & Incident Response
Standards, protocols, and trained officers who ensure a safe, respectful, and professionally governed environment at SDSUG events.
Leadership
Meet the professionals guiding SDSUG’s direction and growth.
Events & Meetings
Upcoming events, discussions, meetings, topics, speakers, and partner conferences.
Sponsors
Organizations that support SDSUG’s mission and practitioner community.
Last updated: February 2026