What is Security Meetup?

It began as a simple idea – just one local meetup in Gothenburg. And from that it grew, shaped by the amazing people who showed up, and by the questions and feedback from the wider community.

What started as a one-off gathering soon became recurring meetups. Since then, I’ve received questions from all over Sweden – and even from around the world – asking if there’s a Security Meetup in their city or country. For now, the answer is no, but I very much hope we’ll get there one day.

Another common question has been whether the meetups are available online. I’m overwhelmed by how many people are out there looking for a community. When possible, I try to help people connect with organizations in their area, like a local OWASP chapter or an upcoming conference.

And that’s something I want to emphasize: Security Meetup is not about replacing any existing or future initiatives or organizations. My wish is for it to act as glue – holding the whole community together. Building bridges between individuals, organizations, and other cybersecurity initiatives. A hub where people can find new ways to dive deeper into security, or simply meet others to form a CTF team with.

Because here’s the thing: there are so many incredible initiatives, people, and organizations involved in cybersecurity – but they’re often hard to find. And even if you do find them, reaching out or showing up at an event can feel intimidating. I consider myself a social person, but even I find it scary to enter a new setting without any connection.

That’s where I want Security Meetup to operate. In that in-between space. Lowering the threshold so that stepping into the community isn’t quite as hard.

Security Meetup is not just for individuals. It’s also a place where organizations, initiatives, and communities can meet. Think of it as some kind of connective tissue – bringing together people, companies, schools, associations, and public actors in one open, neutral space. Because I believe the security ecosystem is stronger when all its parts are connected.

I’ve tried to let Security Meetup grow organically. Since it’s an initiative for the community, my goal has always been to listen and adapt to what the community needs. That’s where The Podium and Sessions come in.

The Podium is meant to be a blog by the community, for the community.
And what does that mean? It means anyone can publish articles they believe hold value for others. It might be research. It might be “10 tips for getting started in pentesting.” It might be reflections on new legislation, or a call to action. The only question I’ll ask is: what do you want to share with the community?

The Podium has three main purposes:

1. Creating a space where every voice is equally important. It doesn’t matter if security is your hobby, if you’re a new student, or if you’re the CEO of a well-known cybersecurity company – your voice matters.

2. Making people in the community visible. And with that, highlighting the many different perspectives and journeys into security. Visibility matters when it comes to breaking down stereotypes and shaping an inclusive environment.

3. Building a network of learning and knowledge sharing. Gatekeeping helps no one – least of all security. If we want a safer digital world, we need to get there by sharing what we know.

Sessions will carry the same spirit – by the community, for the community – but in a live, interactive format. From fun, network-building activities to deep technical talks, it will be whatever the community makes it.

As with everything in Security Meetup, these ideas are shaped together with you. Since I haven’t yet found a way to make the local meetups online, The Podium and Sessions will be the first step in making Security Meetup more inclusive for people everywhere. And I’ll continue to adapt along the way – with your help, as always.

So whether you join the Discord for casual conversation, contribute to The Podium, or step up to host a Session – all of this is ours to shape together. Security Meetup is evolving, and it grows stronger with every voice that joins in.

Cathleene Sandgren

2025-09-21

At the podium:

SECURITY MEETUP - AN INTRODUCTION

BY CATHLEENE SANDGREN

About the author

Hello! What’s your name and where are you based?

My name is Cathleene Sandgren, and I live in Gothenburg, Sweden.

What do you currently do?

I´m running Security Meetup, while also working as a Jr Application Security Auditor (or ethical hacker which sounds way cooler) at Outpost24.

If we fast-forward five years , what are future-you up to?

I´m hopefully a skilled pentester, as well as having scaled up Security Meetup to something that is available to everyone in the security community, no matter where they live.

Tell us a fun fact about you!

I´m dreaming of having my own little farm, I love fantasy and I could probably eat cheese until I die.

And lastly, where do we find you?

You´ll find me on Linkedin or right here on Security Meetup!