About Laura I. Harder
VP of ISSA International, Board Member, Cybersecurity Leader, Air Force Flight Commander, Northern Colorado ISSA President
Laura is a cybersecurity executive and military officer with over 25 years of service. She leads cyber operations, drives compliance initiatives, and advocates for inclusion across global tech communities.
Leading Cybersecurity Across Sectors
Laura I. Harder brings decades of expertise in executing cybersecurity operations across the U.S. military, healthcare, government, and Fortune-ranked companies. As an Offensive Cyber Officer in the Air Force Reserves, she understands the complexity of securing critical systems while managing regulatory frameworks like NIST 800-53.
Her leadership spans roles in application development, cyber threat mitigation, risk assessments, and technical project management. Laura’s hands-on approach empowers organizations to operate securely while staying innovative in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
Advocating for Community & Cyber Education
Laura I. Harder is a tireless advocate for advancing cybersecurity education and community service. As VP of ISSA International and President of the Northern Colorado ISSA Chapter, she mentors transitioning veterans, women in tech, and rising cybersecurity leaders.
Her speaking engagements at universities and global conferences cover AI, cyber espionage, and social engineering. She is also a devoted teacher, creating inclusive learning environments and advocating for underrepresented voices in cybersecurity.
Laura I. Harder’s Story
Laura I. Harder’s career began in the U.S. Army, where she served for 9 years before transitioning to the Air Force Reserves, where she continues to serve as an Offensive Cyber Officer. Her journey includes raising neurodiverse children, which reshaped her leadership philosophy and commitment to inclusivity.
From contractor to federal civilian, and now executive, Laura’s path reflects resilience, service, and a deep belief in empowering others through mentorship and advocacy in the ever-critical field of cybersecurity.